Just typing the title of this post is bringing me joy. There’s something special about summer reading lists. I don’t know if it’s the anticipation of reading alfresco with a cold drink, or the influx of new releases in my favorite categories of books. While I find book choices to be extremely personal, I also like the idea of sharing my picks for summer reading as I’ll also be scouring the internet for recommendations from others.
So, let’s get on with it! The Long Story Short 2021 Summer Reading Guide is here!
I’m including fifteen books in this year’s summer reading guide. This list includes books that I have already read and books I am eagerly anticipating! The following list is in no particular order because choosing a favorite book is like choosing a favorite child.
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The People We Meet on Vacation
Beach Read was one of my favorite books last year, so I am looking forward to getting my hand on the next book from Emily Henry! While I personally don’t find the term “beach read” to be a pejorative, I do think her Beach Read had a little more heft than the typical book in the category.
Malibu Rising
I LOVED this book from Taylor Jenkins Reid. While she once wrote complicated love stories, her books have changed since The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (which I enjoyed!) This book, which tells the complicated story of the Riva family, is set on the shores of Malibu, making it the perfect, juicy summer read.
Shadow and Bone
With the release of the Netflix series, I feel compelled to read this fantasy trilogy before I let myself watch it on the screen. Plus, I love starting a book where I can binge read the entire series at once.
Check out my other favorite books and authors to binge read!
That Summer
This falls into the category of books I’ll read simply because I enjoy the author, however be warned that the review tell us not to be fooled by the summery title as Weiner takes on some heavy stuff in this book.
Golden Girl
It wouldn’t be summer without a new Elin Hilderbrand book. Every single time I read one I dream of summering in Nantucket.
The Soulmate Equation
I definitely did a happy dance when I was able to grab and advance copy of this via NetGalley. I love the writing team behind Christina Lauren and I loved this fresh take on a new kind of dating service. I loved Jessica and River and especially love Jessica’s daughter Juno. This is the frothy summer romance you’ve been waiting for.
Devolution
The audio of this book is fabulous. So good. I can’t imagine that the book on the page could come close to replicating the experience of the audio unless you have a movie level imagination. Save this for a road trip. The full title of this book is Devolution: The True Story of the Ranier Sasquatch Massacre, and if that turns you off, can I suggest that you listen to the audio sample before deciding not to listen. This is not the sort of book I would typically pick up, but did so on the recommendation of a bookstagrammer. Trying new things is great, sometimes! Also, this book was released in 2020, but there are no summer reading guide rules.
One Last Stop
I said I couldn’t choose a favorite, but this is easily the most anticipated book of the summer for me (and the most crushing disappointment when my NetGalley request was refused.) If you haven’t read Red, White, and Royal Blue, definitely start there, because while this isn’t a sequel, that is a practically perfect book both on the page and in the audio version.
Instructions for Dancing
You may recall Nicola Yoon as the author of The Sun is Also a Star and Everything Everything. She’s back with Instructions for Dancing. My first impression was that this was slightly lighter fare than her usual YA drama, but no ma’am. She hits you with the drama midway through and you won’t want to stop.
The Good Sister
A thriller by the same author who wrote The Mother in Law, which was a departure for the norm in many ways. I’ve got high hopes for the latest from Sally Hepworth.
Project Hail Mary
I found The Martian to be utterly delightful (I also enjoyed Artemis) and everyone I know is raving that this book is even better. That is a high bar to set, but I am certain this book will deliver as Andy Weir is a fantastic writer. Ryland Grace is an astronaut on a mission to save the world – no really! Unfortunately he wakes up on his makeshift spacecraft and finds himself alone, except for two deceased crew mates, with no memory of how he got there or what he’s supposed to be doing. LFG.
Life’s Too Short
This book manages to take heavy issues and turn them into an unputdownable book without making light of the issues at hand. While this book is listed at the third in a series, it definitely stands alone. The reappearance of characters from previous novels is a nice treat for those who have read it, but not necessary for the enjoyment of this book.
The President’s Daughter
Last year Patterson and Clinton brought us The President is Missing. This year it’s another member of the first family that goes missing. I debated adding this book to the list but *I* will be reading this book this summer, so on the list it goes. Before you come for me with your James Patterson critiques, you can stop right there. I know exactly what I’m getting with these books and that’s precisely why I read them.
Somebody’s Daughter
The only nonfiction on this list earns its spot due to a wealth of positive Goodreads advance reviews. The praise says that it’s a strong, unputdownable memoir of a difficult childhood. Sold. (For what it’s worth, I’m familiar with the concept that free books = good reviews. After reading a ton of lukewarm reviews from other coming-soon titles, I feel confident that many of these reviews were genuine.) (For what it’s also worth, I know good reviews don’t always mean the same thing for everyone. I’m looking at you Goldfinch. I’m feeling good about the reviews on this book.)
Body Talk
Katie Sturino, founder of the brand Megababe, has built a brand around body acceptance. Her “Supersize the Look” series on Instagram takes iconic celeb looks and recreates them in a size that many women can relate to. Body Talk, is both a guide and a workbook. The goal is to help you get to a place of total body acceptance.
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