If you’re anything like me, you think summer is made for reading. But nothing is more frustrating than picking up the latest (and much-hyped) new release to find that even though it’s a bestseller, it’s not the right book for you.
How do you enjoy the hits without wasting time on the misses?
Enter the summer reading guide.
This compact, user-friendly guide whittles the overwhelming array of readerly options down to just 25 titles. Reading is personal, and my goal in this guide is to help you discover the books that are perfect for you.
Every book in there has earned its spot, and I’ve personally read them all, front to back. I can vouch for them, and answer any questions you have. In every description, I give you the information you need to help you decide not just if a book sounds good, but if it sounds like a good book for YOU.
Ready to get started? Head here to access the guide.
Enter your email and get instant access to the guide right there on the screen. You’ll be entered to win your choice of any five titles from the Summer Reading Guide. And check your email, because you get a printable one-page version of the guide (perfect for those bookstore and library visits) and printable bookmarks to use all summer long right there in your inbox.
If you love the Summer Reading Guide, would you spread the book love? Share on your favorite social media platform or with your favorite bookish friends. Our official hashtag is #summerstooshort—because summer is too short to read books you don’t love. I appreciate it so much—thank you from the bottom of my bookish heart.
Readers, it’s going to be a great season. Happy summer, and happy reading!
Anne
P.S. The 5-book minimalist Summer Reading Guide is coming next week! (Sneak a peek at last year’s version while you wait.)
P.P.S. Adorable summer reading buttons are free with any non-digital purchase in the shop, while supplies last.
32 comments
Happy Day! Thanks for all your hard work on this.
Thank you for researching and compiling another amazing summer reading guide. I was wondering if there would be a printable list available. Something readers could use as a shopping list, tracking method, etc.
I think you’ll get that if you subscribe to updates.
Yes! Enter your email on this page: https://modernmrsdarcy.com/summer-reading-guide-2018/
That’s where you enter the giveaway and sign up for the printable one-page list and bookmarks.
Thank you, Anne! I read Queen of Hearts a few months ago and loved it.
I’m confused. I did all the steps, but I keep getting the minimalist summer reading guide and not the full thing. I can see all the titles she’s suggesting, but there’s only 5 titles on the “bookmarks.”
The full guide is here: https://modernmrsdarcy.com/summer-reading-guide-2018/
Thank you! Another great list!
I miss the categories/groupings from previous years; it made it much easier to choose the next book to pick up. Usually, there are whole groups that I know I can skip over. Also, am I overlooking any non-fiction? Or is each book a fiction novel?
I agree with this! Did you completely forgo the categorization this year? I definitely miss it! And I don’t know if I remember the books being limited by date (had to come out this year) in the past years either?
I was looking forward to categories as well, since this is the first year I’ve followed your blog, and I eagerly read through all your previous summer reading challenges when I noticed them. The groups you created in 2015 are especially intriguing: Get Smart Books, Hit the Road, Tales of Badass Women … Oh, well, no reason I can’t go into the backlist and read those titles, too!
I cannot tell you how much I appreciate you & your hard work with this list. I am a middle school teacher and this list has come to signify my finish line & the months of reading ahead. Thank you so much!
OMG I adored The Wedding Date! I am so very happy to see it on this list because it deserves all of the love. I went to the book launch at The Ripped Bodice in LA where the author answered questions before the signing and she is just as delightful as her book. It’s a great book for people who don’t normally read romance novels (as well as romance lovers!).
Thank you for putting together this amazing list! I would not have come across any of these books, had it not been for this list. I’ve selected 6 books to read, for now- based on the descriptions you have provided, so quite excited!!:)
Quick question- what do you mean by triggers in the description of some books? Looking forward to diving in to the reads!
It usually means that there are topics discussed or things that happened that may be hugely upsetting to people and that they may want to avoid. Things such as sexual assault, child abuse, domestic violence, extreme racism, loss of a loved one etc etc.
I would also assume triggers related to mental illness and suicide is also what’s meant by the “triggers” warning. Anne, is that part included when you add trigger warnings for certain titles? If not, it should be one of your criteria for a “trigger” alert.
My husband and I are heading to California for a week this summer and I plan to pick a few books from this list to read during our vacation! Thank you, thank you, thank you! @onmiltonavenue
Anne,
Thanks for all the work you do in putting this list together. I am using my 3-month free subscription to Scribd that I got from the Ultimate Bundle to listen to some of these. I can’t wait!!
As always, thank you for putting together this summer reading guide, Anne!
I am soooo happy to see that The Boat People by Canadian author Sharon Bala made the guide! I am currently reading it and can’t stop recommending it.
Definitely adding The Wedding Date, The Queen of Hearts and Not That I Could Tell You to my summer reading list. Also super excited about Us Against You!
I am currently reading The Perfect Mother and loving it. Also recently read The Good Liar by Catherine McKenzie and I can’t stop thinking about it!
Thanks again for all you do!
Anne,
When I put my email address at the top of the page, there’s nowhere to hit return to enter the contest, etc. Can you enlighten me about this?
The list is excellent, btw! ☺
Jill, the email box was acting wonky on some devices at first but I believe we have it fixed now.
Love the list, thank you! Happily I already have a few of the titles and plan to lay hands on a few of the others. There were many new ones there though!
I also would love a printable format…of ALL the titles, not just a one page shortlist. I like taking a printed list with me places, it is easier for me to read and highlight and than looking through my phone. I am also not overly fond of handing over my phone to strangers at a bookshop when I am looking for a title.
I suppose I could just copy and paste onto a Word document and print, but since others had asked as well I thought I would add my voice to the chorus!
I want to make sure you know: the one-page printable that you can get by email has all the titles on it.
I look forward to this each summer and love the categories. Any chance you will add them back?
Categorized version (with one additional title) coming this week.
I have been a fan of your reading guides for a few years now, but this is the first time I have commented. I really love the new format with no categories! It made me try a book I wouldn’t normally have tried: The Hazel Wood. This is such a great book! I finished it in two days. I’m so glad you included it in your guide. Thank you for all the hard work you put into it every year, Anne!