What Was Your Best Summer Read Ever?
I have a memory of lying in the sunshine on a towel spread over the small patch of gritty, damp sand beside Square Lake, my wet hair dripping over my shoulders. I was reading a thick hardcover copy of Valley of the Dolls (no jacket) checked out from the library. I can remember other hot afternoons that summer whiled away in front of my bedroom window fan reading about El Morocco, cocktails, smart suits, and the scandals of young women in 1960s New York. It was heaven.
It’s been awhile since I read a summer book that utterly enveloped me. Right now I have a Buddhist text and a stack of New Yorkers on my bedside table, and neither of them are sweeping me away–out of my head, out of my life, and into another world entirely. Let’s put our heads together for a Pink of Perfection Ultimate Summer Reading List. What was the best summer book you read? We’re not talking trash (at least, not necessarily)–we’re talking compulsively readable, the kind of book that can occupy you for hours in a hammock or in the beach breeze so that you look up hours later and realize––well, look at that––it’s time for a gin and tonic.
I need one of those. (The book, I mean. Though the drink doesn’t sound too shabby, either.)
MJ: I remember the summer I spent days on end out by the pool reading The Time Traveler’s Wife. It was such a delicious summer read!49 weeks ago
Chelsea: The Time Traveler’s Wife! Best book I’ve read in years. Seriously couldn’t put it down–luckily I was at the beach and didn’t have to
49 weeks ago
Janet: I was totally into the Hunger Games trilogy last summer. I went camping with Mockingjay (the final book in the trilogy) and was completely engrossed, to the point that I barely remember anything else about the camping trip!49 weeks ago
Carrie: For me it’s Vonnegut. In particular, Cat’s Cradle or Slaughterhouse Five. In each of these books I am endlessly entertained by Vonnegut’s sarcastic humor.49 weeks ago
megan: this is my dream post today!
i was thoroughly enamored of the hunger games trilogy, too. i can’t remember the last time i sat and read a whole book in one sitting.
last summer, i read and loved atmospheric disturbances by rivka galchen.
i’m dying for summer reads!49 weeks ago
Hilary: I am powerless against the pull of travel/food memoirs, particularly those involving Italy. Marlena de Blasi, an American chef, has written several memoirs of her spur-of-the-moment marriage to a Venetian & her subsequent life in the land of la dolce vita. She’s a sensualist, unabashedly attached to her adjectives, and the food writing is exquisite. The books are: A Thousand Days in Venice, A Thousand Days in Tuscany, The Lady in the Palazzo, and That Summer in Sicily.49 weeks ago
Julie: A few summers ago, I read MEMBER OF THE WEDDING and THE MOVIEGOER. Both are small in size (I like lighter books in the summer for some reason — easier to tote around to the park and beach maybe?) and set in the South, which just feels appropriate during warmer months.
I love this game. Can’t wait to check back and see what everyone else recommends!49 weeks ago
La Chapstick Fanatique: Some books I have read over the summer that I couldn’t put down: A Thousand Splendid Suns, the David Sedaris books, Are there Vodka Its Me Chelsea, The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo and The Girl that Played with Fire.
I feel like there are a few more but I just can’t remember right now.
http://lachapstickfanatique.blogspot.com49 weeks ago
I’m completely with you, Chelsea. I loved The Time Traveler’s Wife so much. It was the first time in forever I remember my eyelids literally drooping and me just not wanting to stop reading and go to bed.
Oooh, I have heard so much about The Hunger Games! You guys really make it sound awesome.
And Hilary: yeah, this lady sounds totally delicious and transporting.
Julie, Love the idea of reading books set in the south in the summer!49 weeks ago
Anjali: Possession by A.S. Byatt, picked up in a used bookstore in Chiangmai, read on beach in Phuket. It totally made me forget about the obnoxious topless tourists (it wasn’t a topless beach) and the huge life change ahead of me (moving halfway around the world). It was perfect.49 weeks ago
Becca: I have 3…and as of late I haven’t been able to find a book to duplicate the “best ever beach read” feeling…looking forward to reading your comments for new suggestions
My 3 faves:
1) All-time favorite book ever: Love in the Time of Cholera
2) Summer Sisters (read when I was a teenager–great beach read!)
3) Middlesex49 weeks ago
Kit: Good question. I love to re-read Haruki Murakami in the summer, maybe you’d like him too.
Other titles: the Millennium trilogy by Stieg Larrson, The Gone-Away World by Nick Harkaway, The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon (it will make you laugh and cry at the same time), anything by Nicole Krauss.49 weeks ago
Jen: Right now, I’m in deep with East of Eden, and it definitely meets your criteria!49 weeks ago
El: I read To Kill a Mockingbird every July. Lots of summer vacation tom(the rabid dog)-foolery. Strong narrative, quaint but sage southern-y dialogue, and likeable characters all make for mostly propulsive reading. As it is only June, and I’ve not yet pulled out my copy of TKAM, I’m reading The Maytrees by Annie Dillard. Provincetown, Cape Cod, beachy, life-long love story tends to the poetic, so you gotta pay attention. (Soundtrack: Real Estate and Beach Fossils.)49 weeks ago
Chrissy: Hunting and Gathering by Anna Gavalda- stayed up ALL NIGHT to finish this one. I think they made it into a French film- so looking forward to somehow seeing it.
Juliet by Anne Fortier- suspense, mystery, romance- my only complaint was that the whole story wrapped up too quickly.
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford
And anything set in the south. I just started Promise Bridge by Eileen Clymer Schwab- so far so good!
I LOVE historical fiction- some good long juicy reads include The Memoirs of Cleopatra and Helen of Troy- both by Margaret George.
I’m also looking forward to making a list of these comments and taking it to the library! Happy Summer!49 weeks ago
Andrea: In high school I was obsessed with Victoria Holt novels. I would check them out of the library four or five at a time. They are very formulaic, (young girl has hard life, becomes a governess, mystery and adventure ensue) but hard to put down.
I spent the majority of one summer holed up in my room reading Gone With the Wind.49 weeks ago
Kristina: Barbara Kingsolver’s Southwestern tales always feel like summer to me. I especially loved “The Bean Trees.” Even “Animal, Vegetable, Mineral” while non-fiction, was so fitting at a time when all things green are coming to fruition.
I have a very vivid memory of being holed up in the house one rainy summer day and reading “The Amityville Horror” while both my parents were at work. Terrifying!
“The Laws of Harmony” by Judith Hendricks was utterly enchanting.
And I definitely have to second (third, fourth, and fifth!) the recommendation of “The Hunger Games” trilogy. Just incredible.49 weeks ago
Ewa: Jen, I’m totally with you! East of Eden was my perfect Easter read a few years ago, unputdownable!
My last summer was sponsored by “The Southern Vampire Mysteries” – thanks to Kim, who wrote at some point that she loves the series.49 weeks ago
Katie: The Time Traveler’s Wife is amazing, but you’ve already read it. My other favorite summer book is “Their Eyes Were Watching God”. It is the most beautifully written book I’ve ever read and is full of summertime and drama and love. And last summer I read “The Prince of Tides”, and though it is a heartbreaking book, the discriptions of food and summer are stunning. Pat Conroy is my new author love.49 weeks ago
Chrissy: Ooooo… sorry- I checked my Facebook visual bookshelf thingy and had to add a few more:
historical fictions- A Love Divine by Alexandra Ripley, The Various Flavors of Coffee by Anthony Cappella, and HIGHLY recommend Woman of A Thousand Secrets by Barbara Wood49 weeks ago
Planet MarTay: The Blind Assasin by Margaret Atwood was one of my favortie summer reads. Last year, I read Slauterhouse Five, while lounging on the beach. Although, I enjoyed the book, there were some scenes that were not conducive to lazily lounging on the beach. This year, I took Hocus Pocus to the beach. @Carrie – I’m a sucker for Vonnegut, too!
I’m looking forward to diving into Chelsea Handler’s new book, “Lies that Chelsea Told me.” Her other two books were hysterical!
I love reading some of the other comments. Seems like my book list will be expanding with some of the other suggested favorites!49 weeks ago
Erin: YES, YES, YES on both the Time Traveler’s Wife and the Hunger Games trilogy. I’ll add Bossypants for this summer – it’s a great, easy, entertaining and relaxing read. Who doesn’t love Tina Fey?
49 weeks ago
Donna: “The Outlander” by Diana Gabaldon. The first 3 or 4 times I read this 800+ page book, I walked up and down stairs while reading, crossed streets while reading, took the subway instead of driving so I could read, stayed up till 3 reading…you get the point. It is totally engrossing, escapist literature that defies genre pigeon-holing. It’s a swashbuckling historical fiction time travel story with some interesting biology and some really hot sex thrown in. Get past the first 40 or so pages (while they’re in boring old 1945) and you’re in for the adventure of a summer. (Much more than that, really. The book is the beginning of a series and it’s changed who I am as a reader.)
Be warned, the hero Jamie might have you looking at your husband and comparing him in a negative light. Just remember, Jamie’s fiction, Hubby’s warm and real.
AND, if you don’t go an buy an expensive bottle of Scotch to put in your tea after reading it, you’re a stronger woman than I.49 weeks ago
Jen: I also have 3 that meet the criteria. Love summer beach reads.
1. Anna Karenina – read it in high school for summer reading and it might be time for reading #2 by now.
2. Colony by Anne Rivers Siddons – literally read this on the beach and was so upset when it was over because I missed the characters in my daily life.
3. East of Eden – read this one summer after college in between waitressing shifts on a lawn chair behind my little apartment complex and got a great change of scenery.49 weeks ago
Jessica: Summer Sisters by Judy Blume
The Help
South of Broad Pat Conroy
Prodigal Summer Barbara Kingsolver49 weeks ago
Janae: I really, really liked One Day by David Nicholls. It’s coming out as a movie this summer, too (which I honestly have mixed feelings about). I couldn’t put it down once I got into it – it made me laugh and cry, and I was sad when it was over.49 weeks ago
Melissa: “East of Eden” has to be my favorite book I have ever read. Felt like I lost a best friend when I finished that book. You just loose yourself completely in that book, it is wonderful!!!49 weeks ago
jiji: The Piano Teacher- if you want to be transported to another place, time then this book is perfect. It takes place in 1950s Hong Kong. There’s love. Intrigue. History. And bonus: it’s a quick read!49 weeks ago
Kelly: Hi, Sarah! I have lurked on your site for awhile now, but your post made me peek my head out! I have 2 I think you’d love, judging by the poetry that you often post on your site, which almost always resonates with me. “The Awakening,” by Kate Chopin and “Marjorie Morningstar” by Herman Wouk instantly come to mind as intoxicating summer reads. Enjoy.49 weeks ago
Kelly: I totally second Outlander! You will not be able to put that one down, certainly.
The Southern Vampire Mysteries (a.k.a. the Sookie Stackhouse books) are perfect summer reads.
I’m currently reading The Four Corners of the Sky by Michael Malone and am absolutely loving it. It’s set in the South in July, and there’s all sorts of crazy stuff going on with fun, eccentric, complicated characters popping in and out.49 weeks ago
Alaina B.: Right now I’m reading “Gone With The Wind” for the first time and I am completely engrossed. Highly recommended! (Plus, mint juleps and lemon verbena are mentioned quite often, which makes it feel quite summery.)49 weeks ago
The Flying Quiche: Such good suggestions already!! *opens amazon wish list and starts adding*
A few that I can remember not wanting to put down are: Pillars of the Earth- Just so engrossing and I love anything with a historical setting.
Papillion- Fantastic book based on a true story (!!!) of a man wrongly imprisoned in French Guiana in 1931and his escape. Completely riveting.
Gone with the Wind- I might just have to re-read this one. I think it is the definition of a GOOD summer read!
If you like sci-fi: Ender’s Game is short, powerful and a classic.
I’m currently reading The Sharper your knives, the less you Cry about a woman’s true experience going to the Cordon Bleu Culinary School in Paris. It’s helping me decide whether to go there myself! And it’s a pretty lovely read too.
Happy ready to everyone!49 weeks ago
The Flying Quiche: And I meant- Happy Reading!!~49 weeks ago
Ann: Unfortunately, I experienced my best summer reads as a child. I have a distinct memory of devouring L.M. Montgomery’s Emily trilogy over the course of three days the summer before 6th grade. As an adult, I’m rarely able to slip into that all-encompassing mindset. However, a few books that have come close are The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield, Bel Canto by Ann Patchett, and The Likeness by Tana French.49 weeks ago
Can I just jump in here to say how amazingly wonderful this list is!?!49 weeks ago
Diane Carol: I’ll ditto on “The Colony” – I’ve been re-reading that book for years! I also read Firefly Lane (I think?) – great beach read….actually sat in a beach chair in Lake Michigan (yes, IN) and finished it in a day and a half…..crying and laughing all the way. Summer Sisters is a great one too! Just this past weekend I read The Kitchen Help (excellent), and Pollyanna (what a dear sweet read!)….Those are the “light” ones. Some heavier (but fabulous) ones: Those That Saved Us and Shades of Grey (I “think” that’s the name…..) both excellent – hard to read, but I couldn’t put them down.49 weeks ago
J: I like to read books either set where I am, or written by people from there. Hence, all of my suggestions are British…
-A.A. Milne’s Two People
-Edmund De Waal’s The Hare with Amber Eyes
-Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
-All David Lodge books (go for David if you want insight that will crack you up – my latest “tube book” was Deaf Sentence and I’m sure other commuters thought I was absoultely mad, as I gave up stifling my laughter around page three. His books are perfect for popping into a picnic or beach bag, or for reading at night in a hot flat when you can’t sleep, even with the fan blowing on your head)
-Tracy Chevalier’s Remarkable Creatures
-Philippa Carr’s (who is also Victoria Holt) Daughters of England series49 weeks ago
Sarah: The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender
After Dark by Haruki Murakami
Both of these novels are fascinating, unique, smart, and totally engrossing. They have a tenderness about them, too. Loved every page!49 weeks ago
Aidan: One book that held me utterly captive is Garbo Laughs, by Elizabeth Hay. It’s about a family, and the relationships they have with each other and old movies, and how these movies, relationships, and anxieties affect their lives. A wonderful portrait of a son’s relationship to the world and his mother…they interact through movie nights and fights over whether or not Frank Sinatra was the be all and end all. The language is sublime, and there’s a moment you can kind of see coming, but then something happens that makes you literally double take. In literary form. Double read? I have given this as a gift many, many times.49 weeks ago
Katie: So many great ideas!
I love The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series – perfect beach reads as they’re set in summertime, and there’s a new one coming out next week!
I may also have to reread Gone with the Wind…it’s been a long time. As for others…hmm…I’ll have to think about it!49 weeks ago
Drew!: “Even Cowgirls Get the Blues” by Tom Robbins-best summer read ever! This book is infinitely better than the ill fated movie. It has all the fun of a rebellious female road trip (hitch hiking no less) coupled with all the off handed inappropriateness that Tom Robbins is famous for.
Kristina-I am with you on Barbara Kingsolver. Have you read the Poisonwood Bible?
Chrissy-Hunting and Gathering looks awesome, it is on my list
X49 weeks ago
Max Othermoxx: David Copperfield. Seriously. Just beautiful and a fun read. And about something really important. I know Dickens sounds heavy (or maybe just to me), but it is really very much just a gripping storybook. I finished it and started again from the beginning because there were characters I want so much in my life.49 weeks ago
Carrie Ann: Love this!
Here are a few I’ve enjoyed recently that seem to fit the “summer read” bill. Thank goodness for Goodreads…without it I would never remember what I’ve read.
The Tower, The Zoo, and The Tortoise by Julia Stuart
Blood, Bones & Butter: The Inadvertent Education of a Reluctant Chef by Gabrielle Hamilton (just saw her do a reading last night, she is such a rock star!)
Gods Behaving Badly by Marie Phillips
The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry
The Laws of Harmony by Judi Hendricks49 weeks ago
Wendy: Jasper Jones, an Australian novel by Craig Silvie. It’s amazing- I’ve not known anyone who had been able to put it down. Think To Kill A Mockingbird meets early 60s small town coming of age story. Clever and brilliantly written.
Otherwise I read The Great Gatsby every summer (the boredom! The mint juleps!), I also vote for Anna Karenina, and try to shove as many Jane Austens in as possible as well.
Great topic. I’m about to need some serious winter escapism so will use everyone’s recommendations too!49 weeks ago
Katherine: Oooh this is a fun post! Okay my favorite sweep-me-away book right now is The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert Heinlein. I had to force myself to stop reading it at 1 am just to get some sleep! Other lighter faves of the moment: The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant and The Pleasure of My Company by Steve Martin. My favorite of all time is Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison.49 weeks ago
Liz: The Story of Edgar Sawtelle is incredibly engaging. I read it twice within a year because I just love it. The Perks of Being a Wallflower is great, but it is short. I will second the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series.
Miss Understanding is funny and sweet; Bitch is the New Black is a hilarious, true version of the shopaholic books.
I’m definitely going to scan through this list and add all these books to my reading list!49 weeks ago
Ashley: The Hours by Michael Cunningham. Fantastic book, and the movie makes me cry my eyes out every time.
White Noise by Don Delillo.
Run by Ann Patchett.
I, too, loved The Time Traveler’s Wife and The Awakening.
Great list!49 weeks ago
Erin: Wow! What a tremendous list! Thank you for suggesting this, Sarah. I second the Barbara Kingsolver, Ann Patchett (just finished Run), David Lodge, Love In the Time of Cholera recommendations. Water Music by TC Boyle had me floating along with the characters on the endless river. I’m trying to think of one that really gripped me, couldn’t put it down book. I’ll think about it and get back to you.
P.S. Now I’m dying to read East of Eden and Time Traveler’s Wife!49 weeks ago
deanne: Love this list!!! I just put a hold on Garbo Laughs at my library. Yay!49 weeks ago
Sara Rose: -Valley of The Dolls (REREAD EVERY SUMMER)
-The Elegance of The Hedgehog (so amazing)
-Sputnik Sweetheart
-Trashy novels by Mary Kay Andrews- yum and fun!
-This summer I’m starting out with Stephen King’s Memoirs on Writing, Karma by Cathy Ostlere (IT IS AMAZING AND YOU NEED TO READ IT), and about 50 million other books. I’m sure I can add to this list but . . . I need a gin and tonic.49 weeks ago
Ruth Maassen: Lovers of Time Traveler’s wife, don’t miss Audrey Niffenegger’s second novel, Her Fearful Symmetry. I’ve read David Copperfield so many times, it’s part of me. Two great writers of historical fiction are Rose Tremain and Geraldine Brooks. Lee Child’s thrillers never fail to transport me for the hours that I can’t put them down (they’re maybe a little bit TOO thrilling).49 weeks ago
Ruth Maassen: Cairre Ann, I loved Gods Behaving Badly. Wicked! I’d never heard of anyone else who’d read it.49 weeks ago
Rebecca: I have to reinforce recommendations of The Hunger Games, Larsson’s Millennium trilogy, One Day, and anything by Ann Patchett (Bel Canto in particular) or Barbara Kingsolver. Yes!!
Some of my favourite summer reads that I absolutely fell into were years ago: The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley, The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje, Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks, and The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson. My favourite classic read of the past few years is definitely The Count of Monte Cristo, hands down, and a book I recently read that is just absolutely gorgeously written is Plain Kate by Erin Bow.
I love love LOVE these book recommendations! My poor library holds list is going to grow exponentially, I can feel it…49 weeks ago
Elizabeth: I find I prefer mystery series, so my choice would be the next one in any of the series I follow. My favorite humorous mystery authors would be Parnell Hall who writes the Puzzle Lady series and the Stanley Hastings series. Also Janet Evanovich who writes the Stephanie Plum series and the John Cepak series by Chris Grabenstein.
For non-stop action mystery I like David Baldacci and his Camel Club series. For a more supernatural mystery I like Jim Butcher and his Dresden Files and of course JK Rowling and the Harry Potter series, and the Secondhand Spirits series by Juliet Blackwell. Also E.J. Copperman and the Haunted Guesthouse series.
For a cozier type mystery I enjoy Jo Dereske’s Miss Zukas librarian series and I just started a new series by Ron and Janet Benrey about the Royal Tunbridge Wells Tea Museum.
Examples of police procedurals would be Ed McBain’s 87th Precinct series and Margaret Maron’s Sigrid Harald series. A British police series would be the Bryant and Mays series by Christopher Fowler.
There are just so many. If you a series reader I suggest joining fictfact to keep track of your reading…it is not just for mysteries.49 weeks ago
aleda powell: Some of my favorites………..
A Fierce Radiance
The Red Tent
Murder on the Orient Express
For me the list actually goes on and on, but these are a few of my consistent go to’s.49 weeks ago
Alaina B.: I just had to second “David Copperfield” and suggest “Bleak House,” another awesome Dickens read. (It’s also been adapted into a very arty, modern BBC miniseries starring Gillian Anderson, among others…) And speaking of gin and tonics, has anyone else been seduced by the “Vesper” martini? I discovered it when I had a bottle of Lillet in the fridge that needed drinking…Stiff, but refreshing!49 weeks ago
Cassandra: The Cazalet Chronicles by Elizabeth Jane Howard – set in a country house in Britain during WWII. Follows the lives of the young cousins who come find themselves living together to escape London. There are four of them (three of which are more readily available) and they are fantastic. I wish I hadn’t read them yet, so I could experience them for the first time!49 weeks ago
Kathy: I wholeheartedly agree with everyone on The Hunger Games Trilogy. If you haven’t read them, you simply must! Last summer, I got into Karen White. She sets many of her novels on lonely islands off South Carolina and the like. I started with The House on Tradd Street…they are an easy to get into and perfect summer reads. I just started her new one, The Beach Trees.49 weeks ago
Crystal: Years ago, when I worked in a bookstore I had The-Summer-of-Strong-Southern-Women and “Charms for the Easy Life” by Kaye Gibbons is still one of my favorites. “A Virtuous Woman” also by Kaye Gibbons is also fabulous but I have trouble reccomending it as a summer read since I cried, out-loud, in public, through much of it! For out-right escapism, not to mention laugh out loud moments Peter Mayle “A Year in Provence”. A more recent find is Kate Morton, especially “The House at Riverton”. And any time I want to get out out of my own head I go to Fairacre via Miss Read, “Village School” is the first in this charming series. Thanks for all the great suggestions! Off to load up my Kindle!!49 weeks ago
Rachel: I don’t have any favorite summer reads. but I’m currently reading Wht the internet is doing to our brains The Shallows by Nicholas Carr.
Also, i disovered zine on another blog and it’s beautiful, inspiring, and a quick read. They have a blog as well.
I recommed you buy it for everyone you know.
. You can also buy it at Etsy.
Thanks for the recommendations I’ll add to my list!
http://spoonfulzine.com/?page_id=11449 weeks ago
Beth/SouthernBluestocking: The swooners: Anything by Jennifer Crusie. Her latest (Maybe This Time, Don’t Look Down, and Agnes and the Hitman are absolutely wonderful. Have read each countless times.)
The abroads: Anything by Frances Mayes. I prefer these in the hammock while swigging from a cheap bottle of wine. Under the Tuscan Sun is a perennial favorite, but Bella Tuscany and A Year in the World are also quite frabjous.
The sets: I love to reread Joanne Dobson’s (an academic mystery series), Carole Nelson Douglas’ (her Irene Adler series), Iain Pears’ (his art history series), Dorothy Sayers’ (I could absolutely crawl into the Peter Wimsey/Harriet Vane books. Love.)
The others: Anything by Toni Morrison, Nancy Mitford, Michael Cunningham, or Neil Gaiman
Enjoying everyone else’s suggestions!49 weeks ago
Allyn: She’s Come Undone by Wally Lamb is perfect summer easy reading to me. And my teen years memory of reading a book in a hammock one summer was The Bell Jar… amazing!49 weeks ago
Anna: Sophie’s World by Jostein Gaarder, Winter’s Tale by Mark Helprin, and Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver!49 weeks ago
Kim: A couple of summers ago I re-read all the S E Hinton books one after the other – boy was I sad when I was finished!
(The Outsiders; Tex; That was Then, This is Now; Rumble Fish).
I can also highly recommend Nancy Mitford’s `Love in a Cold Climate”, and Rosamund Lehmann’s “The Weather in the Streets”.49 weeks ago
sonya: 1. Any and all of the “Ripley” novels by Patricia Highsmith (the first was “The Talented Mr. Ripley, but she wrote several more with the same character). Reading them was like taking an armchair vacation, I couldn’t put the book down. Highsmith is a phenomenal writer.
2. Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe. An amazing portrait of NYC, a page turner which I also could not put down until I’d finished it.49 weeks ago
BeijingBean: Lots of good books on this list. Some good reads that could make you feel like the most sane person ever OR make go nuts.
Marabou Stork Nightmares by Irvine Welsh
ANYTHING by Chuck Palahniuk; Invisible Monsters and Survivor
House of Leaves bye Mark Z. Danielewski
Jonathan Ames’ books are lighter reads than those listed above, but still neurotic (in a good way).
I never post, but am an avid reader of this blog. Simply couldn’t pass this thread by. Cheers!49 weeks ago
brie.: the curious incident of the dog in the nighttime – mark haddon
a fine balance – rohinton mistry
fall on your knees – anne marie macdonald
a staggering work of heartbreaking genius – dave eggars
the drifters – james a michener
such a great list and a great idea – will be adding these to my to-read list!!!49 weeks ago
Laura: My fondest ‘summer read’ was from the summer I was 22, while camping on an East coast beach with friends, I read ‘Summer Sisters’ by Judy Blume– and spent the entire trip devouring every page. One of my absolute favorite memories is laying on a beach blanket at about 8pm as the sun was setting (my FAVORITE time to be on the beach!), finishing that book. I’ve tried very hard to replicate the ‘perfectness’ of that evening since!
Don’t let Judy Blume fool you- this book is for adults. Spoke so true to female relationships & love & love lost. Enjoy! And have a wonderful summer.49 weeks ago
Laura: Oh- and, can’t forget ‘Beach Music’ by Pat Conroy!!! A must-read for sure.49 weeks ago
LuxeBytes: I will probably never forgive myself for reading this, but right now I’m devouring the Motley Crue memoir, “The Dirt.” I may need a round of antibiotics and a flea bomb when I’m done.49 weeks ago
Katherine: My perfect summer books are “Goodbye Columbus” by Phillip Roth and “Bonjour Tristesse” by Francoise Sagan. Love the movies too.49 weeks ago
Andie: Garlic and Sapphires
My favorite Ruth Reich book! She’s such a fantastic food writer..perfect for the beach.
Everything is Illuminated
Jonathan Safran Foer’s writing is actually laugh out loud funny.
Naked
Lisa Moore’s short story collection about sex and marriage is amazing. She’s my favorite Canadian author
The Once and Future King by T.H White.49 weeks ago
Ebony: Commencement by J. Courtney Sullivan
Freedom by Jonathan Franzen
I agreed with She’s Come Undone or anything by Wally Lamb
oh dear, I so want to be on a beach right now…49 weeks ago
Alison: Well, the last book that I read that I couldn’t put down was “The Custom of the Country” by Edith Wharton. Wharton is so satisfyingly articulate about phoney people, it really hit the spot. It’s also not in her usual tragic vein, which I think makes it more “summer friendly.”49 weeks ago
kristen: Mm, any/all of the “Anne of Green Gables” books, Vonnegut’s “Cat’s Cradle”/”Galapagos,” Mary Doria Russell’s “The Sparrow,” Arthur C. Clarke’s “Childhood’s End,” and now, this summer, Aimee Bender’s “The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake.”
Divine.
(Great post! Thanks for gettin’ me thinking about this.)49 weeks ago
Amanda Block: It’s so funny, Valley of the Dolls is the book that immediately springs to mind.49 weeks ago
Antonia: As soon as I read the title to today’s post I thought to myself, “It would have to be Valley of the Dolls.” Love it!49 weeks ago
KatelynLikesThis: When I read Judy Blume’s “Summer Sisters” back in highschool one summer.49 weeks ago
Cadi: OK, so all of my favorites are listed on here, but I do have to thank everyone for giving me the summer reading list I’ve been craving. So many titles I’ve never read (and I’m sad to say one of those is Valley of the Dolls, I’m on my way to the library to get it this morning!).49 weeks ago
Jill Marie Codere: well i would have to say my favorite summer read would be The Great Gatsby. I’ve always loved this book and it’s the perfect romantic story to read while relaxing on a beach blanket…
I did enjoy the Sisterhhood book…but only the first one!
Time for me to renew my love with books!!49 weeks ago
Designing Diva: I have a huge stack of books from all the used book sales I go to throughout the year – nothing comforts me more than knowing I have books on demand! I always loved
Victoria Holt/Philippa Carr, Rosamund Pilcher (finally I am going to see Cornwall for myself this fall!), and of course, the ultimate Agatha Christie. I have read all of their books, most more than once, and they are my go-to books for easy summer reading.49 weeks ago
Nicole: I loved Cane River by Lalita Tademy! It is a great historical fiction and I could not put it down!!!!!!!49 weeks ago
Michelle: I highly, strongly, completely recommend the following:
The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love by Oscar Hijuelos
River of Hidden Dreams by Connie May Fowler
Anywhere But Here by Mona Simpson
Terms of Endearment by Larry McMurtry
Goodbye Without Leaving by Laurie Colwin
Night Shift by Maritta Wolff
Trust the recommendations for Time Traveler’s Wife, The Thirteenth Tale, The Red Tent, Bel Canto….all great reads!49 weeks ago
Dana: I second the recommendation of “The Sparrow” by Mary Dora Russell–it’s amazing. Some of my other favs: “Rebecca” by Daphne du Maurier (best beach read ever!), “Freedom” by Jonathan Franzen (if you haven’t already read it–it might be the great American novel), “The God of Small Things” by Arundahti Roy, all of Calvin Trillin’s books, and I like to reread “A Moveable Feast” every summer.49 weeks ago
Maureen: Designing Diva- I LOVE Rosamunde Pilcher, the Shell Seekers is one of my favorite books. Sometimes when I am in a quandary, I think “what would Penelope do?”
Trying to think of favorite summer reads, but all I can come up with is books I love all year round.
The Flavia De Luce mysteries are new to me this year, and seriously some of the best books I have read in a while. Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie is the first in the series. Alan Bradley is the author.
I do remember being sick one summer day, and my mother bringing home a paperback she bought for me- The Crystal Cave by Mary Stewart. Thus started my love of all things King Arthur related, and I love the rest of her books too. I still re-read the Crystal Cave every few years, such good writing.
Just finished The Arrivals by Meg Mitchell Moore, quite good, and I think it would be a good summer read. Also, anything by Elizabeth Berg is wonderful. Especially the ones with her teenage protagonist, brought me right back to the summers of my youth. I think Durable Goods is the first one. Love this list, I will print it out and take it to my library!49 weeks ago
Sasha: I have to say that I got really into both “The Comedians” and “Our Man in Havana” by Graham Greene last Summer! Both are set in the Caribbean so make great Summer reads, and if you haven’t read “Our Man” it’s both hysterical and enthralling with adventure packed in to boot! I might have to pick up one of Greene’s again soon!49 weeks ago
Anita: You sure have open a book of worms here. LOL
Last year I read all of Katherine Center’s books, Bright Side of Disaster, Get Lucky and Everyone is Beautiful. Good fast reads, but very enjoyable.49 weeks ago
Lizzy: Everyone must read The Russian Concubine by Kate Furnivall. Unbelieveable beach reach!!! And I second Summer Sisters!49 weeks ago
L: I don’t think The Hunger Games trilogy can be recommended too many times. I adore Madeleine L’Engle (maybe some of her adult novels instead of her Wrinkle in Time or Austins books, though all of them are wonderful) and Robin McKinley, and have recently been devouring authors like Joshilyn Jackson and Sarah Addison Allen for a dose of southern magical realism.
This is a fantastic list – I’ll come back and look through when it’s time to pack for my honeymoon!49 weeks ago
jackie: Great post and list! Love it. I’ll be home with a newborn this summer so hopefully will have time for reading…that’s how I envision it anyway..
I wonder if I would enjoy the time traveler’s wife if i already saw the movie? what do you think?
i have to suggest Kathryn Harrison’s Poison.Set in Spain in the 1700s during the Inquisition…an engrossing read.
also love anything by jeanette winterston and milan kundera.49 weeks ago
Dane: Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett’s Good Omens – a light read, but engrossing and funny.49 weeks ago
Kanesha: Thanks for all these great suggestions, y’all! My summer reading list is GROWING!
I loved Cane River, Nicole. Nice suggestions.
Other great summer reads for me were:
-White Teeth (Zadie Smith)
-Like Water for Chocolate (Laura Esquivel)
-The House of the Spirits (Isabel Allende)
Thanks, Sarah, for getting this going.49 weeks ago
Elizabeth: Okay, first of all I have to say that I REMEMBER that afternoon, sitting on the beach, you reading Valley of the Dolls. Pretty sure that’s why I read it. Good memories…
Anyhow, I’ve read a couple great ones so far this summer:
On the Outskirts of Normal, by Debra Monroe
Oh the Glory of It All, by Sean Wilsey
Both memoirs, beautifully written and highly entertaining.
Enjoy!49 weeks ago
susan: i am currently hyper-engrossed in ‘the immortal life of henrietta lacks’ by rebecca skloot. it’s an incredible read. another great book i just wrapped up is ‘what the dog saw’ by malcolm gladwell. i can’t recommend it enough. its a collection of his essays ‘greatest hits’ throughout his career at the New Yorker. very worth looking into.49 weeks ago
darcy b.: wow, what great titles! i’ve made note of many of them. i’m surprised no one has said v.c. andrews–don’t judge me! i remember being in junior high and loving all of the soap opera drama. i also spent summers in junior high reading stephen king. great for staying up late…
but…if you read one book on this list, read this one!: atonement by ian mcewan. probably my favorite all-time book as an adult. and perfect for summer, as you will see. the movie was ok, but the book was engrossing. all of his stuff is.
i can’t wait to sit on the porch, drink some iced tea and get reading!49 weeks ago
ekf: The Secret History by Donna Tartt
and Le Divorce by Diane Johnson49 weeks ago
Cindy J.: I have to agree on the Dickens – I spent most of my summer vacation last year reading Great Expectations and got some very funny looks at the hotel pool with my nose in my thick hardcover book! This summer it will be Bleak House.
) I enjoy Elizabeth Noble.49 weeks ago
For something a lot lighter (and a little more trashy
Hannely: I guess I’m late to the party, but I have a feeling more people than me are going to have this list bookmarked, so I thought I’d add a couple more suggestions.
I always find that when I’ve read something I love, I want to read MORE, so I’d like to suggest two book sets.
First is Jerome K Jerome’s “Three Men in a Boat,” which is a hilarious summertime Victorian comdedy. Then you can follow it up with “To Say Nothing of the Dog,” a just-as-funny science fiction/sendup of Victorian literature/satisfying romance than play off of Three Men in a Boat. It’s a must-read!
My other suggestion is to reread “Little Women,” which is always a good choice, right? After you’ve done that, check out “The Little Women Letters,” by Gabrielle Donnelly, which just came out this month. It’s a sequel of sorts, which sticks Jo March’s great-great-grandaughters in contemporary London. It’s perfect, satisfying, and surprisingly touching chick lit.48 weeks ago
Catherine: Getting here after 97 comments is like hearing about the world’s best party- the next day. I’m SO sad but happy too because I’ve made copious notes.
I read so much it’s hard to narrow things down but I remember that Stephen King’s The Stand had me both freaked out and mesmerized in college during summer vaca- could not put it down and then could not turn out the light to go to sleep!
Another great one- The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand. Loved it- but don’t EVER watch the movie. Dreadful.
Another awesome post- thank you so much!48 weeks ago
BookishBex: Just a few that I’ve loved: The Best of Everything by Rona Jaffe, Dogs of Babel by Carolyn Parkhurst, The English American by Alison Larkin, Peyton Place by Grace Metalious, Time of My Life by Allison Winn Scotch…..I could go on and on!48 weeks ago
Lily: Hands down, Life of Pi. Thanks for taking me back!48 weeks ago
Elen: “The Weight of Water”, “The Pilot’s Wife” and “Seaglass” all by Anita Shreve. In August Ellen Baker’s new novel “I Gave My Heart to Know This” will be out and can’t wait to read it. Her first novel, “Keeping the House” is a very good read! Also “The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott” by Kelly O’Connor McNees is also very good.48 weeks ago
Mariah: Last summer I took Edith Wharton’s “The Buccaneers” with me on vacation to Rhode Island…I had no idea the first half was set in Newport with wealthy young women spending lazy summer days socializing in this glamorous resort location. By day I toured the areas and by night read about characters that were living out their social dramas where I had walked.48 weeks ago
BookishBex: I just finished Girl In Translation by Jean Kwok last night- great read!47 weeks ago
Sue K!: MEMOIRS OF CLEOPATRA by all time great historical fiction author Margaret George. You will be captivated by the first page as you are engulfed into Cleopatra’s world of the Mediterranean region!!! Pick up a copy – you’ll love it!47 weeks ago
Abbey: American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld. It’s loosely based on the life of Laura Bush, and has some pretty racy sex scenes between her and W.47 weeks ago
Had to jump in here with a recommendation that hasn’t been mentioned. Sophie’s Choice is thoroughly engrossing, and captured every bit of my imagination. (I’ve never seen the movie.) Plus, a lot of it takes place in Brooklyn in the summer. Definitely one of my top 5 favorite books. (Of course, it’s also so upsetting I almost had a panic attack on the subway while I was reading it once––but that’s a testament to how GOOD it is!)46 weeks ago
Renee: I echo the Outlander and Hunger Games recs, as well as the Dorothy L. Sayers mysteries (Murder Must Advertise & Gaudy Night are my faves). Georgette Heyer’s work (mysteries and romances) is fun, and I love well-written YA Fiction (Diana Wynne Jones, Susan Cooper, Robin McKinley) for poolside reading.
Right now I’m also reading books from Persephone, a British republisher of forgotten early to mid 20th century novels by women. They’re quirky and fun, though a little pricey. I also stock up on graphic novels for something different (recent recs include Guy Delisle’s travelogues Pyongyang and Burma Chronicles).
I could go on forever, but I’ll stop with just three more recs: I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith, My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell, and anything by P.G. Wodehouse. Thanks for posting this!46 weeks ago
Carla: I just finished reading Girl in Translation. So, so, so, good! Check it out.46 weeks ago
happy: have to add 3 more-
Hawaii- James Michner
A tree grows in Brooklyn- Betty Smith
North & South- J Jakes45 weeks ago
Jessica: Loving Frank by Nancy Horan- it was so good!44 weeks ago
Gwen: Beach Music by Pat Conroy – I first read this over the summer of 2001, and have reread it most summers since
The Traveling Pants books, especially the just-released final one
Delirium by Lauren Oliver
Anything by Sarah Dessen, who writes the most perfect summer YA novels (that every adult woman I know also adores) – especially The Truth About Forever and Along for the Ride
The Help by Kathryn Stockett (which you’ve likely read? but if not, it really is worth the hype)43 weeks ago
Katy: “Tender at the Bone, Growing Up at the Table” by Ruth Reichl is a great summer read. A memoir by the former food critic for the NY Times, it tells how she came to love food. It’s really funny, and there’s recipes! I think I read it the first time in 2 days – you won’t be able to put it down, either, I promise.42 weeks ago
aphazia: Here are books that I think are perfect for summer:
-The Princess Bride
-Anything written by Sarah Addison Allen, Alice Hoffman, Elizabeth Berg, David Sedaris, Ruth Reichl and David Levithan
-I loved Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares
-One Day by David Nicholls
-Eat My Globe
I enjoyed this thread!
41 weeks ago
Jessica: I’m so in love with The Opposite of Love by Julie Buxbaum and I can’t put down her new one, After You. They remind life should be difficult in order to find our way to joy.
38 weeks ago
Shauna Dalton: Great ideas! I thought I’d throw in this underrated summer gem. The Scent of Rain and Lightning by Nancy Pickard.12 weeks ago
aafrin: I loved thrillers from James Hadley Chase, so many summers ago that I can’t even fathom, but I particularly remember his novel “Tiger by the Tail” – I was so engrossed in it that I screamed loudly when a friend touched me to ask a question. Couldn’t put it down until finished.
Recently I read “SHANTARAM”, a novel based on the life of its author, Gregory David Roberts, who escaped from an Australian prison and fled to India. It’s about his experiences while living in Mumbai. A good read, now supposed to be made into a movie with Johnny Depp in the central character.
Very recently I also read a book “Girls of Riyadh”, a novel by Rajaa Alsanea. The book, written in the form of e-mails, recounts the personal lives of four young Saudi girls, and describes the relationship between men and women in the conservative Saudi-Arabian Islamic culture. Really a very engrossing read, could put it down until finished.7 weeks ago