6 Books to Consider Reading This Summer
Friday, April 22, 2022
*This is a collaborative post.
Summer is here, and for many people, that means reading is too. There’s nothing quite like sitting outside with a book and a cold drink in the summer. The season’s long days mean you can read outside, and it also means you probably won’t be spending too much time indoors. So clear out some of those books lying on your shelf! If you’re looking to embrace the summer reading season, here are some great books to consider reading this summer, from classics to nonfiction to the latest hits. Plus be sure to follow me on Instagram, Goodreads, or here on the blog for more recommendations.Keep in mind this post is collaborative, and I haven’t read many of the books on this list. There’s always so many perspectives to explore, and so many books I’m personally always happy to recommend based on your preferences.
1984
This almost goes without saying, but if you’ve never read George Orwell’s dystopian classic, now is a better time than ever. Whenever political strife pops up, the references to this book go through the roof, and nothing has captured the experience of an all-controlling surveillance state with the same emotional depth as this masterpiece.
The Sympathizer
Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is a hilarious romp through politics, culture, friendship, and romance. It’ll make you laugh, make you cry, and make you think about the world in a totally different way. Set across Southern California and Southeast Asia, the book touches on the familiar and the foreign in ways that will make you question your preconceived notions about both. And if you really get hooked, you can check out the recently released sequel.
The Genetic Lottery
People might be skeptical about a scientific work, especially one about genetics, but this public-facing book by Katherine Paige Harden does an amazing job keeping you engaged while getting you educated. As a geneticist, Harden shares the history of genetic research while looking toward its future. Her chief aim is to figure out a way to reconcile genetic research’s checkered past with an equitable solution to make it actively helpful for an egalitarian ideal.
The Body
Everyone knows Stephen King, but many people are daunted by his huge novels. But the 1000-strong page tomes are a false flag. His easy-to-understand, engaging prose works in any form, especially with this classic novella. It’ll pull your nostalgic heartstrings as it follows a group of young friends on a mysterious adventure. If you’ve seen or heard of the movie Stand By Me, this one will be familiar to you. It’s the story the movie is based on!
Sirens of Titan
Another novel, this Kurt Vonnegut classic captures the best aspects of the acclaimed writer’s work—his humor, his wit, his fantastical imagination. Centered around a stockbroker who got rich almost on accident, this interstellar adventure will be one of the most beautifully weird books you’ve ever read.
China in Ten Words
As the political world gets increasingly chaotic, it’s more important than ever to stay informed. This lucid piece of nonfiction by Yu Hua, one of China’s foremost working writers, tries to unpack the history of modern China. He tracks his own life growing up during the Cultural Revolution and situates many aspects of Chinese culture into a longer arc of history. His candid storytelling and strong voice make this collection of interrelated essays a must-read if you want to learn something new about the world this summer.
If you are looking for more great books to read this summer, look at any other works by the authors on this list, or check out their favorite books through interviews and podcasts. Regardless, whether you’re sprawled out on a beach, trying to find a zipline course, or lazing around at home, these books will keep you entertained and educated throughout the summer.
1984
This almost goes without saying, but if you’ve never read George Orwell’s dystopian classic, now is a better time than ever. Whenever political strife pops up, the references to this book go through the roof, and nothing has captured the experience of an all-controlling surveillance state with the same emotional depth as this masterpiece.
The Sympathizer
Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is a hilarious romp through politics, culture, friendship, and romance. It’ll make you laugh, make you cry, and make you think about the world in a totally different way. Set across Southern California and Southeast Asia, the book touches on the familiar and the foreign in ways that will make you question your preconceived notions about both. And if you really get hooked, you can check out the recently released sequel.
The Genetic Lottery
People might be skeptical about a scientific work, especially one about genetics, but this public-facing book by Katherine Paige Harden does an amazing job keeping you engaged while getting you educated. As a geneticist, Harden shares the history of genetic research while looking toward its future. Her chief aim is to figure out a way to reconcile genetic research’s checkered past with an equitable solution to make it actively helpful for an egalitarian ideal.
The Body
Everyone knows Stephen King, but many people are daunted by his huge novels. But the 1000-strong page tomes are a false flag. His easy-to-understand, engaging prose works in any form, especially with this classic novella. It’ll pull your nostalgic heartstrings as it follows a group of young friends on a mysterious adventure. If you’ve seen or heard of the movie Stand By Me, this one will be familiar to you. It’s the story the movie is based on!
Sirens of Titan
Another novel, this Kurt Vonnegut classic captures the best aspects of the acclaimed writer’s work—his humor, his wit, his fantastical imagination. Centered around a stockbroker who got rich almost on accident, this interstellar adventure will be one of the most beautifully weird books you’ve ever read.
China in Ten Words
As the political world gets increasingly chaotic, it’s more important than ever to stay informed. This lucid piece of nonfiction by Yu Hua, one of China’s foremost working writers, tries to unpack the history of modern China. He tracks his own life growing up during the Cultural Revolution and situates many aspects of Chinese culture into a longer arc of history. His candid storytelling and strong voice make this collection of interrelated essays a must-read if you want to learn something new about the world this summer.
If you are looking for more great books to read this summer, look at any other works by the authors on this list, or check out their favorite books through interviews and podcasts. Regardless, whether you’re sprawled out on a beach, trying to find a zipline course, or lazing around at home, these books will keep you entertained and educated throughout the summer.
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