Summer tends to be the season where I make the most time for reading. Last summer, I followed along with a local library’s summer reading list, but this year I thought it would be more fun to create my own!

I sifted through piles of books, checked their ratings and feedback on Goodreads, and decided on the books below. I tried to include a variety of books, from historical fiction, to crime & mystery, and of course a little romance.

Each book has a small description about why I’m interested in reading it along with a Goodreads rating (p.s if you’re not on Goodreads, you need to be. It’s like rotten tomatoes but for books!) Last summer I read around seven books, so I put the same amount on my list for this year!

Manhattan Beach (3.68)

This book was chosen for One Book One New York this year. Brought to you by the Mayor’s Office of Media  Entertainment and the New York Times, One Book One New York is pretty much a city wide book club. No matter what city you live in you don’t have to feel the fomo on this one. Check out the summary and reading guide that goes along with it here. 

Behold the Dreamers (3.95)

This book was a nominee for One Book One New York. Even though it didn’t win, it caught my interest. This story follows a Cameroonian immigrant living and working in Harlem. The narrative promises the peaks and crests of life as an immigrant discovers the secrets of his wealthy employer. This summer read promises to be an eye opening statement on current social and political issues surrounding immigration.

My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry (4.04)

From the author of one of my favorite reads, A Man Called Ove, this book is supposed to give you all the feels: joy, tears, giggles. My excitement for this novel comes primarily from my love of the author’s previous book, but also from the idea of a whimsical yet heart-grabbing tale about the love between grandchild and grandparent and coping with that kind of loss.

A Piece of the World (3.87)

This book is brought to you by the author of the popular novel, Orphan Train.  The story follows a small town girl who becomes the muse of artist Andrew Wyeth. Promising to be a well woven drama between fact and fiction, this book gives a rare look into some of America’s art history.

Sharp Objects (3.93)

Brought to you by the author of Gone Girl, a chilling crime novel is always on my summer reading list. I tend to read this gripping novels the fastest! Sure to be a thriller, Sharp Objects is about a troubled journalist who must return to her hometown to uncover the mysteries behind the murder of two young girls. If this is any thing like Gone Girl, it’s guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat.

We Are Not Ourselves (3.7)

This multigenerational story of an Irish-American family caught my attention, as the last multigenerational storyline I read proved to be absolutely moving and unmatched in character development. Although it’s a longer read, this story covers a century of family, childhood, marriage, success, and reality.  The plot of yearning for and falling short of the American dream promises to be a captivating work of art.

Leaving Time (3.95)

I can’t go the whole summer without a tear jerker, so Jodi Picoult is finishing off my summer reading the list. A story about a daughter looking to learn the truth about her mysterious mother enlists the help of a psychic and a private detective. Oh also, there’s some advocation for elephants thrown in. This book is a perfect quick and mesmerizing read to pick up this summer.