Summer is officially on the horizon, and with the longest day of the year just around the corner (June 21 to be exact!), it’s the perfect time to soak up some rays and dive into a captivating read. Whether you’re an armchair adventurer or a die-hard romanticist, there’s a book out there waiting to be devoured under the warm summer sun.
As the sun reaches its peak in the sky on the summer solstice, marking the official start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, here are seven sizzling book recommendations to add to your beach bag (or park tote, rooftop perch, wherever your summer adventures take you!).
1. Daughter of the Merciful Deep by Leslye Penelope
Dive into a submerged world of myth and magic. Daughter of the Merciful Deep by Leslye Penelope blends history with fantasy. Inspired by the tragic flooding of Black towns in the American South, the novel follows a young woman’s journey into a hidden realm to save her community. Prepare for unforgettable characters, captivating world-building, and a powerful story about resilience and ancestral power.
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2. Consent: A Memoir by Jill Ciment
Rethinking the Past Through a Modern Lens. In Consent, author Jill Ciment revisits a pivotal chapter from her life. This follow-up memoir delves deeper into her teenage romance and subsequent marriage to her much older art teacher. Written in light of the #MeToo movement and after her husband’s passing, Consent promises a nuanced exploration of consent, power dynamics, and the complexities of long-term relationships.
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3. Funny Story by Emily Henry
Fake it ’til you make it (or maybe fall in love). Dumped by her fiancé for his best friend, Daphne seeks solace in a charming Michigan town and an unexpected roommate: her ex’s ex, Miles. Opposites clash (think buttoned-up librarian vs. scruffy musician) but shared heartbreak leads to a hilarious plan: a fake summer romance to make their exes jealous. Will this be the perfect revenge or a recipe for disaster? Find out in this witty story about second chances and starting over.
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4. The Cartographers by Peng Shepherd
This New York Times bestseller continues to be a social media favorite, making it a perfect summer read. The Cartographers is a captivating blend of historical fiction, mystery, and a touch of the fantastical. It follows Nell Young, a passionate cartographer who discovers a hidden map after her estranged father’s mysterious death. As she follows the map’s clues, she uncovers a secret society of cartographers and a hidden history that could rewrite everything we know about the world.
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5. The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune
Looking for a heartwarming escape with a touch of magic? The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune might be your perfect pick. This whimsical novel follows Linus Baker, a middle-aged caseworker who visits a magical orphanage housing unusual children. As he interacts with gnomes, sprites, and other fantastical creatures, Linus questions his solitary life and discovers the power of found family.
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6. Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
For fans of science fiction and thrilling adventures, Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir is a must-read. Weir, the author of The Martian, takes readers on another captivating journey. Astronaut Ryland Grace wakes up on a spaceship millions of miles from Earth with no memory of his mission or how he got there. As he pieces together his past and investigates the presence of two deceased crewmates, Ryland uncovers a critical mission that could hold the key to humanity’s survival.
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7. Circe by Madeline Miller
This enchanting novel by Madeline Miller reimagines the myth of Circe, the sorceress from Greek mythology. Exiled by the gods for her witchcraft, Circe hones her magic on a lonely island, encountering famous figures like Odysseus and the vengeful Minotaur. As she grapples with her place in the world, Circe must choose between the gods of Olympus and the mortals she has come to love. Circe is a beautifully written and thought-provoking exploration of female strength and self-discovery.
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So, grab your favorite sunscreen, a refreshing drink, and one of these captivating reads. As the summer solstice bathes the world in its golden light, get ready to lose yourself in a world of adventure, love, and intrigue. After all, summer is our favorite time to unwind, recharge, and get swept away by a good book.
