The 2018 Summer Reading Guide is here. This year’s guide contains 25 (soon to be 26) titles that are perfect for the beach, pool or backyard. But just for fun (and just like last year, and the year before that, and the year before that) I’m narrowing the choices down to 5 total. (Minimalists and decision haters, rejoice!)
These top 5 titles are hugely entertaining, have broad appeal, and cover a wide variety of topics, themes, genres, and perspectives. Despite their variety, they all have two crucial things in common: they’re really good, and they embody what a summer read should be. They’ll keep you turning the pages, sure, but they also have substance—and I hope you’ll find them wonderfully thought-provoking and discussable.
I’ve listed my top 5 in order, by publication date. Later this week I’ll release a categorized version of the Summer Reading Guide. Stay tuned!
Don’t miss it!
Click here to visit the full 2018 Summer Reading Guide. Enter your email address on the page to get your free printables—a one-page guide and summer reading bookmarks—and to enter the giveaway to win your choice of any five books from the Summer Reading Guide.
Happy browsing, and happy reading!
25 comments
Thanks for the short list; it really helps me to decide my first picks from your wonderful summer lists! I just ordered The Great Alone and A Place for Us!
Does “I’ll Be Your Blue Sky” stand alone or is it necessary to have read the previous book to really enjoy it?
??? It says above that the book stands alone and no need to read the other one first.
If you’ve read the previous books, you’ll have those fun moments of recognition that come with knowing characters and connection. But this is a bonus, not an essential. Hope that helps!
Help, readers! I managed to snag The Great Alone from the library; however, I’ve not had a chance to start it. Now I have two days remaining. Is this the kind of book I’d love to tear through tonight and tomorrow evening, or should I surrender it back to the library and wait until I really have time to savor it?
Thank you!
My vote would be savor it. I don’t think I would be able to read it quickly, just because it is emotionally dense.
Thank you for weighing in – I appreciate your comment below too. I think I’d rather wait a month or so to read it than to rush through it now (or worse, only be able to read part before it’s due back!).
Another option would be to savor the book NOW and rack up a small library fine. (Not that I’ve done that too often.)
🙂 If only they let you work off library fines by volunteering…
RIGHT?
Two days is all you need. Very hard to put down.
Thanks for this list Anne! I get into decision overload with the longer list… plus my request list at the library can only be so long…
“I’ll Be Your Blue Sky” is SO good!! I tore through it in 24 hours and loved every page.
I read maybe 1/3 of “The Great Alone” before it was due back at the library. Will request it again for sure. It is so beautiful.
I love Maria de Los Santos and glad it’s stand alone. I’ve read Love Walked In but so long ago I don’t remember it!
Three of these five are on my TBR the long list. I’m very excited and need to get my hold requests in at the library.
Aaack! I just wanna sequester myself with a stack of books (all of these PLUS!) and not answer to anybody! Oh and snacks!
I like the way you’re thinking. 🙂
A Place for Us is quite catchy for me. Suggested books here I come.
Hi Sachi,
I’m sure you’ve read it, but I couldn’t help thinking about The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane for you!
This is a very interesting list! I am interested in reading the Widow of Malabara Hill. 🙂
Argh, I *must* get around to reading The Great Alone – I feel so out of step with the world, it seems like everyone I know has read it and loved it! Clearly, I’m in need of a minimalist list – does it count as being indecisive if you see a recommended reading guide and simply decide to read *all* of them? 😉
Thank you! My home doesn’t thank you, because I’ve spent all week sneaking time to read “The Widows of Malabar Hill” and I’m back here now, since I finished it and want more! It’s summer, right? Almost? Can’t wait for “The Great Alone” to get here.
I loved I’ll be Your Blue Skies! I actually listened to the audiobook and just couldn’t “put it down”.
I’ve gotten The Great Alone from the library a few times, but always when I’m in the middle of listening to something else. I’ll have to put it back on my priority list.
Thanks for the great recommendations!