Books Lists for Summer Days


Do you have anything on your summer book list?

Something about summer makes me want to make plans involving taking piles of books to a beach somewhere or some secluded park where I can spread out a blanket and relax.

Summer is definitely for reading.

…So are fall, winter, and spring too, of course- but those are different posts šŸ™‚

Books Lists for Summer Days

Here are just a few favorite of my books in case you’re looking for some new reading material to add to your summer book lists. I kept book lists limited to 3 each so we wouldn’t be here all day, though I snuck a few extra onto the linked bookshop list šŸ˜‰

All books can be found here through bookshop.org which supports independent bookstores, so definitely check them out! Independent bookstores are awesome.

Links included here are affiliate links which means I may receive a commission at no cost to you.

Happy reading!

Favorite Fiction I Grew Up With


The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley

I reread this book every couple of years and love it every time. There’s magic and adventure, an unlikely hero, and characters finding their place in a wild, lovely desert.


The Queen of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner

(But read book 1, The Thief, first please! I promise it’s worth it!!)

This entire series is amazing. It makes me laugh, it makes me think, and it is filled with adventure and such amazing characters. I am eagerly awaiting the last book in the series which will be released soon!


The Song of the Lioness by Tamora Pierce

This was possibly the first fantasy series I read and it will always be a favorite to reread. Swords and magic! Plus lots of adventure!


Favorite Nonfiction


SuperFreakanomics by Dubner and Levitt

All of the Freakanomics books are excellent. They make you see things in new ways and be curious, critical, and better thinkers. And they make numbers fun!


So You Want To Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo

This is an important book, as are others like it. It is critical that we are talking about race, thinking about race, and doing something about the systemic racism in our country. One thing to do is to educate ourselves and those around us. This book is a good way to do that.


The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning

Manning’s book is “good news for the bedraggled, beat-up, and burnt-out” and it was life changing for me to just soak in these truths of God’s grace and love.


Favorite Writing Books


Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon

I’ve mentioned this book before and I probably will again! So so many good thoughts packed into this readable, funny, and inspiring little book.


Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott

This is basically stories and lessons from the best writing teacher you ever had. Worth reading and then worth reading again.


On Writing by Stephen King

Stephen King is a legend. This book gives us a fascinating peek at King’s life and writing career, but also is packed with gems and insights about writing and being a writer.


Favorite Kid Books


No Matter What by Debi Gliori

This is the book I always recommend when asked for a favorite kid’s book. I’ve read it hundreds of times (seriously) to my two girls at this point and I still appreciate it. It’s a story of how our love will always be there for one another, even if we’re “grim and grumpy” or even if we’re “far far away.”


Each Peach Pear Plum by Allan and Janet Ahlberg

This book is a delight to read! And the artwork is a fun “I spy” game for kids to follow along with.


The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

If you want some extra fun with this book, check out this video.


Favorite Classics


Les Miserables by Victor Hugo

The musical is great but don’t forget to read the book! So good.


A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare

I’ll admit I’m biased because I was in a theater production of Midsummer Night’s Dream in high school, but this is my favorite Shakespeare play.


Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

If you’re looking to add a “banned book” to your reading list, this one seems more relevant than ever these days.


Recent Reads


Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J. Maas

And yes, I did just read the entire series. Swords and magic! Adventure! (There is a theme in my reading tastes it seems haha)


Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews

More swords and magic. I love this series’s characters, worldbuilding, and humor. Plus Ilona Andrews puts up free fiction on their website if you’re ever looking for something fun!


The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp

A good read looking at what a creative life looks like and how to cultivate life long habits that benefit our craft.


Next Favorites?
These Are On My To-Read List


Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport


Reflection by Elizabeth Lim


Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson




What about you- what’s on your summer book list these days? Enjoy!! šŸ™‚


3 thoughts on “Books Lists for Summer Days

  1. I have mostly childrenā€™s books waiting for me to read but I canā€™t remember the names LOL! When I bought them online, I just piled them onto my to read pile. Right now, I need to finish the one Iā€™m reading called ā€œSpilling Inkā€. It gives writing advice for younger audience but I think anyone of any age can read it. Oh, and Iā€™m also reading a birthday book I got called ā€œThe Little Book of Mindfulness,ā€ by Dr. Patrizia Collard.

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