As summer begins to wind down, it’s the perfect time to relax with a great book. From BookTok favorites to household classics, here are five must-read books to add to your end-of-summer reading list. There is something here for everyone. Happy reading!
- “Blue Sisters” by Coco Mellors
Coco Mellors’ “Blue Sisters” is a captivating book about grief and its lingering impact even as time goes by. This novel dives headfirst into the complexities of sisterhood, friendship and the blurred lines that often separate the two.
Mellors creates a narrative filled with emotional depth and vivid characterization, about three sisters living in different cities and leading their own paths dealing with the grief of their sister’s first death anniversary.
Each sister has a different approach to the hand the world deals her, making this a perfect summer read for those who enjoy stories about complicated relationships and the enduring strength of familial ties.
Published 2024, 352 pages.
- “Funny Story” by Emily Henry
Emily Henry has quickly become a beloved author in the world of contemporary romance, and her latest novel “Funny Story” is no exception.
Both main characters, Daphne and Miles, are relatable when it comes to their heartbreak, leading to their meet-cute. It’s a bit messy but that’s what makes it fun. The characters’ actions are realistic and fit within their personalities of what it means to have the rug pulled out from beneath you.
This book captivates the exciting moment of finding love in a place you’d least expect and is a blend of humor, romance and heartwarming moments. Henry’s writing style creates relatable characters which make this book a light and engaging read for summer.
Published 2024, 400 pages.
- “Looking for Alaska” by John Green
For fans of young adult literature, “Looking for Alaska” by John Green is a tale of love, loss and the search for meaning.
A personal favorite of mine, I always seem to gravitate towards it because it’s not too complicated nor too easy, it’s slow-paced which fits the story perfectly.
Each character is going through the motions of life and learning how to handle their mistakes and the consequences that follow. This is another book about grief, Green’s story jumps back and forth from before the loss of a loved one and the impact of the aftermath.
What makes this book so personal is how it highlights the feeling of abruptness when you lose someone at an early age and find yourself grappling with grief. The novel manages to capture the intensity of teenage emotions and the ways in which relationships can change us forever. It is an ideal read for those who appreciate coming-of-age stories.
Published 2005, 297 pages.
- “Normal People” by Sally Rooney
Sally Rooney’s “Normal People” is often commended for its raw, insightful and realistic portrayal of the complexities of relationships.
The novel follows Connell and Marianne, two teenagers from a small town in Ireland, as they navigate the challenges of love, friendship and social class where they weave in and out of each other’s lives for years to come.
This book is such a comfort read, as Rooney does a wonderful job of portraying a natural and authentic first-love relationship with such precision that feels painfully real.
The TV show successfully translates the novel’s intimate moments between Connell and Marianne that many can see themselves in.
Published 2018, 266 pages.
- “Just Kids” by Patti Smith
For those who appreciate memoirs, artist Patti Smith’s “Just Kids,” is a beautifully written account of Smith’s early years in New York City and her relationship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe.
Published in 2010, Smith’s narration about her upbringing is both raw and unapologetic as she captures the spirit of the 1960s and 70s. Smith draws readers into her world, through her meandering thoughts as she struggles to make it as an artist. Smith encapsulates her path to success by seemingly just being in the right place at the right time. Yet there is much more to her story making this an inspiring read for anyone looking to explore the mind of an artist.
Published 2010, 320 pages.
