Critics' Choice: 30 Best Books For Summer Reading

Kenji Nakamura

6 min read

Post on May 31, 2025

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Thrillers and Mysteries That Will Keep You Up All Night

Edge-of-your-seat suspense novels:

Summer thriller reads often provide the perfect escape, and these titles deliver nail-biting suspense and unexpected twists:

• The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides (2019): A gripping psychological thriller exploring the mystery behind a renowned painter's sudden silence after murdering her husband. Expect shocking revelations and a suspenseful plot that will keep you guessing until the very end.
• Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn (2012): A masterclass in unreliable narration, this twisty thriller delves into the complexities of marriage and deception, leaving you questioning everything you think you know.
• The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins (2015): This suspenseful novel follows a woman struggling with alcoholism who becomes entangled in a missing person's case, blurring the lines between reality and perception.
• The Guest List by Lucy Fokley (2018): A locked-room mystery set on a remote island during a lavish wedding, this atmospheric thriller keeps you guessing until the final page.
• Verity by Colleen Hoover (2018): A dark psychological thriller that explores the hidden depths of a successful author's life and the secrets she's kept hidden from the world.

These best mystery novels share key themes of psychological twists, unexpected betrayals, and suspenseful plots designed to keep you on the edge of your seat all summer long. Find your next summer thriller read here!

Escapist Fiction: Transport Yourself to Another World

Fantasy and Science Fiction Adventures:

Escape the everyday with these immersive fantasy and science fiction novels:

• Dune by Frank Herbert (1965): A classic science fiction epic set on the harsh desert planet Arrakis, this sprawling saga explores themes of politics, religion, and ecology.
• The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss (2007): A captivating fantasy novel with rich world-building, memorable characters, and a compelling narrative that will leave you wanting more.
• Circe by Madeline Miller (2018): A feminist retelling of the Greek myth of Circe, this novel offers a fresh perspective on a powerful and misunderstood figure.
• The Martian by Andy Weir (2011): A gripping science fiction survival story that follows an astronaut stranded on Mars, highlighting human ingenuity and resilience.
• Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke (2004): A meticulously crafted historical fantasy novel that brings magic back to 19th-century England.

These best fantasy books and summer sci-fi reads offer compelling narratives and unique worlds, perfect for readers seeking escapist literature and immersive fantasy novels.

Literary Fiction for Thought-Provoking Summer Reads

Character-driven narratives with depth and meaning:

For readers who appreciate insightful characters and complex themes, these literary fiction titles offer much to ponder:

• Normal People by Sally Rooney (2018): A poignant and relatable exploration of modern relationships, this novel captures the complexities of intimacy and connection with raw honesty.
• Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng (2017): This compelling novel explores themes of class, race, and motherhood in a seemingly idyllic suburban community.
• Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens (2018): A captivating story of survival, resilience, and self-discovery, set in the marshes of North Carolina.
• A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara (2015): A challenging but rewarding novel that examines trauma, friendship, and the search for meaning in life.
• Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam (2020): A suspenseful and thought-provoking novel about two families who find themselves isolated together during a mysterious power outage.

These literary fiction summer reads provide thought-provoking narratives and insightful explorations of relationships, social commentary, and explorations of identity—perfect for a fulfilling summer reading experience. They are among the best books of the year.

Beach Reads for Relaxation and Enjoyment

Lighthearted and engaging novels perfect for vacation reading:

For those seeking a lighter read for lazy summer days, these books offer delightful escapes:

• Evvie Drake Starts Over by Anna Beth McPartlin (2019): A heartwarming romance novel that follows two people finding love and healing after loss.
• People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry (2021): A charming romantic comedy that explores the evolution of a long-term friendship into something more.
• The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren (2019): A funny and romantic story about a forced honeymoon that turns into an unexpected adventure.
• The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood (2020): A sweet and witty romance novel with a STEM setting, perfect for readers who enjoy a blend of humor and romance.
• Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston (2019): A fun and heartwarming romantic comedy that explores themes of love, acceptance, and overcoming societal expectations.

These summer beach reads are lighthearted novels perfect for relaxing on the beach or by the pool. They offer feel-good stories, humor, and romance—all the ingredients for a perfect summer escape.

Non-Fiction Gems for Summer Enrichment

Informative and inspiring books to expand your knowledge:

Summer is also a great time to expand your knowledge with these informative and engaging non-fiction titles:

• Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari (2011): A sweeping overview of human history, exploring the major milestones and trends that have shaped our species.
• Educated by Tara Westover (2018): A powerful memoir about a young woman's journey from a survivalist upbringing to earning a PhD at Cambridge University.
• Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou (2018): A gripping investigative journalism piece that unveils the scandal surrounding the blood-testing company Theranos.
• The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg (2012): An insightful exploration of habit formation and how we can use this knowledge to improve our lives.
• Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer (2013): A beautiful and insightful exploration of the relationship between Indigenous peoples and the natural world.

These summer non-fiction reads provide a blend of history, biography, science, and self-help, making them ideal for enriching your summer experience. They are among the best biographies and informative books available.

Conclusion: Your Ultimate Guide to the 30 Best Books for Summer Reading

This list showcases a diverse range of genres and authors, ensuring there’s something for every reader. From edge-of-your-seat thrillers to heartwarming romances, thought-provoking literary fiction to enriching non-fiction, this curated collection offers a fulfilling summer reading experience. We've highlighted some of the best books of the year, the best summer books, and the top summer reads— all critically acclaimed and ready to transport you to new worlds and perspectives.

So, pick up one (or more!) of these best books for summer reading and get ready for a summer filled with literary adventures. Share your favorite summer reads in the comments below! What are your top summer reads this year? Let us know your best summer books picks!