The Best New Books for Leisurely Summer Reading
July 8, 2020 by Kellan Jansen
Summer is finally here! With it arrived long, languid afternoons covered in sun. Everything is a little sweeter in the summer - especially a good book.
If you’ve been looking for the best new books for summer reading, then continue scrolling through our top picks. You’ll find a varied list, which will keep your nose in a book all summer long.
The Best New Books for Leisurely Summer Reading
Long Bright River - Liz Moore
Long Bright River is a crime novel that’s as much thrilling mystery as it is a masterclass on character development. Set in Philadelphia, the novel explores the opioid crisis plaguing our country through the stories of two sisters. Moore’s latest novel became an instant New York Times Bestseller.
Topics of Conversation - Miranda Popkey
True to its title, this debut novel from Miranda Popkey is told almost entirely as a series of conversations between women. In Topics of Conversation, you’ll find thoughtful musings on life, loneliness, art, pain, feminism, envy, anger, and so much more.
We Wish You Luck - Caroline Zancan
There’s nothing quite like reading a good revenge novel. We Wish You Luck is an excellent example of it. This summer read offers an exhilarating look at a group of graduate students who take revenge on a professor who harms one of their own. You won’t want to put this one down.
Uncanny Valley - Anna Wiener
If you haven’t read it, Anna Wiener’s memoir, Uncanny Valley, of her time in Silicon Valley is a must-add to your summer list. It combines her personal experiences with the rise of the valley for a titillating summer read.
Open Book - Jessica Simpson
Both fans of Jessica Simpson and pop culture in general will love this memoir, Open Book, from the iconic singer. It offers an honest and intimate look at some of Simpson’s most challenging experiences as a star.
The Other Mrs. - Mary Kubica
Kubica’s psychological thriller, The Others Mrs.,is an unpredictable, action-packed firecracker of a novel. Its story focuses on a murder in small-town Maine and the characters who have to deal with it. This is another page-turner from New York Times Bestselling author, Mary Kubica.
Here For It - R. Eric Thomas
The collection of essays in Here For It make up a memoir that explores what it means to be an “other” through the lens of Thomas’s personal experiences. Fans of Ellen will recognize the author for his regular bit on the show, called “Eric Reads the News”.
The Henna Artist - Alka Joshi
This novel, The Henna Artist, is a vivid and compelling look at one woman’s struggle to find happiness in a society transitioning from a traditional way of life to a modern one.
The Night Watchman - Louise Erdrich
Erdrich offers readers a close-up look at the life of his grandfather, who worked as a night watchman and fought against the Native American dispossession of land. The Night Watchman explores themes of love and death with humor and depth.
Untamed - Glennon Doyle
Glennon Doyle’s latest novel, Untamed, is a powerful exploration of what it means to be a woman today. The memoir offers insight that any female can use to unlock a better life.
It’s Not All Downhill From Here - Terry McMillan
An unexpected loss turns Loretha Curry’s life upside down in the latest novel from acclaimed writer Terry McMillan, It's Not All Downhill From Here. The novel provides a thoughtful look at aging and what it means to thrive in our later years.
Chosen Ones - Veronica Roth
Fans of the Divergent series will be thrilled to read Veronica Roth’s first release for an adult audience, Chosen Ones. It focuses on answering the question, “where do we go from here?”, following the aftermath of the stories of five teenagers who were singled out as the “chosen ones”.
Afterlife - Julia Alvarez
Set in the political climate of tribalism, Afterlife explores questions of what do we owe others, how do we live in a broken world, and much more. It’s the first novel in 15 years from acclaimed author Julia Alvarez.
Joy at Work: Organizing Your Professional Life - Marie Kondo
Marie Kondo took the world by storm with her first release, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. Now, she’s back with a closer look at how to apply these lessons to your work life.
Perfect Tunes - Emily Gould
Emily Gould’s latest novel, Perfect Tunes, is an intoxicating look at love, loss, and life told through the lens of music. It’s the perfect addition to your summer reading list.