Whether you’re jetting off to a tropical island or just enjoying the sunshine in your own backyard, nothing completes the summer like a truly unforgettable book. I remember participating in the local library’s summer reading challenges as a kid. The program was meant to encourage young people to develop a reading habit when not in school. It definitely worked on me! Even as a youngster, I was competitive and all about winning that little trophy or gold sticker. I’m happy to say that the library’s summer reading challenge developed into a lifelong love of reading and my own yearly summer reading competition, even if I’m the only one competing!
So this year, set your own summer reading challenge. From heartfelt journeys to thrilling mysteries, this list of beloved must-read books for summer offers something for every kind of reader. These stories aren’t just page-turners—they’re soul-stirrers.
1. Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
Genre: Historical Fiction
Plot: Beginning in early 1900s Korea, Pachinko follows Sunja, the beloved daughter of a humble fisherman, whose unplanned pregnancy threatens to disgrace her family. She accepts an offer of marriage from a gentle minister passing through on his way to Japan, setting into motion a dramatic saga of love, sacrifice, and survival. Across four generations, the family battles discrimination, poverty, and heartbreak in an often-hostile Japanese society, clinging fiercely to their dreams, dignity, and hope.
Why it’s perfect for summer: Sweeping, emotional, and vividly told, Pachinko draws you into a world so rich and complex, you’ll forget where you are—making it the ultimate summer immersion. First published in 2017, this book continues to enthrall readers. After you read the book, you can watch the miniseries on Apple TV+. If you are like me, don’t be surprised if the book inspires you to plan a trip to Japan or Korea!
2. Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Plot: A modern homage to Little Women, Hello Beautiful follows William Waters, a young man scarred by childhood loneliness, who is pulled into the vibrant orbit of the Padavano sisters—Julia, Sylvie, Cecilia, and Emeline. As William finds a new kind of family within their passionate, complicated bond, secrets and deep griefs threaten to unravel everything. Over decades, the characters wrestle with forgiveness, identity, and the unshakable love that ties them together, even when life pulls them apart.
Why it’s perfect for summer: Gorgeously tender and emotionally layered, it’s the kind of novel that quietly captures your heart—ideal for long, thoughtful afternoons in the sun. Even though it is 600 pages, you’ll be sad when it ends and you have to leave these characters who have become family.
3. Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
Genre: Literary Fiction
Plot: During the stillness of a pandemic lockdown on their family farm, Lara tells her three adult daughters the story of her youthful summer romance with Peter Duke—a charismatic actor she once loved when she worked at a Michigan cherry orchard theater company. As past and present intertwine, Lara’s story reveals bittersweet truths about the nature of youthful dreams, lost opportunities, and the quiet, steady love she ultimately chose.
Why it’s perfect for summer: Reflective, poetic, and full of sun-drenched nostalgia, Tom Lake feels like the emotional warmth of a golden summer afternoon captured on the page. For this book, I highly recommend listening to the audio version. It is performed by Meryl Streep to perfection! Great for listening to on a long road trip.
4. Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Genre: Contemporary Fiction / Heartwarming Mystery
Plot: After the death of her husband, Tova Sullivan finds quiet purpose working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. There, she forms an unlikely friendship with Marcellus, a remarkably intelligent—and mischievous—giant Pacific octopus. Marcellus, with his sharp wit and tender heart, soon discovers a mystery from Tova’s past that only he can help solve. As their stories intertwine with a wandering young man searching for his own place in the world, hidden truths come to the surface, offering unexpected chances for healing and connection.
Why it’s perfect for summer: Uplifting, quirky, and deeply moving, Remarkably Bright Creatures is the kind of soul-refreshing story that feels like a breath of ocean air on a warm, quiet evening.
5. James by Percival Everett
Genre: Historical Fiction / Adventure
Plot: A bold reimagining of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, James tells the classic story from the perspective of Jim—the enslaved man whose humanity, intelligence, and courage take center stage. As Jim risks everything to gain freedom for himself and his family, Everett masterfully reshapes the American classic into a deeply moving, razor-sharp tale about dignity, survival, and the power of hope in the face of brutal injustice.
Why it’s perfect for summer: Gripping, thought-provoking, and gorgeously written, James is the kind of novel that stays with you long after the last page—perfect for readers craving something both adventurous and soul-stirring. Like most seniors, I read the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn ages ago — in grade school or high school. After reading this perspective, I wanted to reread the Mark Twain classic and then read James again!
6. First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
Genre: Thriller / Mystery
Plot: Evie Porter has the perfect life: a loving boyfriend, a beautiful house, and charming friends. But it’s all a carefully constructed lie. Working for a mysterious boss, Evie assumes new identities and executes hidden missions. When her latest assignment gets dangerously personal, Evie must decide whether to stick to the plan—or risk everything for freedom.
Why it’s perfect for summer: Sharp, twisty, and impossible to put down, this fast-paced thriller is ideal for those lazy summer days when you just want to lose yourself in a page-turner.
7. Mrs. Quinn’s Rise to Fame by Olivia Ford
Genre: Feel-Good Fiction / Contemporary
Plot: Jenny Quinn has spent decades living a quiet, modest life. At 77, she surprises everyone—including herself—by entering a nationally televised baking competition. As she whips up delicious creations, hidden chapters of her past begin to resurface, challenging her to embrace new dreams and heal old wounds.
Why it’s perfect for summer: Heartwarming, humorous, and packed with second chances, this charming novel feels like a cozy hug—perfect for sunny afternoons or peaceful evenings. If you are like me and a fan of cooking competition shows, this story will delight you.
8. Three Days in June by Anne Tyler
Genre: Literary Fiction / Family Drama
Plot: In this warm and witty novella, Pulitzer Prize–winning author Anne Tyler explores the complexities of family, love, and personal growth. Gail Baines, a socially awkward mother of the bride, is navigating a whirlwind of events: she’s just lost her job (or quit, depending on whom you ask), her daughter’s wedding is imminent, and her ex-husband, Max, arrives unannounced with a cat in tow and no place to stay. As the wedding weekend unfolds, a shocking secret about the groom-to-be surfaces, forcing Gail and Max to confront unresolved issues from their past and reconsider their future.
Why it’s perfect for summer: At just 176 pages, Three Days in June is a quick yet profound read that captures the essence of everyday life with humor and sensitivity. Its exploration of familial relationships and personal introspection makes it an ideal companion for leisurely summer afternoons.
9. Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler
Genre: Dystopian Fiction / Science Fiction
Plot: In a crumbling future America ravaged by climate change and social collapse, young Lauren Olamina possesses a rare gift: “hyperempathy,” the ability to feel the pain of others. As her community falls to violence, Lauren sets out on a dangerous journey north, determined to build a better, more compassionate world rooted in her own vision of hope.
Why it’s perfect for summer: Powerful, thought-provoking, and deeply moving, Butler’s visionary novel sparks reflection and resilience—perfect for readers seeking something bold and unforgettable during long, meaningful summer days. Put your request for this book in early, it is popular and the wait at the library can be long.
Ready to Turn the Page?
From atmospheric island romances to page-turning thrillers and laugh-out-loud memoirs, these summer 2025 must-reads offer stories that entertain, enlighten, and inspire. You can find these books at your local library or check them out through digital book loaning services like Libby. If you want to make this summer’s reading a community endeavor, why not start a book club to tackle these must-reads? It is time to grab your favorite book, find a sunny spot, and let the world fade away—one chapter at a time.
