As the sun sets later and later each day, and summer is peaking in from behind the clouds, the prospect of free time and sun seems to be lingering in my brain.
We all know that phone addiction is bad and that we need to stop scrolling, and that reading is so much better for us. But what to read when the UV is 8, you have all day ahead of you, and your phone is giving you a headache? When reading in the summer, you could read any genre, mystery, romance, literary fiction, the world is literally your oyster.
The most classic way to go when choosing your summer read is opting for a romance, one that is fun, happy, and extra points if it takes place in the summer. If you want a YA (young adult) romance, I recommend Alex Approximately by Jenn Bennett. Now, I recently read this book for the second time, and here’s the deal, romance – so so good. Northern California summer surf town vibes- also very good. However, the writing is definitely not something to write home about. At times, I found myself cringing quite intensely. Also, the main character is a little annoying. So if you read it, read it for the vibes and the romance.
Next is another romance, arguably the best summer genre. Well, l it is not a book, but rather an entire author… Emily Henry. I’m sure you’ve seen her iconic covers when walking around your local bookstore, or box store like Target or Walmart, for that matter, but that’s for a good reason. Emily Henry writes in a way that makes you fall in love with the book at the same time as the characters are falling in love with each other. The characters, setting, and storylines are enthralling, and the summer vibes are incredible. Her romance is amazing, and her writing is honestly the main reason I love her.
When starting out with Emily Henry, I recommend Beach Read, it’s cute, summery, and one of my favorite books by her. But definitely check out Happy Place or Book Lovers after if you’re looking for more ultimate summer romance.
I must admit I do not venture outside of my reading comfort zone very often, so the next summer read Deep Cuts is on my summer TBR (to-be-read) list. It seems to have gone viral on social media very quickly, and is already been picked up to be a movie starring Saoirse Ronan and Austin Butler. Deep Cuts by Holly Brickley has music lovers, the early 2000s, and a messy love story. (If you want another toxic, messy love story, please read Magnolia Parks by Jessa Hastings- some hate it, some love it.)
I could go on forever about what books to read this summer while you are procrastinating your assigned summer reading, but reading a book has got to be more interesting than this article. In that case, I encourage you to pick up a book of any genre and find yourself in a story this summer.
