Have more time on your hands for reading this summer? Fill up your reading list with these 10 books to read!
I’m a voracious reader — it’s one of the many reasons I pursued an English degree in college. I try to read between 30 and 40 books each year, including a mix of nonfiction and fiction. This list includes some of my favorite fiction books from the past few years. Each of them would make great reads for long summer nights!
10 fiction books to read this summer
The City of Brass (The Daevabad Trilogy #1) by S. A. Chakraborty — This adult fantasy series seized my attention this Spring. It’s such a refreshing setting and plot; fantasy can get a little cookie cutter. But Chakraborty’s series builds a beautiful world struggling with the grey amorphism of right and wrong. The City of Brass is the first book, but book two (The Kingdom of Copper) is out and the final book (The Empire of Gold) will be released this June. That makes it a perfect series for your summer!
The River by Peter Heller — If you’re feeling cooped up and want to escape, The River is a great place to escape to. Wonderful descriptions of nature and the simplicity of being out in the woods...with a twist thanks to a forest fire and a possible crime.
The Lager Queen of Minnesota by Ryan J. Stradal — You don’t have to drink beer to fall in love this this book! Stradal has a knack for capturing the Midwest in his books, and The Lager Queen is no exception. This book makes an excellent feel-good read for the summer.
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah — Another novel that’s easy to get lost in. The Great Alone made me want to visit Alaska, with stunning descriptions of nature and wilderness. You’ll fall in love with Leni, the main character, as she grapples with love, loss, and survival.
The Water Knife by Paolo Bacigalupi — If post-apocalyptic piques your interest right now, this is the read for you! Bacigalupi offers an intriguing take on where the Southwest United States’ draughts and water struggles might lead to. This one makes you think!
Mr. Splitfoot by Samantha Hunt — Mysterious but light, Mr. Splitfoot makes a wonderful feel-good read for those that are drawn to weird, dark places. (If you haven't noticed, that makes it right up my alley!)
Ninth House (Alex Stern, #1) by Leigh Bardugo — Bardugo holds title as one of my favorite authors, so I was thrilled when she released her first adult fantasy novel! Alex Stern, a young woman who can see the dead, finds herself thrust into a world of secret societies and magic. This read is dark and mystical, but easily drew me in.
This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone — Want a quick read? This is How You Lose the Time War is the one. It’s a series of letters from one time traveling agent to another, as their relationship evolves from animosity to...something else.
Virgil Wander by Leif Enger — Another Midwest-based novel, this one about a man named Virgil who suffers a brain injury that changes him, causing him to see his small hometown in a new light and motivating him to try and revive the town.
Middlegame by Seanan McGuire — Ready for something deep, weird, and dark? Grab Middlegame! Roger is skilled with language. Dodger is a mathematics queen. The two inexplicably meet, but something goes wrong and everything...resets. It’s strange, it’s intriguing, and it’s hands down a great read.
There you have it! Ten of my favorite books to read for this summer.
Do you have any fiction books you’d recommend? Hop in the comments or send me a DM on Instagram!
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