Summer Reading List: What I’m Reading (and Loving) Right Now

I’m a huge bookworm, and reading is truly one of my favorite hobbies. This hobby, of course, has its peaks and valleys. During holidays and stressful times, I don’t read as much as I typically would. But in the summer? I have much more time to get completely lost in a good book (… or 10!). There’s just something magical about ending a long, hot day with a great story in hand, curled up on the porch as the sun sets. Or lounging at the beach, book propped open, waves crashing in the background. It’s my happy place. 

Now, I know some people think of summer as a time for travel and adventure—and yes, it is! But what’s the best way to pass those long flights or lazy afternoons? A really good book. I have a list of the best books to read on vacation for that exact reason!

Maybe your goal is to add to your already overflowing TBR pile. Or, maybe you’re looking for reasons to get back into reading! Either way, I’m sharing my summer reading list (packed full of exciting new releases!) and a few ideas for how to carve out more time for books, even when life gets busy. 

What is a Summer Reading List?

A summer reading list is exactly what it sounds like! It’s a little lineup of books to read between June and August (AKA peak reading season, in my opinion). It can be a mix of old favorites you’re ready to revisit (hello, Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo!), buzzy new releases, or those timeless classics you’ve been meaning to finally crack open. 

The best part? Your list is entirely your own. I try to broaden my horizons from time to time, but reading for pleasure is most important. My go-to is an edge-of-your-seat thriller, but I also like to throw in a little (occasional) romance and historical fiction. (I think my library is pretty self-explanatory for my taste in books.) That said, whether you’re into juicy thrillers, slow-burn romances, thought-provoking nonfiction, or a little bit of everything—it’s all about your interests, not anyone else’s. 

PS – if you’re new here, check out my Substack. I share what I’m reading in every Friday’s newsletter!

Why is Summer Reading Important?

Remember back in school when we’d get assigned summer reading? (And everyone moaned and groaned about having to do “homework” over summer break.) The idea was to keep our brains sharp and that reading muscle active, even while we were off relaxing before the new school year. 

Honestly? Not much has changed as adults; we still need to flex that reading muscle. And not just for the vocab boost or imagination spark, but also as a reminder to slow down. Creating a summer reading list is a simple way to hold yourself accountable for making time to unwind and relax. There’s something really special about setting aside a few quiet moments each day to escape into a good book—it might be exactly what your summer needs. 

What to Read in Summer

Atmosphere, by Taylor Jenkins Reid

I’ve talked a lot about Taylor Jenkins Reid (hence this being my second mention of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo… it’s one of my favorites!). And after reading (and loving) Malibu Rising, I couldn’t WAIT to see what else she had in store. This is one of those big, emotional reads that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Set in the early 1980s, it follows Joan Goodwin, a brilliant former astrophysics professor, as she joins NASA’s astronaut training program. Joan is navigating life in a deeply male-dominated space agency when she forms a quiet, powerful bond with a fellow astronaut. 

Their connection builds in secret… until a shuttle mission in 1984 takes a turn. Joan—now on the ground in Mission Control—becomes the voice guiding her lover through a life-or-death situation. 

It’s part high-stakes space drama, part love story, and completely unputdownable. Reid weaves together themes of ambition, identity, and human connection, all set against the adrenaline-filled backdrop of America’s space race. I devoured this one and absolutely loved the ‘80s nostalgia!

Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry

Emily Henry is notorious for her romance novels, and I have to say, even I love them. I’m really not a huge romance fan, but her books are so easily enjoyable. I had planned to pick this one up anyway (because I will read pretty much everything she releases), but the criticism of it is what piqued my interest.

Surprisingly, this book leans more toward mystery than the title might suggest! Which I was extremely excited about. The story follows Alice, an optimistic celebrity journalist, and Hayden, a Pulitzer-winning biographer, as they compete to write the biography of reclusive heiress Margaret Ives. But Margaret’s story doesn’t quite add up—and neither Alice nor Hayden can share notes. 

What unfolds is part romance, part puzzle, layered with dual timelines and Henry’s signature charm. The romance is still very much there (yes, slow-burn fans will be happy!), but the added mystery gave it real Evelyn Hugo vibes. I devoured this in a few sittings—then handed it straight to my mom! 

For more reviews on Emily Henry novels, check out this post, this post, annddd this post.

Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall

I have to come out of the gate and say that I’m sort of surprised I fell in love with this read as much as I did. It reminds me of The Light We Lost, a book I loved until I became an adult. I’m not a fan (to put it lightly) of books with affairs and cheating. Dare I say that it may even turn me away? I can’t stand it. 

But… I can’t stop thinking about this book. Clare Leslie Hall’s debut is a quietly haunting blend of family drama, forbidden love, and slow-burning suspense, all set on a windswept Dorset sheep farm. When Beth’s brother-in-law shoots a dog, it sets off a chain of events that dredge up heartbreak and buried grief. Among the unexpected consequences is the return of her first love, Gabriel, now back in town with his young son. The story unfolds through short, lyrical chapters and alternating timelines. It’s part mystery, part love story… and part gut punch. Messy, beautiful, and emotionally complicated—I was frustrated at times, but I loved this book. 

The First Gentleman by Bill Clinton and James Patterson

This isn’t the first time I’ve read a James Patterson novel co-written with a high-profile figure. I read Run, Rose, Run by Patterson and Dolly Parton novel in 2022, and I loved it. As for this, I wasn’t totally sure this one would be for me. Fortunately, I gave it a shot and I ended up loving it. It’s smart, fast-paced, and absolutely addictive.

Madeline Wright is the first female president, and as she gears up for re-election, her husband, former NFL star Cole Wright, is suddenly on trial for murder. The twists unfold through a tangle of secrets, political drama, mob ties, and a pair of relentless investigative journalists. I guessed the twist, but I didn’t care—it was such a fun ride! Think: courtroom suspense meets political scandal. I tore through it… and now I want to read the others!

Everyone is Lying to You by Jo Piazza

When Jo Piazza sent me an advanced copy of this book, it consumed me. It’s one of those reads that you need to clear your schedule for—I didn’t want to put it down! I flew through it in just a couple of settings. 

It’s such a sharp, juicy murder mystery set against the wild world of tradwife influencers. Lizzie and Bex were college best friends who drifted apart until Bex (now a ranch-living mommy blogger à la Ballerina Farm) invited Lizzie to a luxe influencer conference. But when Bex’s husband is murdered and Bex vanishes, Lizzie is pulled into a maze of secrets and curated perfection. 

With pitch-perfect pacing and insider-y details, it’s a fast, fun, totally binge-able read this summer. Think of it as equal parts thriller and social media satire. Preorder this one immediately—it’s available July 15, 2025!

Park Avenue by Renee Ahdieh

This book is so fun—glamour, drama, family secrets, and a heroine with serious ambition (and a Birkin dream). Renee Ahdieh’s adult debut has been everywhere lately, and I read it in just a few days. Between the Fifth Avenue fashion, high-stakes legal drama, and mega-rich beauty empire scandal, it’s giving Crazy Rich Asians meets The White Lotus with a sharp, stylish twist. I love a fast-paced story with luxe settings and messy family dynamics. This sounds like the kind of book to binge in one or two sittings (preferably at the beach) with a summer cocktail in hand. 

Don’t Let Him In by Lisa Jewell

Lisa Jewell is one of my favorite authors. Kind of like Emily Henry, I will read pretty much everything she writes—even if Breaking the Dark wasn’t one of my favorites. It happens! I know I’m going to sound biased, but an “average” Jewell book will still “wow” me.

And this one… I’m excited for this one. Don’t Let Him In sounds like the perfect mix of unsettling and unputdownable, which is exactly what I want in a summer thriller. The story follows three women whose lives are quietly unraveling thanks to one very charming (but very suspicious) man. There’s a grieving widow, her wary daughter, and a young mom with a husband who keeps disappearing… all of them slowly circling the same dark secret. I love a layered domestic suspense with multiple POVs, and I can already tell this will be twisty, tense, and totally binge-able. Definitely bumping this one to the top of my TBR this summer!

Next to Heaven by James Frey

I want to point out the controversy surrounding this book (and its author). Frey was caught lying about parts of his previous memoir, and has admitted to using AI. I believe (from what I’ve read) the use of AI was for research. However, I wouldn’t have picked this book up had I known about all the scandalous things circulating. 

Now that we’ve addressed that… Of course, I’m going to give you my honest thoughts about the contents. This book is so over the top—and that’s exactly why I couldn’t put it down. Set in a picture-perfect Connecticut town, the story follows two wealthy best friends who throw an ultra-exclusive swinger party that upends the lives of their elite neighbors. But let’s just say the drama and action really don’t start until 70% of the way in. 

The writing is punchy, scandalous, and reads like gossip you shouldn’t enjoy but totally do. If you love a summer read full of chaos, privilege, and secrets, this one’s absolutely worth the drama. 

The Compound by Aisling Rawl

A reader suggested this book to me saying I would love it, so, of course I had to preorder! Aside from this, I’d been hearing so much buzz about it. My pre-oreder arrived and I read it in a just a few sittings.

A dystopian reality show set in the desert? Luxury prizes, high-stakes challenges, and just enough chaos to blur the lines between desire and survival? I was sold. This feels like a mashup of Big Brother and The Hunger Games (one of the best young adult books in my opinion!). But it also has sharper commentary and way better skincare. I love a book that mixes guilty-pleasure drama with literary weight, and this one promises to be just that. Plus, the idea of willingly staying in a twisted competition while the world unravels outside? Intriguing (and eek, maybe a little too real right now). 

When the Going Was Good by Graydon Carter

I’m about halfway through this memoir and who doesn’t love a behind-the-scenes look at glossy magazine glamour? Graydon Carter ran Vanity Fair during its most iconic era. Fortunately for us readers, this memoir promises all the insider stories. He talks about the rise of Hollywood’s A-list, those unforgettable Annie Leibovitz covers, and what it was really like wrangling big personalities under Condé Nast’s roof. 

I’m hoping for juicy name-drops, lots of wit, and that particular kind of nostalgia only print media can deliver. If you’re as obsessed with old-school magazine culture as I am, this is an absolute must-read. 

Next up on my list:

I Regret Almost Everything by Keith McNally

I spend a good deal of time listening to books on Audible, and memoirs are by far my favorite. You kind of feel like you just sat down and had a chat with your new part-celebrity part-best friend! I also just really appreciate the authentic openness that a memoir contains. 

Keith McNally’s memoir sounds like it is going to be a long, unfiltered dinner party confession—equal parts juicy gossip, gritty resilience, and creative brilliance. From his childhood in post-war London to shaping the downtown New York dining scene with spots like Balthazar and the Odeon, McNally doesn’t hold back. 

He shares everything: the wins, the disasters, the public meltdowns, and the stroke that nearly unraveled it all. It’s supposed to be raw and razor-sharp but also full of heart. I’m always drawn to stories of reinvention, especially when they come from wildly creative people who’ve lived a lot. I’m so excited to crack this one open! 

The Names by Florence Knapp

I’m so intrigued by the premise of this book—the idea that one small choice (like a name!) can ripple across decades and completely change a life. The structure sounds brilliant. I also love a story that explores motherhood, identity, and what it means to take back your power. People say it’s extremely written but also emotional and intense… in the best way. 

Something I also found interesting is the comparison between The Names and The Dutch House. I listened to this book years ago (Tom Hanks narrated it; how could I not?), and I loved every second. Maybe it’s the similar theme of legacy and how small decisions can alter your course—I’ll have to update you guys once I read it for myself! Regardless, I have a feeling that this one will be something I think about long after I finish it

Mean Moms by Emma Rosenblum

I’ve read a handful of Emma Rosenblum books and I typically enjoy them. Very Bad Company was a fun one, whereas Bad Summer People was only “meh.” The writing was fantastic and, yes, I DID read cover to cover, but I hated the characters (although they were intentionally written to be hated.) All that to say, Mean Moms is bringing me hope for a new favorite! It  seems to have everything I love in a summer read—glamorous New York City moms, private school drama, and just the right touch of mystery. 

Basically, this sounds like Big Little Lies meets Gossip Girl, and I’m so here for it. I’m especially intrigued by Sofia, the newcomer who shakes things up… in the worst (best?) way. It promises sharp social commentary, juicy twists, and that delicious blend of satire and suspense. I can already tell I’ll be devouring this in a weekend—and texting my book club friends about every wild chapter. Grab your copy when it comes out on July 29, 2025!

LA Women by Ella Berman

This one feels like it was written just for me—glamorous, twisty, and set in 1960s L.A.? I’m in! The story follows two ambitious writers—Lane and Gala—who orbit each other through fame, jealousy, and artistic obsession. When Gala disappears, and Lane lands a book deal based on her life, secrets bubble to the surface… including the one that changed everything between them. 

I love stories about complicated female friendships and the messy intersection of creativity and rivalry. Plus, the vintage Hollywood backdrop and Laurel Canyon vibes? Irrestabily entertaining. I can already tell this is going to be such a fun read. If you’re an Ella Berman fan, make sure to check out my review on The Comeback!

Pre-order or grab your copy on August 5, 2025!

How to Encourage Summer Reading

Create a cozy reading space.

One of the best ways to stay motivated with your summer reading list? Create a little reading nook you actually want to spend time in. Think: cozy, calm, and distraction-free. It could be a shady spot in the backyard, a chair by the pool, a swing on your front porch, or just a cozy corner in the living room. Or your bed. God do I love my bed! Having a designated space makes all the difference. 

Add a good lamp and maybe even a little tray for snacks or seltzer… and don’t forget, this is a phone-free zone! Just you, your book, and a few uninterrupted moments to get completely lost in the story.

Also, don’t forget your reading accessories! I will say that I’m not the most particular person when it comes to reading (I fold my corners and sometimes dip them in the tub on accident, oops!). But a cute bookmark and a fun reading lamp? Those are a couple of my reading accessory must-haves.

Schedule reading time. 

The easiest way to actually get through your summer reading list? Build it into your routine. I know that for me, I really look forward to cozying up in bed with a good book before bed. It puts me in wind-down mode! I get ready for bed, read a bit, do Headspace meditation to calm down, and then drift off to sleep. For you, it may look different! It could be 30 minutes in the morning with your coffee or a little midday break after lunch. Carving out dedicated time to read makes all the difference. 

It doesn’t have to be long or overly structured, just a small, consistent window each day to unplug and get lost in your book. Trust me, it adds up quickly (and feels like such a treat). 

Set a summer reading challenge.

If you need a little extra motivation to stick with your summer reading goals, the Goodreads Reading Challenge is a fun way to stay on track. You start by setting a goal for how many books you want to read this year. Then, as you log each one, you get to watch that progress bar inch closer to the finish line. 

It’s a little gamified, a little satisfying, and a great way to stay inspired. Plus, you can follow friends, cheer each other on, and discover even more great book recs along the way.

Join a book club.

Reading doesn’t have to be a solo activity. One of my favorite ways to make it more fun is by joining (or starting!) a summer book club. It’s the perfect excuse to gather with friends, sip on summer spritzer cocktails, and snack on a homemade cheese board while diving into your latest read. 

Sit back, relax, and work through your summer reading list. 

Whether you’re into memoirs, romantasy, nonfiction, or literary fiction, putting together a summer reading list is one of my favorite ways to kick off the season. With all that extra daylight, it’s the perfect time to dive into something new. Or maybe just finally pick up that book that’s been sitting on your nightstand!

I’ll be sharing monthly reading roundups with what I loved, what missed the mark, and what’s actually worth adding to your list—so make sure to check back! Want more book recs, lifestyle tips, and little behind-the-scenes moments? Just pop in your email address and come hang out with me on Substack. Also, don’t forget to check out My Library. This is where you can find all the books I’ve read over the last 10 years along with ratings and reviews. You can filter by genre and grade; it even has its own separate search. Would love to have you there!

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