end of summer literature list
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end of summer literature list
a specific summer reading recommendation list to soak up the last of summer weather
Whether you're getting prepped for the warm weather or still holding on to the summer season, I've got you. Last year I went all in on reading, and have read [redacted] books to date.
Summer is always the time of the year when I love to relish a juicy book. It's the season of drive-ins and beach days. If you need an excellent book to compliment the vibe, you're at the right place.
Now, let’s get into my picks:
MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD
Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson - 4.25 ⭐️
From the synopsis, "At once an achingly beautiful love story and a potent insight into race and masculinity, Open Water asks what it means to be a person in a world that sees you only as a Black body, to be vulnerable when you are only respected for strength, to find safety in love, only to lose it."
I just started rereading this book, and I definitely do think the 2nd pov has grown on me. At first, I felt as if my brain was doing double work, but it remains a beautifully constructed story. 'Open Water' made me feel seen in so many ways. The poetic writing, the collective black experiences, the tender ROMANCE! , and so much more. I have a deeper review above, so definitely check it out!Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid - 4.5 ⭐️
I am at a loss for words, like, at first I was getting through the book for the heck of it. At some moments, it was absolutely painful trying to root for some of the main characters, but the overarching messages and plot got me. Without all the ridiculous people drama (stealing your sibling's ex-s.o. or TRAGIC backstory), I found a message for myself in there. I loved the basis of it being about a family. I did feel as though we got the POV of a lot of "unnecessaries" that I couldn’t keep track of.
I definitely would read this book again as those ending chapters made it so wholesome. I really saw pieces of myself in Nina and her relationship with her dad and her role as the eldest sister. There was a deep connection made and I genuinely felt so happy for this fictional family about what they’ve discovered about themselves and how dysfunctional they are. However, there was beauty in seeing the development and their origin stories.
Before I forget to mention, it was so funny how one thing would unfold and then you’d switch to someone else’s POV and remember there are multiple things about to go down on the same night. Like my heart was pounding, all the way until the fire... So suspense was built up well!
Let’s get into another one of my favorite books. The book was beautifully depicted and written. The separate experiences of Shane and Eva (Genevieve) and how they never lose their spark over time, were great. It’s amazing to read their story. I loved being able to see from multiple POVs and explore the main characters' minds. Audrey’s character is so precious to me. She is so mature for her age and I just adore her. When she says, on pg. 341 (ebook), “Destigmatizing male vulnerability is the first step toward rebuilding the absolute ruin that straight men have left the world in.” LIKE WHAT. Can my child pls be her?!
Also since I’m from New York, I was able to picture the places they went to since I’ve been there. I rarely get that connection with a book based on the setting. Overall, I am looking forward to rereading, laughing, and crying with the characters. The black humor and elements of the book are so special to connect with. It’s just executed so well. I definitely recommend it!
I really enjoyed this one! Eve and Jacob were so cute together. I LOVE the autistic representation, and the way the author explored their relationship on top of that was *chefs kiss*. I got to know and love both the MCs, and the BANTER and scenes 🫣 between them were well executed. These two made me want to lie on a highway, it’s that serious.
However, my only stipulations were the whole miscommunication in the 3rd act. I hate it. I hate it. It’s so avoidable!! Also, the censoring of curses (e.g. “fudge knickers”, “holy ginger biscuit”) felt a bit YA, which was not in line with the content iykyk. Besides that, I loved Eve and Jacob.Beach Read by Emily Henry - 5 ⭐️
Gus and January are my OTP! Say it with me. OTP! They belong together no doubt. Everything about this book screams summer, the love I aspire to have, and just the best characters that will forever live in my heart. I love them forever.
I love the free-flowing nature of this book. It wasn’t a high stake romance and is the perfect book for a “beach read” *wink wink*. I ate up the bet idea between the two and really LOVED how their relationship picked up. Gus "When I watch you sleep I feel overwhelmed that you exist" Everett count your days for raising my already unrealistic expectations even higher. I can’t wait to read it repeatedly and cry every time.
*take a shot every time I say love*
Reading 'Song of Achilles' is like knowing how something will end, yet hoping for a different ending. If you want to cry or feel something (you'll feel a lot), read this book. I didn't even think this greek tragedy retelling would resonate or have kept my interest overall, but it did. Yes there were a multitude of history, names, and facts to keep track of, but not in a manner that significantly takes away from the reading experience. More grievances and thoughts shared in my review linked above. It's a great pick for the end of summer.Funny Story by Emily Henry - 5 ⭐️
'Funny Story', oh wow, um...the way I thought no book of Emily Henry's could come close to Beach Read! I was WRONG. I fell in love with Daphne and Miles's (aka Nick Miller) story. They are such opposites, but right for each other in every way. From their individual character development and learning their quirks to their summer of adventures, this book was so enjoyable and right up my alley. Daphne falling for her ex-fiancé’s new fiancée’s ex plot is tricky maneuvering, but Henry does it in a believable way. I can't wait to read this one again, because it genuinely had some of my favorite tropes and felt real. Highly recommend! It is one of my top reads of the year.
I really really like this book. Like at first I obviously was expecting great things, but it took me a bit longer than I thought it would. However, the building out of the characters and the suspense of the trial intrigued me. I honestly loved Kya's character and how she was so fearless and free in a way. I felt for her whenever she was mistreated, and when she just wanted to have a number to call. Tears were a fallin!
Kya went through a lot and was so strong through it all. I'm so glad she eventually made her own. I do wish the gap wasn’t so big when the main couple in here started having their "relationship." It was such pure love though. Everything about this book, the unexpectedness of it, the romance, the tears, the thrill, made me love it.
THE Percy Jackson and the Olympians series! I so wish I read this when I was younger, however, I still adore this series as an adult. The action, the adventure, the character development. I also love when romance is a side plot so seeing Annabeth and Percy felt like the cherry on top of something already so precious. From watching the first movie adaptations and falling in love with those characters, I'm glad I read the series and fall in love with the book-accurate ones too. If you made it through all of these, I appreciate you! I'm a seasonal reader, so books set in a certain season get read accordingly. All that to say, I'll probably do more top lists of my reads. Comment what you’d like to see and your own fav summer/seasonal reads.
Little bonus recs here:
tata! xx
Also! A reminder to keep talking about Palestine, the DRC, and Sudan, & keep calling and emailing your representatives. Find a protest near you here and learn about the Boycotts, Divestments, and Sanctions (BDS) movement here.