Are you ready to plan ahead for your summer reading in 2023? Look no further because we’ve compiled a list of must-read books that are perfect for the sunny season. Whether you’re lounging on the beach or taking a road trip, these novels will keep you entertained and engrossed. From gripping thrillers to heartwarming romances, there’s something for every kind of reader. So why wait? Start adding these summer reads to your 2023 book list and get ready to escape into a world of adventure, love, and mystery. Get your bookmarks ready and let’s dive into the best books to read under the sun.
Top Summer Reads for 2023
Summer is the perfect time to catch up on reading, and 2023 is no exception. Here are some of the most anticipated summer reads that you should add to your list:
The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
This gripping thriller follows the story of Hannah Hall, whose husband disappears, leaving behind a note that reads, “Protect her.” As Hannah tries to unravel the mystery of her husband’s disappearance, she discovers shocking secrets about his past and is forced to confront her own past as well. With its fast-paced plot and unexpected twists, The Last Thing He Told Me is a page-turner that you won’t be able to put down.
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Set in the 1980s, Malibu Rising tells the story of the Riva siblings – Nina, Jay, Hud, and Kit – who throw an epic party at their Malibu mansion. As the night unfolds, secrets are revealed, relationships are tested, and the Rivas’ lives are forever changed. With its vivid descriptions of the California coast and its complex characters, Malibu Rising is a perfect summer read.
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
From the author of The Martian comes a new sci-fi thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Project Hail Mary follows the story of Ryland Grace, a scientist who wakes up on a spaceship with no memory of how he got there. As he tries to piece together his past and complete his mission to save Earth from an extinction-level event, he must also confront his own demons. With its thrilling plot and well-developed characters, Project Hail Mary is a must-read for sci-fi fans.
Fiction Books to Add to Your List
If you’re a fan of fiction, here are some more summer reads to add to your list:
The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller
Set on Cape Cod, The Paper Palace is a story of love, betrayal, and family secrets. It follows the story of Elle, who has been in love with her childhood friend, Jonas, for years. When they reunite at a family wedding, old feelings resurface, and Elle must make a choice between her husband and the man she’s always loved. With its complex characters and beautiful prose, The Paper Palace is a perfect summer read.
The Maidens by Alex Michaelides
From the author of The Silent Patient comes a new psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. The Maidens follows the story of Mariana, a therapist who becomes obsessed with a group of students at Cambridge University who are being murdered one by one. As she tries to unravel the mystery, she discovers shocking connections between the murders and her own past. With its twisty plot and well-drawn characters, The Maidens is a perfect summer read for fans of thrillers.
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
This heartwarming romance follows the story of Poppy and Alex, who have been best friends since college. Every summer, they take a weeklong vacation together, but after a falling out two years ago, they haven’t spoken since. When Poppy convinces Alex to take one last trip with her, they must confront their feelings for each other and their past mistakes. With its charming characters and witty dialogue, People We Meet on Vacation is a perfect summer read for fans of romance.
Non-Fiction Books to Add to Your List
If you prefer non-fiction, here are some summer reads that will educate and inspire you:
The Bomber Mafia by Malcolm Gladwell
From the author of Outliers and The Tipping Point comes a new book that explores the ethics of bombing during World War II. The Bomber Mafia tells the story of a group of Air Force officers who believed that precision bombing could end the war without civilian casualties. With its fascinating historical research and thought-provoking analysis, The Bomber Mafia is a perfect summer read for fans of military history.
Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
This memoir follows the story of Michelle Zauner, the lead singer of the band Japanese Breakfast, and her relationship with her mother, who died of cancer. As Zauner navigates her grief and explores her Korean heritage through cooking, she discovers the power of food to connect us to our past and to each other. With its poignant writing and heartfelt story, Crying in H Mart is a perfect summer read for fans of memoirs.
Empire of Pain by Patrick Radden Keefe
This investigative journalism book tells the story of the Sackler family, who made billions of dollars from the opioid crisis. Empire of Pain explores the family’s role in the marketing and distribution of OxyContin and the devastating impact of the opioid epidemic on communities across America. With its rigorous research and powerful storytelling, Empire of Pain is a must-read for anyone interested in the opioid crisis.
Memoirs and Biographies to Add to Your List
If you’re a fan of memoirs and biographies, here are some summer reads that will inspire and enlighten you:
Yearbook by Seth Rogen
This memoir from actor and comedian Seth Rogen is a hilarious and heartwarming look back at his life and career. From his childhood in Canada to his breakout role in “Freaks and Geeks” to his work as a writer and producer, Rogen shares behind-the-scenes stories and personal anecdotes that will make you laugh and cry. With its witty writing and relatable storytelling, Yearbook is a perfect summer read for fans of comedy.
The Code Breaker by Walter Isaacson
This biography tells the story of Jennifer Doudna, the scientist who developed CRISPR, a revolutionary gene-editing technology. The Code Breaker explores Doudna’s life and work, as well as the ethical implications of gene editing. With its engaging writing and fascinating subject matter, The Code Breaker is a perfect summer read for fans of science and technology.
The Beauty in Breaking by Michele Harper
This memoir follows the story of Michele Harper, an emergency room physician who confronts racism and sexism in the medical profession. As Harper shares her experiences of treating patients and facing discrimination, she also reflects on her own journey of healing and self-discovery. With its powerful writing and important message, The Beauty in Breaking is a perfect summer read for fans of memoirs.
Young Adult and Children’s Books to Add to Your List
If you’re looking for summer reads for young adults or children, here are some books to add to your list:
One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
This romantic comedy follows the story of August, who falls in love with a girl named Jane on the New York City subway. As August tries to unravel the mystery of Jane’s past and figure out how to keep her in the present, she discovers the power of love and friendship. With its diverse characters and charming writing, One Last Stop is a perfect summer read for young adults.
The One and Only Bob by Katherine Applegate
This sequel to The One and Only Ivan follows the story of Bob, a stray dog who lives in a mall with Ivan the gorilla. When a hurricane hits, Bob must go on a dangerous journey to rescue his friends and find his own place in the world. With its heartwarming story and lovable characters, The One and Only Bob is a perfect summer read for children.
The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune
This fantasy novel follows the story of Linus, a social worker who is sent to investigate an orphanage for magical children. As Linus gets to know the children and their caretaker, Arthur, he discovers the power of love and acceptance. With its whimsical storytelling and charming characters, The House in the Cerulean Sea is a perfect summer read for young adults.
Where to Find Summer Reads
Now that you have a list of summer reads to add to your 2023 book list, where can you find them? Here are some places to look:
– Local bookstores: Support your local bookstore by browsing their selection of summer reads.
– Online retailers: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other online retailers have a wide selection of books to choose from.
– Libraries: Check out your local library’s summer reading programs and borrow books for free.
– Ebooks and audiobooks: If you prefer reading on your phone or tablet, consider downloading ebooks or audiobooks from platforms like Kindle, Audible, or Scribd.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Summer Reading
Here are some tips for making the most of your summer reading:
– Set a goal: Challenge yourself to read a certain number of books over the summer.
– Mix it up: Don’t be afraid to try new genres and authors.
– Read outside: Take advantage of the sunny weather by reading outside in the park or at the beach.
– Join a book club: Joining a book club is a great way to discover new books and discuss them with others.
– Take notes: Write down your thoughts and reactions to the books you read to remember them better.
Joining a Summer Reading Challenge or Book Club
If you’re looking for a fun way to engage with other readers and stay motivated to read this summer, consider joining a summer reading challenge or book club. Here are some options:
– Goodreads Summer Reading Challenge: Join the Goodreads Summer Reading Challenge and set a goal for how many books you want to read over the summer.
– Reese’s Book Club: Join Reese Witherspoon’s book club and read along with her picks.
– Oprah’s Book Club: Join Oprah’s book club and read books that inspire and move her.
– Your local library: Check with your local library to see if they have any summer reading programs or book clubs you can join.
Happy Reading!
Summer is a great time to catch up on reading and discover new books. Whether you’re a fan of fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, or young adult novels, there’s a summer read out there for everyone. So start planning your 2023 book list now and get ready to escape into a world of adventure, love, and mystery. Happy reading!
