There is something magical about summer: the way the days get longer, the air turns warm, and everything feels a little more alive. I have been missing summer a lot lately, especially since it is winter where I live. So I put together a list of ten books that capture the essence of the season, transporting you into that golden feeling.

Romances Perfect for the Beach

If summer makes you crave a light and heartwarming read, these romance books are perfect for you.

Beach Read by Emily Henry

I absolutely adored Beach Read. It follows two writers: January Andrews and Augustus Everett, who end up living in neighboring beach houses for the summer in Michigan. Both are stuck in a writer's block, so they make a deal: January will try writing something serious and literary fiction, and Gus will give romance a shot.

It’s not your typical tropical beach setting, but somehow it still gave me all the summer vibes. What I loved most was how it balanced funny moments with emotional ones.

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

I read The Summer I Turned Pretty in a while ago, but it always comes back to my mind when thinking about summer. The story follows Belly Conklin and her annual trips to Cousins Beach with her mom, her brother, and their longtime friends, the Fisher family. When she’s almost sixteen, Belly finds herself caught in a love triangle with Conrad and Jeremiah (the two brothers she’s grown up with).

There’s something so nostalgic about the way Jenny Han writes, as she really captures that summer feeling. Plus, if you're into screen adaptations, the show version is super bingeable. Season 3 premieres on July 16, and here’s the trailer if you want to check it out.

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

People We Meet on Vacation follows Poppy and Alex, two total opposites who became best friends in college and built a tradition of taking one summer trip together every year. Their chemistry is undeniable, and you just know something is going to happen between them, that was for me what made it so interesting to read. But after a messy trip to Croatia, they stop talking, until Poppy convinces Alex to give it one more shot with a vacation in Palm Springs.

I loved how the story flips between past and present, slowly revealing what went wrong while making you root so hard for them to fix it. Also, it’s being adapted into a Netflix film coming January 9, 2026, starring Tom Blyth and Emily Bader. I’ll definitely be watching!!

Take the Quiz: Which Literary Fiction Should You Read Next?

Jump into the world of literary fiction with the one of these novels based on your existing favourites.

Thrilling and Suspenseful Reads

If you love plot twists and cliffhanger moments, these suspenseful reads will keep you hooked.

The Guest List by Lucy Foley

I really love thrillers and murder mysteries, so if you also do, you will most probably like this one! The Guest List is such a fun ride. Set on a remote island off the coast of Ireland during a wedding, this book unravels through multiple characters’ perspectives, and everyone has a secret.

I loved how the tension built slowly, I couldn't put it down. By the time someone ends up dead (you don’t know who at first), you're second guessing everything. It gave me serious Agatha Christie vibes but with a more modern style. And even though it’s a dark book, it still feels like a great summer read.

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

I really enjoyed this book; it's one of those books that stays with you long after finishing it. We Were Liars is a psychological thriller that takes place on a private island owned by the wealthy Sinclair family. I thought the story was written very well, and felt so much tension throughout in such a subtle way, which totally sucked me in.

The story follows Cadence, the eldest Sinclair granddaughter, who returns to the island after an accident suddenly left her with amnesia two years ago. As Cadence tries to remember what happened that summer, things unfold gradually; and the ending completely wrecked me. Also, there is an Amazon Prime series adaptation that came out June 18, 2025. I honestly can't stop thinking about it every day, the same way I did with the book; I thought they portrayed the book well, the ending is just as devastating. Here’s the trailer:

The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager

The Last Time I Lied is set at an elite girls’ summer camp and follows Emma Davis, who went to Camp Nightingale as a teen and was the last person to see her three bunkmates—Vivian, Natalie, and Allison—before they vanished without a trace. Now, fifteen years later, Emma returns to the camp as an art instructor, haunted by what happened and desperate to find answers. I couldn’t put this one down as well, which is always a good sign when reading thrillers.

I loved how it blends summer nostalgia with suspense. Keep in mind it is kind of a slow burn thriller, but the dramatic twist is definitely worth it.

Summer Vibes in Literary Fiction

If you’re looking for thoughtful stories that capture the warmth and freedom of summer, these literary fiction picks are just right.

Call Me by Your Name by André Aciman

This novel is one of my favorites from this list. Set in the golden heat of northern Italy in 1983, it follows 17 year old Elio and Oliver, a charming 24 year old scholar who comes to stay with Elio’s family for the summer. What starts as a slow burning, awkward attraction soon transforms into a deeply passionate and unforgettable love affair.

What I really loved about this story is how it captures the sweetness and confusion of first love, and the writing is so lyrical and stunning. If you haven’t seen it yet, the 2017 movie adaptation is stunning and brings the novel’s emotion and nostalgia to life beautifully. Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer’s performances are wonderful. Definitely a must read and must watch for a perfect summer vibe.

Summer by Edith Wharton

The novel takes place during the early 20th century, and focuses on Charity Royall, a young woman who is struggling to find her place between societal expectations and her own. When Lucius Harney, an architect from New York City, arrives, Charity's world shifts in ways she never anticipated. I found the novel to be a great execution of how intense youth, emotions caused by first love, and self discovery can be. The rawness expressed by Wharton made me feel like growing up again, and also made me nostalgic of summer days.

The Lost Daughter by Elena Ferrante

The Lost Daughter is about Leda Caruso, a middle aged English literature professor, whose solitary trip to an Italian seaside town leads her to a lot of overthinking about her past and feelings about motherhood, identity, and freedom. What I appreciated most about the novel was the way it captured that sense of loneliness and the kind of freedom that summer can give, and I loved how raw and brutally honest Leda’s reflections felt.

The 2021 film adaptation directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal and starring Olivia Colman and Dakota Johnson, also shows this internal, intimate journey. Colman even received an Oscar nomination for her performance - which goes without saying!

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

This classic never gets old. Set in the roaring 1920s, The Great Gatsby dives deep into ambition, love, and the American Dream. The story is told through Nick Carraway, who moves to New York City to start a career in bonds and quickly becomes fascinated by his mysterious neighbor, Jay Gatsby.

Gatsby throws these jaw dropping parties every weekend at his massive mansion, but underneath all of this is a man desperately trying to rekindle a past love: Daisy. What I love about this book is how it captures both the glamour and the tragedy of chasing dreams that might never come true. The 2013 movie with Leonardo DiCaprio is great visually, but honestly, I think the novel’s prose and subtle details make it a must read. It’s a timeless story that still feels relevant today.

That’s my roundup of must read books to dive into this summer! Have you read any of these books? Do you have any favorite summer reads or recommendations to share? I’d love to hear what stories made your summer special or which ones you're excited to dive into next!