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I love a good seasonal read! I think it is fun when you are reading or listening to a book that takes place in the season you are currently in!
I put together a list of books that makes me think of summer!
Summer has a way of slowing life down—longer evenings, sunny afternoons, and just enough free time to disappear into a really good book. Whether you’re reading by the pool, relaxing on the porch, packing your Kindle for vacation, or enjoying a quiet hour in your favorite chair with the air conditioner humming, there’s no better season to get lost in a story.
This summer reading list is filled with books that are perfect for making the most of the season. From heartwarming romances and unforgettable mysteries to page-turning novels and feel-good favorites, there’s something here for every kind of reader. So grab your favorite cold drink, find a cozy spot, and let your next great read become one of your favorite memories of summer.
These books mostly take place in the summer or much of the book does, I have also included a few that just make me think of summer for one reason or another.
Books That Make Me Think of Summer
The Lincoln Highway Amor Towles
Historical Fiction
This is one of my all time favorites! The audio is amazing with a full cast! I have the best memories of reading this with my son and husband in the car. The book is about one jounrey across a highway so that is fitting.
Set in June 1954, the story follows eighteen-year-old Emmett Watson as he returns to his Nebraska home after spending fifteen months at a juvenile work farm for a tragic accident that resulted in a man’s death. With his mother gone, his father recently passed away, and the family farm lost to foreclosure, Emmett plans to take his younger brother, Billy, and head west to California in hopes of building a fresh start.
Those plans quickly unravel when Emmett discovers that two fellow inmates secretly hitched a ride home by hiding in the warden’s car. Instead of heading west, they have their own ideas about Emmett’s future—plans that send the group on an unforgettable journey east toward New York City.
Told over the course of ten days through the perspectives of several characters, this novel blends memorable personalities, richly detailed settings, and compelling storytelling into a sweeping adventure that fans of Amor Towles are sure to enjoy.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Classics
I read this in high school and it has never left me. All three of my children loved this one as well. Everyone needs to read it at least once.
To Kill a Mockingbird is one of the most beloved novels ever written. It has been translated into more than 40 languages, sold over 40 million copies worldwide, inspired an acclaimed film adaptation, and has been recognized by librarians as one of the greatest novels of the twentieth century.
Set in the American South during a time of deep racial prejudice, the story is told through the eyes of a young girl named Scout Finch. As she grows up, she watches her father, the principled lawyer Atticus Finch, defend a Black man who has been falsely accused of a serious crime. Combining a powerful coming-of-age story with themes of justice, compassion, and moral courage, the novel remains a timeless and deeply moving classic.
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The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Classics
This is another one I read in high school. I know some don’t like this one but I enjoyed it a great deal.
When the mysterious Jay Gatsby appears in the wealthy Long Island community of West Egg, rumors about his past spread almost as quickly as invitations to the extravagant parties held at his grand mansion. Yet behind the glamour and celebration is a lonely man who spends his evenings gazing across the bay at a single green light—a symbol of the love and dreams that remain just out of reach.
Set during the excitement and excess of the 1920s, The Great Gatsby tells the unforgettable story of the people who inhabit East Egg and West Egg. Through themes of love, ambition, wealth, and the pursuit of the American Dream, this enduring novel has earned its place as one of the most celebrated works in American literature.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
Classics
Growing up in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn was anything but easy for Francie Nolan. From an early age, she learns that determination, resilience, and hope are essential for surviving poverty and the challenges that surround her. While her family’s unconventional ways often make them the subject of gossip—thanks to her father’s struggles with alcohol and her Aunt Sissy’s colorful romantic life—Francie finds strength in the love and loyalty that bind her family together.
Through moments of hardship, humor, heartbreak, and celebration, Betty Smith paints a vivid portrait of everyday life in early twentieth-century Brooklyn. From childhood adventures and neighborhood traditions to cherished holiday memories, the novel beautifully captures both the struggles and simple joys of growing up in a close-knit community.
A beloved American classic, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is a heartfelt coming-of-age story that explores family, perseverance, and the enduring power of hope, making it a timeless favorite for generations of readers.
Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher
Fiction
I love Pilcher and I’m obsessed with Winter Solstice. I’m reading Coming Home now and it is also wonderful. Next summer this is next.
A beloved bestseller for decades, The Shell Seekers is a moving family saga that explores love, loss, and the ties that connect generations. Centered on mothers and daughters, marriages, and lifelong relationships, the novel follows one family through moments of joy, heartbreak, and change, creating an unforgettable reading experience.
At the heart of the story is Penelope Keeling, an elderly woman whose most treasured possession is The Shell Seekers, a painting created by her father. The artwork represents a lifetime of memories, from her unconventional childhood to the love and sacrifices she experienced during the war. When her adult children discover that the painting has become extremely valuable, they each have their own ideas about its future. As Penelope reflects on the choices, triumphs, and regrets that shaped her life, she realizes that only she can decide what truly matters—and the answer is found not in its price, but in what it means to her.
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
Classics
I find this book depressing, another high school requirement. But some love it and there is no doubt it is a classic for a reason. Great writing.
Originally published in 1939, The Grapes of Wrath is John Steinbeck’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that follows the Joad family as they struggle to survive during the Great Depression. Forced from their Oklahoma farm by the Dust Bowl and economic hardship, they set out for California, hoping to find work and a better future.
Their journey is filled with hardship, disappointment, and injustice as they encounter the harsh realities facing migrant families during one of America’s most difficult eras. Through the Joads’ experiences, Steinbeck explores themes of poverty, resilience, compassion, and the fight for dignity in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest American novels ever written, The Grapes of Wrath is a powerful story of perseverance, family, and hope that continues to resonate with readers generations after its publication.
Malibu Rising by Jenkins Reid
Fiction
Set in Malibu in 1983, Malibu Rising centers on the famous Riva siblings as they prepare for their legendary annual party. While the world sees glamour and success, each family member is hiding secrets that will surface over the course of one unforgettable night.
As the celebration spirals out of control, long-buried truths, complicated relationships, and painful family history come to light. By morning, the Riva mansion is in ruins, leaving each sibling to decide what to carry forward—and what to leave behind.
Wait till Next Year by Doris Kearns Goodwin
Memoir
I loved this memoir so much! Doris shares her love of baseball in the 50’s and it is just delightful. If you are not a baseball fan do not let that deter you from reading this book. She talks about the old neighborhoods where neighbors knew and loved one another. What growing up in New York was like (with all the small businesses) her relationship with her parents, her mom’s illness and her love of books. It has everything and it kept me hanging on to every word.
Set in 1950s suburban New York, Wait Till Next Year is Doris Kearns Goodwin’s heartfelt memoir of growing up during a time when close-knit neighborhoods, local shops, and a love of baseball brought communities together.
Through memories of her parents, her passion for the Brooklyn Dodgers, and the challenges her family faced, Goodwin reflects on childhood, loss, and the end of an unforgettable era
Summer Fridays: A Novel by Suzanne Rindell
Romance
I just read this last summer and it was delightful!
Set in New York City during the summer of 1999, Summer Fridays follows Sawyer, a young publishing assistant balancing career ambitions, dreams of becoming a writer, and an upcoming wedding. When she unexpectedly befriends Nick, who is facing relationship troubles of his own, the two begin spending their Friday afternoons exploring the city together.
As their friendship grows, Sawyer and Nick encourage each other to take chances and face difficult truths about their lives and relationships. Filled with nostalgia, heart, and the charm of pre-smartphone New York, this is a warm story about friendship, self-discovery, and unexpected connections
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
Mystery
This is also on my TBR list, I hear it is amazing and I love a good mystery.
In the early hours of an August morning in 1975, a summer camp wakes to a frightening discovery—a thirteen-year-old camper, Barbara Van Laar, has vanished without a trace. Barbara is the daughter of the influential family that owns the camp and provides jobs for much of the surrounding community. Her disappearance is especially unsettling because, years earlier, her older brother also disappeared and was never found.
As the search intensifies, long-hidden secrets begin to surface, revealing tensions within the powerful Van Laar family and the people whose lives are closely tied to them. Filled with mystery, family drama, and unexpected twists, this compelling novel explores the lasting impact of the past, the weight of buried truths, and the possibility of second chances.
Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury
Fiction
Dandelion Wine is Ray Bradbury’s nostalgic coming-of-age novel inspired by his own childhood memories. Set during the summer of 1928 in the fictional town of Green Town, Illinois, it follows twelve-year-old Douglas Spaulding as he experiences the wonder, adventure, and bittersweet moments that shape growing up.
Blending everyday life with imagination and quiet magic, Bradbury celebrates childhood, family, friendship, and the fleeting beauty of summer in a story that has become a timeless classic.
Evie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes
Romance
This book reminds me of summer! Small town, baseball, and love! What is there not to love about this one? This was also a Read with Jenna pick! This has a sweetness and small town feel to it. I really enjoyed it.
In a quiet seaside town in Maine, Evvie Drake has barely stepped outside her once-busy home since her husband’s death. Everyone assumes grief is the reason—and Evvie lets them believe it. When her best friend’s childhood pal, Dean Tenney, a former major league pitcher struggling with a career-ending slump, comes to town, he ends up renting an apartment behind her house.
Both looking for a fresh start, Evvie and Dean agree not to ask about each other’s pasts. But as an unexpected friendship grows into something more, those rules begin to fall away. To move forward, they’ll have to face old hurts, buried truths, and the possibility that it’s never too late for a second chance.
Charlotte’s Webb by E.B. White
Children’s Literature
This is my favorite childhood book! I love everything about Charlotte’s Webb. A beautiful story of friendship and what really matters in life!
“Some Pig.” “Humble.” “Radiant.” High in the rafters of Zuckerman’s barn, these simple words tell an extraordinary story. Woven into her web, Charlotte shares her love and admiration for Wilbur, a small pig who wants nothing more than to belong. Those messages also reflect the kindness of Fern, the girl who saved Wilbur when he was born the smallest of the litter.
This beloved Newbery Honor novel is a gentle, heartfelt story about friendship, compassion, and the natural rhythms of life. With unforgettable illustrations by Garth Williams, the book continues to touch readers of all ages and remains a timeless classic that will be cherished for generations.
In the Woods by Tana French
Mystery
The Dublin Murder series is one of my husband and I’s favorite crime novel series. This is the very first one of the series and it grips you. Warning: It does have some violence to children and that part was difficult for me.
Set in Ireland, In the Woods follows Detective Rob Ryan, whose childhood was forever changed when he was the only one of three missing children found alive after a mysterious disappearance. Unable to remember what happened, he has spent years keeping his past hidden.
When a young girl is murdered in the very same woods two decades later, Rob and his partner, Cassie Maddox, are assigned to the case. As the investigation unfolds, Rob is forced to confront the haunting secrets of his own past while searching for the truth behind a chilling new crime.
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
Classics
Step into the charming world of L. M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables series, a collection that readers have loved for generations. Set on beautiful Prince Edward Island, these stories follow Anne from her childhood all the way into motherhood, and even into the lives of her children.
Filled with heart, humor, and the sweetness of everyday life, this series takes you on a timeless journey through love, family, and the simple beauty of living close to nature.
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Fiction
For years, the residents of Barkley Cove, a small town on the North Carolina coast, have whispered stories about the mysterious “Marsh Girl.” When popular local man Chase Andrews is found dead in 1969, suspicion quickly falls on Kya Clark, the young woman who has spent most of her life living alone in the surrounding marsh.
But Kya’s story is far more complex than the rumors suggest. Resourceful, thoughtful, and deeply connected to the natural world, she has built a life for herself despite years of loneliness and hardship. As she begins to trust others and hopes for love and acceptance, a shocking tragedy changes everything. Blending mystery, coming-of-age, and a vivid celebration of nature, Where the Crawdads Sing is a moving novel about resilience, belonging, and the lasting influence of our past.
Cider with Rosie by Laurie Lee
Classics
Cider with Rosie is Laurie Lee’s beloved memoir of growing up in the English village of Slad after the First World War. Through vivid memories of family, neighbors, and the beautiful Cotswold countryside, Lee captures the wonder, adventure, and innocence of childhood.
Rich with lyrical prose and unforgettable moments, this classic coming-of-age memoir is both a celebration of rural England and a nostalgic look at a way of life that has largely disappeared.
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
Contemporary Fiction
I read this book this past summer in my pool. I think this book is perfect for the summertime. Sometimes you know right away when a book is going to stick with you but sometimes you don’t realize it will stay with you until it’s over and you find yourself thinking about the book so much. This was one of those times. This book doesn’t have some dynamic twist (although there are a few surprises) or majorly action packed. It is slow, steady, and masterful at sharing a good story. It truly reminds me of the days of summer. I really enjoyed this one.
The Magus by John Fowles
Fiction
The Magus follows Nicholas Urfe, a young English teacher who takes a job on a remote Greek island hoping to leave his troubled past behind. Instead, he becomes entangled with a mysterious millionaire whose elaborate psychological games blur the line between truth and illusion.
As reality becomes increasingly difficult to separate from deception, Nicholas is drawn into a suspenseful journey of manipulation, self-discovery, and survival in this thought-provoking literary classic.
Bonjour Tristesse by Francoise Sagan
Classics
Bonjour Tristesse follows seventeen-year-old Cécile as she spends a carefree summer on the French Riviera with her widowed father and his latest companion. Their relaxed lifestyle is disrupted when an old family friend arrives, setting off emotional tensions that lead Cécile to interfere in the adults’ lives—with unexpected and lasting consequences.
Set against the sun-drenched backdrop of a French summer, Françoise Sagan’s classic novel explores youth, love, freedom, and the consequences of impulsive choices.
To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf
Classics
To the Lighthouse follows the Ramsay family and their guests during a holiday on Scotland’s Isle of Skye. What begins with the simple hope of visiting a nearby lighthouse becomes a thoughtful exploration of family relationships, love, loss, memory, and the passage of time.
Virginia Woolf’s classic novel is celebrated for its lyrical writing and its moving reflection on the complexities of human relationships and everyday life.
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
Classics
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer follows the fun-filled exploits of young Tom Sawyer as he turns everyday life into one adventure after another. Clever, mischievous, and full of imagination, Tom is always finding creative ways to get into—and out of—trouble.
Set along the Mississippi River, Mark Twain’s beloved classic captures the freedom, excitement, and unforgettable spirit of childhood.
West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge
Historical Fiction
I can’t help but think of summer because it is another road trip adventure. This book captured my son and I’s attention the whole time. It makes a lot of list on my crazy book lady facebook page and I see why.
West with Giraffes tells the story of Woodrow Wilson Nickel, who, at 105 years old, looks back on the unforgettable journey that changed his life. In 1938, he helps transport two giraffes across the country to the San Diego Zoo after they survive a dangerous Atlantic crossing.
Inspired by true events, this heartwarming historical novel blends adventure, friendship, and coming-of-age themes into a memorable road trip that celebrates hope, compassion, and the remarkable bond between people and animals.
The Lake House by Kate Morton
Mystery
I read this a few years ago and it totally captured me. It has a dual timeline and you learn so much about what goes on at the Lake House and the mysteries it holds.
Growing up on her family’s beautiful lakeside estate in Cornwall, sixteen-year-old Alice Edevane spends her days dreaming up stories and honing her gift for writing. But everything changes after a grand midsummer celebration when her baby brother, Theo, mysteriously disappears without a trace. His disappearance shatters the family, and the once-lively estate is left deserted.
Years later, Alice has become a celebrated novelist living in London. Meanwhile, Detective Sadie Sparrow is taking a break in Cornwall when she discovers the abandoned Edevane estate. Drawn to its haunting history, Sadie begins investigating the decades-old mystery. As her search uncovers long-buried secrets, she and Alice find their lives unexpectedly connected, leading to startling revelations about what really happened all those years ago.
Filled with mystery, unforgettable characters, and a richly atmospheric setting, The Lake House is a captivating novel full of twists, family secrets, and the enduring power of the past.
Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan
Romance
I have heard so much about this one and can’t wait to read it!
When single mom Dolly Brick returns to her Rhode Island hometown for the summer, her only goal is to help save her family’s home. Independent and always ready to fix any problem, she’s focused on supporting her father and brother—not finding romance.
Everything changes when she meets Stewart Whitfield, a wealthy businessman reeling from a very public breakup. What starts as a fake dating arrangement meant to benefit them both soon becomes much more complicated. As they spend more time together, pretend dates turn into genuine feelings, and Dolly begins to wonder if it’s finally time to let someone else into her carefully guarded heart.
Filled with humor, heart, and plenty of romantic tension, this charming seaside romance explores family, second chances, and the possibility that love can be found when you least expect it.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Fiction
This one doesn’t take place in summer but it makes me think of summer with all the sea animals.
After losing her husband, Tova Sullivan takes a job working nights at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, quietly cleaning and keeping herself busy while the world sleeps. Staying occupied has always been her way of coping—ever since her son, Erik, vanished during a boating trip in Puget Sound more than thirty years earlier.
During her shifts, Tova forms an unexpected bond with Marcellus, a gruff but brilliant giant Pacific octopus who lives at the aquarium. Marcellus knows far more than anyone realizes and has little interest in helping humans—until Tova earns his trust.
This tender and uplifting novel reminds us that revisiting the past can open doors to healing, hope, and a future that once seemed out of reach.
Whistler: A Novel by Ann Patchatt
Fiction
This on my TBR list, it will probably be next summer for me!
When Daphne Fuller unexpectedly runs into her former stepfather, Eddie Triplett, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, she’s surprised to see someone she hasn’t spoken to since childhood. Although Eddie was only part of her life for a short time, the bond they shared left a lasting impression on them both. Their chance reunion brings old memories to the surface and gives them an opportunity to reconnect after decades apart.
As Daphne and Eddie reflect on the moments that shaped their lives, long-held regrets, difficult choices, and treasured memories come into focus. Whistler is a heartfelt novel about the relationships that stay with us, the passage of time, and the lasting impact of being deeply understood by another person. Thoughtful and emotional, it’s a moving story about love, loss, and the connections that continue to shape us long after life changes course.
In conclusion
If you are wanting to feel the summer vibes this season this is the book list for you!
What book makes you think of summer?
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