Looking for the best books to read this summer? We’ve got some great recommendations, picked by our readers. We asked our community for their suggestions and compiled this summer reading list: there’s romance, self-development, literary, fantasy, science fiction, and more. Whether you’re at the beach, in the mountains, or on the sofa, there’s something here for every kind of day.
1. Wind and Truth by Brandon Sanderson
Brandon Sanderson’s Wind and Truth is book five of his series, The Stormlight Archive. This book was recommended by Julie M., who says, “His books are SO good, they just suck you in and hold you hostage. I’ve been putting off reading it because it’s huge and I know I won’t get anything else done until I finish it, but this summer is my time!!” As the conclusion to the first arc of one of the greatest epic fantasy series ever written, this won’t disappoint. Dalinar has made a terrifying deal: a contest of champions against the evil god Odium for the land of Roshar. With the fate of their entire world at stake, everyone is fighting their own impossible battle. Fair warning: you need to read books one through four first to be familiar with the characters, but if you’re already a Sanderson fan, this one’s a must.
2. The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh
One of our readers, Julia F., recently read The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh, and absolutely loved it. She describes it as, “It’s a retelling of a Korean folktale and is filled with magic, mostly set underneath the sea and is filled with spirits and a very important quest! Would definitely recommend.” The novel is filled with lush world-building, a heroine who leaps headfirst into danger, and a Spirit Realm packed with gods, demons, and mysteries. When Mina dives into the sea to save her brother from a sacrificial ritual meant to appease a sleeping Sea God, she enters a world that’s as enchanting as it is dangerous. It’s romantic, emotional, and it’s the kind of mythology-rich story that makes you want to immediately read everything else by the author.
3. Love Overboard by Kandi Steiner
A summer booklist wouldn’t be complete without a romance, and this one’s got everything. Our reader, Elisabeth I., says, “I just finished Love Overboard by Kandi Steiner, and I’d recommend it for the summer!” Picture a Mediterranean superyacht, a reality TV crew filming your every move, and your ex—the one who left without a word—suddenly showing up as your new coworker. Ember has worked hard to get where she is, and Finn’s reappearance threatens to unravel all of it, on camera no less. Steiner keeps the tension on high the entire time, balancing the push-and-pull of a second-chance romance with genuine emotional stakes. If you need something deliciously angsty to devour on the beach, this is your pick.
4. The Little Old Lady Who Broke All the Rules by Catharina Ingelman-Sundberg
The Little Old Lady Who Broke All the Rules is a quirky and humorous story about growing old, and breaking all the rules along the way. Written by Catharina Ingelman-Sundberg and translated by Rod Bradbury, this bestseller is perfect for summer. Reader Lisa M. says, “It’s an entertaining read that is both heartwarming and irreverent. The elderly are invisible in today’s youth and beauty centric society, but don’t underestimate them.” Seventy-nine-year-old Martha Andersson dreams of escaping the drab life of her retirement home. She enlists her four best friends―aka the League of Pensioners―to rebel against the rules. Together, they cause an uproar with their antics, and as they become more daring, their activities escalate, and they devise a cunning plan to steal priceless paintings in order to fund their exciting new lives. But will they be able to outrun the law?
5. Jade City by Fonda Lee
As book one in The Green Bone Saga, Jade City is an award-winning novel that has been named one of Time’s Top 100 Fantasy Books Of All Time. Reader Hans K. actually recommended the entire series, written by Fonda Lee. He describes her novels as “Sort of youngish-adult epic fantasy.” Jade City is filled with martial arts, magic, and greed in a richly imagined city. The Kaul family is a powerful clan of warriors whose magical abilities are tied to jade, the island’s most precious and dangerous resource. When a new drug hits the streets that lets anyone wield jade’s power, the fragile peace between rival clans shatters fast. Once you finish this novel, you’ll immediately need the next one.
6. Theo of Golden by Allen Levi
Kerri W. says “Theo of Golden, by Allen Levi, is my current read! It’s heartwarming!” This is the kind of book that sneaks up on you emotionally before you even realize what’s happening. It’s many stories within a story. A mysterious stranger rolls into a small Southern town, starts buying pencil portraits of locals from a coffeehouse, and returns each one to its subject, asking only for their story in return. That’s it. That’s the whole premise, and it’s inspiring. Levi has written something rare here: a novel about human connection that never feels forced. Read this one slowly.
7. The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
Calling all bookworms, this one’s for you. Jen T., one of our readers and also an editor, says, “I just started The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin. This [book] is about a bookstore owner and each chapter starts with a passage from a book, so it’s perfect for booklovers.” In this New York Times bestseller, A.J. Fikry is a grumpy, grieving bookstore owner who has given up on everything: his shop, people, the whole deal. Then something unexpected lands in his life and slowly pulls him back. Zevin writes about books and the people who love them with such affection that it’s impossible not to feel seen reading this. It’s funny, tender, and it’s a love letter to reading itself—perfect for anyone who considers bookstores sacred.
8. The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien
This may not be your typical casual summer read, but it’ll be worth your time. According to reader Bella, “If I were to choose a book for a summer reading list it would be The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien. I would choose this book for its immersive, descriptive, and beautiful written style. It is an encouraging read that guides the mind in its own creative journey.” This book is Tolkien’s mythology—the deep lore, the creation story, the ancient wars and tragedies that Middle-earth is built on. Think of it as the Bible of Tolkien’s world, compiled and edited posthumously by his son Christopher. If you’ve ever wondered about any elements in Tolkien’s novels, like what actually happened before Frodo ever picked up that ring, this is where those answers live.
9. Body Electric by Manoush Zomorodi
You’re probably reading this on a screen right now, which is exactly what this book is about. Manoush Zomorodi’s Body Electric is a sharp, research-backed look into what our hyper-digital, perpetually seated lives are actually doing to our bodies. Reader and proofreader, Margot C., says she’s been recommending this book to everyone. “[Zomorodi’s] all about how can we—given our often sedentary lifestyles—add movement to our day. Great writer and fun to read with lots of great suggestions.” Zomorodi even ran her own large-scale experiment to gather data from real people, not just lab studies. It’s eye-opening without being preachy, and the solutions she offers are actually manageable. Consider this the nudge we all need to finally stop doomscrolling and go touch some grass.
10. Judge Stone by James Patterson and Viola Davis
Judge Stone is a collab nobody saw coming but absolutely needed: James Patterson and Viola Davis together is exactly as good as it sounds. Reader Liz P. raves, “What an excellent collaboration.” Judge Mary Stone is well-respected in a small Alabama town, and when the most controversial case in the region’s history lands in her courtroom, she has to choose between the letter of the law and something far more complicated. Patterson brings his signature pacing, and Davis brings a razor-sharp understanding of character and what justice looks like for real people. It’s a legal thriller with emotional depth, the kind you’ll want to discuss with someone.
11. Wild Love by Elsie Silver
Here’s another book from a series by a writer who has built a devoted following. Reader Margaret P. recommended, “Anything Elsie Silver! I just finished the Rose Hill series, so good.” The first book, Wild Love, is the best way to start. Ford Grant is a billionaire escaping the spotlight to open a recording studio in the small town of Rose Hill. One day, a twelve-year-old shows up claiming he’s her father, and his best friend’s sister Rosie comes back into town needing a job. It’s grumpy-sunshine, best friend’s little sister, and surprise-dad all rolled into one. The banter is sharp, the chemistry is electric, and the small-town setting is cozy without being cutesy.
A huge thank you to everyone in the Edit Republic community who contributed their summer book recommendations. Your picks never disappoint! We’d love to keep the conversation going, so drop a comment below and let us know which book you’re reaching for this summer.
