We’re in the thick of summer break, and summer hasn’t even really started yet at the point I’m typing all of this out. It’s crazy to me that summer hasn’t even started yet (Like I said at the point I’m writing this. By the time this comes out, it will be “summer”). That’s mostly because I live in the south in the United States, and it gets very hot and humid here. So in reality, I already feel like summer is here. Plus, hurricane season here has started, and I’m so not looking forward to that. So, whether you’re trying to beat the heat or trying to avoid bad weather, here are some of the best summer reads for a good distraction!
What makes a book one of the best to you? What boxes do you need to tick off when you consider the best summer reads? I know a lot of you will probably say romance. They have to have romance. If that’s the case, then these books are probably not going to be on your best summer reads.
Over here on Owl Book World, romance isn’t my favorite, and I’m positive that there are TONS of romance blogs out there. So, over here, I mostly focus on horror, thriller, and maybe a little dystopian as well. Sometimes I might throw a little oddball at you just because I need a break from the heavier stuff, but that’s typically where we are at.
I have a couple of horror books on this list, but there are actually a couple of contemporary books on here too!
Best summer reads
For me, the best summer reads are books that can grab my attention and keep me there. There is one book here that I’ve read and enjoyed. The others I haven’t gotten to, but they do seem up my alley. Lately, I’ve gotten pretty good at knowing what I will and will not like. So I’m pretty sure that most of these are ones I would probably get through fast.
Also, maybe I’m a little weird, but I do tend to like to read books that take place during the summer in the summer months. I guess it gets me in the mood for the season. What about you?
Nightmare of a trip
Nightmare of a Trip is a book that I just finished and enjoyed! I’m going to be honest, though, I got an advanced copy of the book, and I have had it for at least a year. I’m not sure why it took me so long to read it. This is kind of a cozy horror book that is great for beginners!
It’s a story about a family from the Midwest taking an extended trip to an amusement park in Florida. On the way, they make multiple stops at fun places so the family can have a bit of fun. This is supposed to be a trip that is supposed to bring the family together, but all it does is cause fights. It all started in Indiana when an odd little boy ran out in front of their car, but the house the boy came from was burned down. He can’t live there, right? Later, they realize that their son took a locket from the home and it’s turned the trip upside down. Leigh starts to see and hear things on the trip that make her want to go home. It ultimately makes her realize that they need to return the locket immediately.
The summer of yes
This is a book that I might pick up. By the sounds of it it seems like a great addition to the best summer reads. It has been a long time since I’ve read a contemporary feel-good type of book. It’s about due time that I’ve actually read another one, and I just might start with this one.
Kelsey has always wanted to be a writer. Instead, she settled into helping others write their stories as a junior editor. She always stays in her comfort zone, and her relationships are relatively safe. She has a secure job and everything is stable. As of right now, she is okay with that.
But then she has an accident.
She’s in the hospital overnight, which leads her to meet an older woman named Georgina. She’s a very successful businesswoman woman but now that her kidneys are failing, she has a few months to live. Now that she’s dying, she is forced to come face-to-face with her regrets. This is a reality check for Kelsey and leads her to think about all the things she plans to do “someday”. This is where the yes plan is born and completely changes her life.
The Summer of Broken Rules
The Summer of Broken Rules seems like one of the best summer reads that is going to be a bit of a tearjerker. This also seems like a bit of a heavy read, so if that’s something you’re looking for, then check it out!
Here is what The Summer of Broken Rules is about.
For years, Meredith has been going to Martha’s Vineyard for the summer. This will be the first summer back since her sister died. She knows it’s going to be overwhelming, especially since all of her extended family will be there for her cousin’s wedding.
To make matters worse, her boyfriend dumps her out of nowhere two weeks before the wedding. Thankfully, she has a distraction, though. Every year her family has a game of Assassin, and this year it’s going to take place during the week of the wedding.
Her target just so happens to be a cute groomsman. To try and win, she is determined not to get distracted. But as the days pass, she can’t help for fall for him. It might not only cost her the game but also her heart.
The Summer I Turned Pretty
I don’t think this is the book for me, but I know it will be for one of my readers. This will be a great book to read this summer and then binge-watch the show!
This is a great book to take out on the beach with you!
Here is what The Summer I Turned Pretty is about.
Belly always looks forward to the summer. Everything good that happens to her happens during the summer. It’s all magical, and it all happens between June and August. Winter time is the time to count down the days until summer. Count down the days until she’s away. There’s one summer, one wonderful summer, that everything changes, and it ends up the way it always should have been.
The Satanic Summer
Satanic Summer is a book that I had never heard about until recently. It’s a bit surprising because I’m always trying to find a good horror book to read.
It seems like there aren’t all that many horror books that have that campy horror book feel anymore. This may be the route to go if that’s something you are looking for.
Here is what Satanic Summer is about.
Doug is just a normal person. He wants to try his best to live a clean Christian life. When there are some terrible deaths in his town, he realizes that his life can’t be as wholesome as he wants. He and a few others get involved with some of the town’s secrets, which are either going to lead them to their doom or answer all of the questions Doug has.
Let me know in the comments if you have read any of these! Also, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter so you can be among the first to receive posts like these. If you’re looking specifically for horror, you can find the best summer horror books here.
See ya next time!