30 Best Books To Read This Summer: Critic Recommendations

Axel S�rensen

6 min read

Post on May 31, 2025

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Top 10 Fiction Summer Reads

These novels offer compelling narratives and captivating characters perfect for summer escapism. Whether you're relaxing on the beach, lounging by the pool, or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these page-turners will transport you to new worlds and keep you hooked until the very last page. These are truly some of the best summer reads for fiction lovers.

• It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover: A heartbreaking and emotional read perfect for those seeking a captivating romance. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions with this unforgettable story. It's a perfect beach read for those who enjoy a good cry (and a happy ending!).

• Verity by Colleen Hoover: A suspenseful psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. This fast-paced thriller is ideal for those who love twists and turns. It's the perfect summer read if you enjoy a mystery that will leave you breathless.

• The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid: A captivating tale of Hollywood glamour and hidden secrets. This book is perfect for a lazy afternoon of escapism, full of drama, intrigue, and unforgettable characters. It's a top choice for those seeking a glamorous summer read.

• Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens: A beautifully written coming-of-age story with a compelling mystery at its heart. This book blends nature, mystery, and romance beautifully, making it ideal for summer reading. Consider this a must-read for fans of atmospheric fiction.

• Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng: A gripping story of two families entangled in a web of secrets and lies. Perfect for those who prefer complex characters and thought-provoking narratives. This makes for excellent summer reading for those who appreciate character-driven narratives.

• Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman: A heartwarming and witty story about a woman who learns to connect with the world around her. This charming novel is perfect for a lighthearted summer read. You'll find it a surprisingly uplifting read for a summer afternoon.

• The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides: A psychological thriller with a shocking twist. This suspenseful book is perfect for those who like unpredictable plots and chilling mysteries. Enjoy this chilling summer read if you love a good mystery.

10 Non-Fiction Books to Enhance Your Summer

Expand your knowledge and perspectives with these insightful and engaging non-fiction selections, ideal for relaxing afternoons or insightful evenings. These books offer a unique blend of information and entertainment, making them the perfect companion for your summer adventures. Discover some of the best non-fiction summer reads around.

• Educated by Tara Westover: A powerful memoir about overcoming adversity and finding one's path. This inspiring story is perfect for those seeking self-improvement and motivation this summer. It's a life-changing read that’s ideal for quieter summer evenings.

• Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari: A sweeping overview of human history, offering a fresh perspective on our past, present, and future. A perfect book for those who want a thoughtful summer read that will expand their understanding of the world.

• The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg: Learn the science behind habit formation and how to change your life for the better. Ideal for self-improvement during your summer downtime, this provides actionable strategies for personal growth.

• Untamed by Glennon Doyle: A powerful memoir that encourages readers to embrace their authentic selves and live a life of purpose. Perfect for summer reflection and personal growth. This inspiring memoir serves as great reading material for your summer downtime.

• The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho: A motivational fable about following your dreams, this classic is a perfect summer companion for personal reflection. The inspiring story is easy to read and great for summer days.

• Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates: A powerful and moving letter to the author's son about being Black in America. This powerful book makes for a very relevant and engaging summer read.

• Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou: A gripping true story about the rise and fall of Theranos. Perfect for a summer read filled with corporate intrigue and scandal.

• In Cold Blood by Truman Capote: A groundbreaking work of true crime that changed the landscape of journalism. Dive into this suspenseful true crime narrative for a thrilling summer read.

10 Must-Read Literary Fiction Books This Summer

Dive into the world of literary masterpieces – perfect for those seeking complex characters and thought-provoking narratives. These books provide an excellent opportunity for deeper reflection and intellectual engagement during your summer months. Discover what the critics consider some of the best literary fiction summer reads.

• Normal People by Sally Rooney: A captivating and realistic portrayal of modern relationships. Perfect for those who enjoy character-driven stories with realistic dialogue and relationships. This is an excellent literary choice for the summer months.

• A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara: A powerful and moving story about friendship and resilience. Prepare to be emotionally moved by this literary masterwork, perfect for reflective summer evenings.

• Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam: A suspenseful novel exploring themes of class, race, and societal upheaval. This book provides a thought-provoking read perfect for those who enjoy literary fiction with a sense of urgency.

• Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell: A fictionalized account of the life of William Shakespeare's son. This beautifully written book offers a poignant exploration of family, loss, and creativity, making it a literary pick suitable for any summer reading list.

• My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh: A darkly comedic and often shocking novel that explores themes of isolation and self-destruction. A daring and unforgettable literary summer read for those who seek something unique.

• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: A timeless classic that explores themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream. This is a quintessential classic for any summer reading list.

• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: A powerful novel exploring themes of racism, justice, and childhood. A timeless classic perfect for any summer reading list, exploring timeless and crucial issues.

Conclusion

This summer, escape the ordinary and dive into the pages of one (or more!) of these 30 best books to read. Whether you prefer gripping fiction, enlightening non-fiction, or thought-provoking literary works, this curated list offers something for everyone seeking the perfect summer reads. These books represent a diverse range of styles and genres, ensuring there's something to suit every taste. Find your perfect summer read amongst these excellent choices.

Start planning your summer reading list today! Which of these best summer reads are you most excited to dive into? Share your picks in the comments below and let us know what you think of these critic-recommended best summer reads. Happy reading!