30+ Books For Your Ultimate Summer Reading List 2023 

The Percy Jackson series is great for readers of all ages (not just for kids!) and one of my all-time favorites. Disney+ is coming out with a TV series in 2024, so it’s the perfect time to reread! I think I read for the first time during summer vacation in like 7th grade! 

The books are an adventurous blend of rich Greek mythology and modern-day characters who bring humor and action to their crazy quests. It’s tough to put any of the Percy Jackson books down and they’re quick reads with accessible language so you won’t get bored.

The best part? There’s five books total in the series and even more spin-off books by author Rick Riordan, which means you can have a whole Percy Jackson summer 2023! 

Romance, adventure, time travel… name a better combination! The first book in the Outlander series follows former combat nurse Claire, who finds herself transported from post-war 1945 into 18th-century Scotland. She’s immediately entangled in the lives and affairs of Scottish Highlanders, as well as the future history of Scotland itself.

There’s currently nine books published out of the ten in the whole series, so the adventure doesn’t end there! Once you’ve finished the book, make sure to also check out the Starz show. (The author was a consultant for the TV series, so you know it’s accurate.) Spoiler alert: you’ll probably fall in love with the on-screen versions of Claire and Jamie too.

Hidden Pictures is a supernatural, spooky thriller that’ll probably leave you a little jittery the day after you read it. Even Stephen King gave it his approval!

Author Jason Rekulak writes a compelling paranormal story that follows Mallory, a young woman who’s freshly out of rehab and assigned to be a nanny for a five-year-old named Teddy, who loves to draw. As the two bond, Mallory notices Teddy acting strangely and his art becoming darker and seemingly beyond his abilities. She starts to question possession and if his changed behavior has anything to do with a long-unsolved murder; eventually she sets out to decipher the pictures and figure out the real story.

Full of crazy twists and turns and thrill, you’ll find yourself rooting for Mallory and the truth!

We Were Never Here is a great choice if you’re looking for a poolside read with a little extra suspense! It’s a whirlwind psychological thriller about two best friends whose annual backpacking trip accidentally goes south (as in 6-feet deep). The story is told from the perspective of Emily and follows how she navigates living with a life-ruining secret and uncovers the dark truth of the girl who she thought was her best friend.

Fans of historical fiction, female characters, and mythology should add this one to their summer reading lists! 

This book is a reimagination of the Greek mythological character Circe and her journey and transformation as a young sorceress. Through her trademark dreamy prose, Madeleine Miller livens lesser-known ancient myth and creates an empowering and insightful journey. Circe is like the cool younger sister of her debut novel and ultra bestseller Song of Achilles. (Which you should also read!)

This is a sweet love story that’ll leave your heart full by the time you reach the last page. It follows the “boy next door,” slow burn, first love romance tropes (AKA all the best ones) so you know it’ll be good. It’s also set in the Bay area!

Love and Other Words balances alternating timelines of the present day and the past of the main characters, Macy and Elliot. The two quickly befriend each other through their shared love of books and words, only to become strangers again as adults. They reconnect by chance by running into each other after a decade apart and eventually realize they never stopped loving each other.   

You might’ve seen or heard of the well-loved TV series with the same name but I promise the book is just as good, if not better!

Told through the perspectives of characters Connell and Marianne, Normal People is a really tender novel that explores human connections, self-discovery, and the complexities of relationships. Connell and Marianne are beautifully flawed and Sally Rooney’s writing style perfectly captures their on/off-again relationship and how the two navigate their differences as they mature. (And if you love it, you should also check out, Conversations with Friends!)

It’s definitely not as light as your typical YA romance, but a great choice if you’re not afraid of getting emotionally invested in your next read!

If you love book series like Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, and Percy Jackson, Red Rising (and the rest of the series) is worth taking a look at!

This book is set in a dystopian future where society is divided by color-coded classes and it follows the journey of  Darrow, an ambitious Red lower-class boy who seeks to infiltrate the elite Golds and trigger a revolution. There’s lots of elements of science fiction, politics, and epic battles that will always keep you on your toes.

If you geek out about science or just love thinking about the ins and outs of why we humans behave like we do, save this for the top of your reading list!

Behave is a review of the intersections of biology, psychology, and society and how it affects human behavior. The book covers aspects of human behavior like aggression, empathy, morality, and how we make decisions. Each topic is supported by anecdotes, scientific evidence, and case studies to provide a well-rounded explanation. 

Sapolsky is a renowned neuroendocrinologist, so this book is legit. That being said, it’s written in an accessible way, so you don’t have to be a scientist to understand what he’s trying to say. 

Thrillers are one of my favorite book genres because they’re the best mix of other genres like horror, adventure, and sometimes even romance. Plus, I almost always finish thrillers because they’re so hard to put down, making them great summer reads.

Dark Places features a female protagonist Libby Day, who was just seven when her mom and two sisters were killed. She testified that her fifteen-year-old brother was the murderer and tries to move on with life. 25 years later, she’s contacted by true crime fanatics who agree to compensate her to give details on the small town tragedy, which ultimately leads her down a dark road where she’s on the run from a killer for the second time in her life.

Gillian Flynn is a hardcore psychological thriller author who’s known for her dark and suspenseful writing style—she also wrote favorites like Gone Girl and Sharp Objects!

If you’re a Bachelorette fan, you might be biased to check this one out! This self-help-esque book is like a spin-off of Nick Viall’s popular podcast: The Viall Files, where he discusses love, lust, and dating. 

In his book, he dives into situationships, identifying healthy love and toxic love, and online dating. His writing is personable and you’ll feel like you’re having a conversation with a friend. Whether you’re happily boo’d up or chronically single, Nick’s book is an entertaining and honest (without being condescending) look into the modern dating world and the kind of obstacles people encounter in it.

Surprise! Another thriller! This one is science fiction oriented and explores multiple dimensions. It follows the life of Jason Dessen, a physicist who’s abducted and finds himself transported to a parallel universe. He frantically travels from universe to universe, encountering danger and crisis in nearly each one as he tries to return to the dimension and life he calls home.

Dark Matter tackles the multiverse theory and features themes about identity and existentialism. It’s all wrapped up in high-stakes suspense and will have you questioning the boundaries of reality by the time you finish it.

Breathing is something we do so mindlessly and don’t put much thought into—you might feel differently after reading this book!

Breathe is a mix of research and anecdotal evidence that uncovers the profound effects that breathing has on our respiratory system, immune system, stress levels, and cognitive function. The author also talks about dysfunctional breathing and the negative effects it has on our physical and mental health. (Don’t worry—he also covers how to incorporate healthier breathing habits into our lives!)

Summer is a great time to learn new things and reading Breathe is the perfect beach read to educate yourself on one of the most underrated and important parts of our well-being! 

Some self-help books can be distant and hard to relate to, but this one by Mark Manson is refreshingly down-to-earth and unconventional. He approaches traditional meanings of happiness and success realistically, and suggests that letting go of things like the desire of external validation and embracing our faults can actually be the key to happiness. 

In a world where we’re constantly encountering societal pressures and expectations, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck is an honest and engaging read that’ll call you out and help you step up in the best way.

Almost everyone has dealt with some kind of body dysmorphia or struggled with self-image. It’s so common and you’re not alone! If you can relate, I think you’ll find this book comforting and thought-provoking.

It’s an intimate and authentic memoir about Roxanne Gay’s relationship with her body, food, and societal expectations about weight and beauty. She provides commentary on self-blame and living with a diverse body type in a society that highly values thinness. You’ll finish this book with more compassion and an inclusive understanding of not just your own body but bodies of all shapes and sizes.

I think this is one of those books that everyone should read at least once in their life. It really gave me a different view on addiction and the toll it can take on the lives of everyone around you that I never knew or understood before. The book is told through the perspective of author David Sheff and follows the journey of his son Nic’s battle with addiction. 

Memoirs can be kinda hard to get into sometimes, but David Sheff’s storytelling in Beautiful Boy is so raw and candid that it won’t take long for you to get engrossed in it. It’s heartbreaking in the best way, and a true testament to the strength of human spirit and the bond between father and son.

Summertime isn’t just for happy-go-lucky, lighthearted reads! It’s just as good of a time to dive into more serious themes like this memoir—it tackles grief, identity, and the healing powers of food and culture. Written by Korean-American Michelle Zauner, it recounts her own journey of the loss of her mother to cancer and the changing relationship between her and her Korean heritage. 

Whether or not you’ve experienced deep loss like the author, you’ll be moved by the storytelling and find yourself reflecting on your own relationships and cultural identities.

Brown Girls was the New York Times Editors’ Choice and has been praised as one of the best books of 2022! Set in the diverse and busy New York City borough of Queens, a band of young friends juggle the struggles of growing up and navigating American culture as women of color with immigrant backgrounds. 

With romance, humor, and relatability, it’s a great coming-of-age story of the strength of female friendships and embracing your roots. This would be an awesome summer book club pick!

This is a great read about human connection and the impact of societal expectations on love and identity. The story is set in South London and follows two young Black artists who are learning the complexities of their relationship not only with each other but themselves. The author Caleb Azuman Nelson writes with beautiful prose and emotion that captures the vulnerability and depth of these nuances. 

Open Water also addresses systemic racism and the ways it permeates daily life, as the main characters have to navigate the challenges of a predominantly white society. It’s an eye-opening read that’ll encourage you to both reflect on your experiences as well as potentially confront your own biases. 

Poetry enthusiasts need to add Ada Limón’s collection to their list of ultimate beach reads! She’s a U.S. Poet Laureate who writes powerful poetry with an array of different themes. Her work is really tender and evocative—even the poems about heavier topics like violence and grief are beautiful to read.

This book dives into identity, family, and the complexities of love. It’s formatted as a letter written by a young Vietnamese man to his illiterate mother and uncovers his family’s history as well as intimate parts of his life. It also tackles race, class, and masculinity through the perspective of a young person of color. 

Goodreads’ summary says: “On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous is as much about the power of telling one’s own story as it is about the obliterating silence of not being heard.” which I think is such a powerful way to describe how unique and emotionally resonant this book is.

The Silent Patient is a psychological thriller that’ll pair perfectly with your next day trip! It follows the story of artist Alicia, who’s found guilty of murdering her husband and becomes silent. Criminal psychotherapist Theo tries to unravel the mysterious crime and discover the truth of Alicia’s silence.

The crazy revelations and twists will keep you guessing until the last few pages. Make sure to check out The Silent Patient if you love suspense and diving into the human psyche!

The title of this book first drew me in—the 4,000 weeks represents the average human lifespan. Isn’t it crazy that 4,000 weeks is equivalent to just around 80 years? I can’t decide whether or not that feels short or long. 

Oliver Burkeman’s guide to time and time management tackles a stressful topic and offers a practical and humorous take on it. He shows readers tools on how to build a meaningful life and how the modern fixation on optimizing our time and “getting everything done” can be more harmful than productive. 

If you find yourself struggling with a work-life balance, stressing over your to-do lists and packed email inbox, Four Thousand Weeks is a great reminder to take a step back and reflect on how to prioritize your 4,000 weeks.

Summer isn’t just about relaxed reads and cheesy romance (though we love a good cheesy romance!). It’s also a great time to dive into more thought-provoking books like this one by John Green. 

The Anthropocene Reviewed is a collection of essays that explores a wide range of topics examining the human experience in the Anthropocene era (AKA the current geological time period). Each topic is a great blend of research and John Green’s signature wit that makes them digestible and far from boring. 

Obviously Christina Lauren had to make a second appearance on this list! Her romance novels are so easy to get lost in and read up quickly. 

This is an awesome enemies-to-lovers story of Olive and Ethan, who find themselves on a luxurious honeymoon after being the only ones in a wedding party who avoid food poisoning. Despite their differences, they can’t deny their chemistry and fall into something more.

Make sure to pair this summer read with your favorite cold drink and SPF!

Here’s another romance that really captures the feeling of summer love and adventure! This one follows alternating timelines of two best friends and the dynamics of friendship and second chances.

The chemistry between main characters Poppy and Alex will keep the pages turning easily and you’ll find yourself rooting for their relationship. There’s also plenty of cute banter and humor (what every great romance needs, duh). 

If you love it (and I think you will), you gotta check out Emily Henry's new novel, Happy Place! It just came out and guaranteed to be one of the best beach reads 2023! 

If there’s one memoir you read this summer, let it be Know My Name. This book is an incredibly powerful memoir that explores trauma, resilience, and justice. Previously known as Emily Doe in the viral Stanford assault case, Chanel Miller recounts her experience as a survivor of sexual assault and her pursuit to reclaim her identity after trauma. 

This memoir highlights the complexities of navigating a difficult justice system and raises important conversations of consent, healing, and support for survivors of trauma. Most importantly, it’s a testament to her courage and ability to inspire thousands of others to speak their truth.

Sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll! You’ll be transported to Los Angeles and the 1970s rock music scene in Daisy Jones & The Six. It’s a historical fiction that’s loosely based on Fleetwood Mac and their 1977 album, Rumors.

The format of this book is pretty unique—it’s a compilation of oral interviews that lead up to the band’s final show and the breakup that follows. The “chapters” are split into years and the story is told chronologically, diving into the relationships and dynamics between the members. 

Whether you love music, unique storytelling, or just want a captivating read, Daisy Jones & The Six is sure to be one of the most unforgettable summer books 2023.

You can also catch the Amazon Original TV series based on the novel now, there's only 10 episodes (so bingeable!) and I heard Riley Keough as Daisy Jones is AMAZING!

If you haven't already, you have to ready Taylor Jenkins Reid's The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Huge before it come out as a movie soon!

If you can’t quite make it to the Amalfi Coast, this book is the next best thing. 

The protagonist, Katy, is left to deal with the loss of her mother with their pre-planned mother-daughter summer trip to Positano just around the corner. To her surprise, Italy reignites memories of her mother and her love for life, revitalizing Katy. She even gains an unexpected and highly coincidental companion! 

It’s a heartwarming story that captures the strength of mother-daughter relationships (that even surpasses the bounds of life and death) and the thrills and trials of self-discovery. Don’t forget to add it to your list!

Just based on the title alone, The Summer I Turned Pretty is one of the top summer beach reads! Who doesn’t love summertime romance!

This romance is a sweet, nostalgic coming-of-age tale that perfectly captures that feeling of warm, magical summers and young love. The story revolves around Belly, a teenage girl who spends each break with her family and close friends, the Fishers. Belly navigates her relationships with both Fisher boy and her summer quickly fills with unrequited love, heartache, and secret kisses. 

Jenny Han is also the author of To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before series —these books were actually published a few years before but is just as heartfelt. It’s even better reading while soaking up the sun!

And you can't miss the new Amazon Original TV Series inspired by the Summer I Turned Pretty books!