The best 30 Summer Reading books

Fahrenheit 451 (1953) tells the tale of a near future with fireproof homes, where firemen are now tasked with the job of burning books. It’s a dystopian future, where pleasure is catered to and intellectualism has been all but extinguished. But after a chance encounter with a free spirit, one fireman starts to question the true purpose of his job.

Gone Girl (2012) is the story of Amy Dunne, who one day vanishes from her cozy midwestern home. Her sudden disappearance becomes a sensational nation-wide headline – and the biggest suspect is her husband, Nick. But what follows is a head-spinning plot that takes on the subjects of relationship dynamics, private and public identities, the influence of media, and the institution of marriage.

Lolita is a novel by Vladimir Nabokov that delves into the controversial and taboo topic of a middle-aged man's obsession with a twelve-year-old girl. Through beautiful prose and intricate storytelling, Nabokov challenges the reader to confront their own moral boundaries and raises questions about the nature of love, desire, and the power dynamics in relationships.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky is a poignant coming-of-age story that follows Charlie, a shy and introspective teenager. Through a series of letters, Charlie shares his experiences as he navigates high school, friendship, love, and loss. The book delves into themes of mental health, identity, and the complexities of growing up.

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd is a captivating novel that delves into themes of family, love, and the power of female community. Set in the American South in the 1960s, it tells the story of a young girl named Lily Owens who runs away from her abusive father in search of her mother's past. She finds refuge with three beekeeping sisters and discovers the extraordinary world of bees, while also uncovering the truth about her own family.

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini tells the story of two Afghan women, Mariam and Laila, whose lives become intertwined in unexpected ways. Set against the backdrop of a war-torn Afghanistan, the novel explores themes of friendship, resilience, and the enduring power of love. It is a compelling and heartbreaking tale that sheds light on the lives of women in a patriarchal society.

The Fault in Our Stars is actually written by John Green and tells the story of two teenagers, Hazel and Gus, who meet at a cancer support group. As they bond over their favorite books and share their fears and dreams, they embark on a journey that challenges their perspectives on life and love. It is a poignant and beautifully written novel that explores the complexities of living with illness and the power of human connection.

Eleanor & Park is a young adult novel by Rainbow Rowell about two misfit teenagers who fall in love in 1986. Set over the course of a school year, it explores themes of love, friendship, and family, while addressing issues such as bullying and domestic abuse. It is a heartwarming and nostalgic story that will resonate with readers of all ages.

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen is a captivating novel set in the 1930s during the Great Depression. It tells the story of Jacob Jankowski, a young man who runs away from his life and finds himself joining a traveling circus. There, he meets Marlena, the beautiful equestrian star, and Rosie, the amazing elephant. The book explores themes of love, trust, and the struggle for survival in a mesmerizing and unforgettable way. A truly remarkable read!

Ender's Game (1985) is a science fiction novel that follows the story of a young boy, Ender Wiggin, who is recruited into a prestigious military academy in space. Trained to lead Earth's defense against an alien race, Ender must navigate complex simulations and intense challenges that test his strategic genius. As the fate of humanity hangs in the balance, Ender prepares for a final battle that will determine the outcome of the war.

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the story of Rachel, an alcoholic who becomes obsessed with a seemingly perfect couple she sees from the train every day. When the woman goes missing, Rachel becomes entangled in the investigation and uncovers dark secrets about the people involved. Filled with twists and turns, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is an iconic coming-of-age novel by Betty Smith. Set in early 20th century Brooklyn, it follows the life of young Francie Nolan as she navigates poverty, family dynamics, and her own dreams for the future. With beautifully crafted characters and a poignant storytelling style, the book explores themes of resilience, hope, and the power of education.

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty is a gripping novel that delves into the lives of three women whose seemingly perfect lives unravel to reveal dark secrets and lies. Set in a picturesque coastal town, the book explores themes of friendship, motherhood, and domestic violence, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Paper Towns by John Green tells the story of Quentin, who embarks on a journey to find his enigmatic neighbor Margo, after she suddenly disappears. As he follows clues left by Margo, Quentin discovers that she is not the person he thought she was, and learns valuable lessons about friendship, love, and the complexities of human nature.

The Color Purple by Alice Walker is a powerful novel that explores the lives of African American women in the early 20th century. Through the eyes of the protagonist, Celie, the book delves into themes of racism, sexism, and the power of female relationships. It is a poignant and thought-provoking read that has left a lasting impact on its readers.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio is a heartwarming and thought-provoking novel that follows the story of August Pullman, a young boy born with a facial deformity. It delves into the challenges he faces as he enters a mainstream school for the first time and the impact he has on those around him. The book touches on themes of kindness, acceptance, and the beauty of being different.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern is a captivating tale of a mysterious and magical circus that only opens at night. As two young illusionists, Celia and Marco, engage in a fierce competition, their lives become intertwined in unexpected ways. Filled with enchanting descriptions and intricate storytelling, this book will transport you to a world of wonder and intrigue.

The Princess Bride is a classic fantasy novel filled with adventure, romance, and humor. Written by William Goldman, it tells the story of a young woman named Buttercup and her true love, Westley, as they navigate through a series of challenges, including a vengeful prince and a band of misfit companions. With its witty narration and memorable characters, this book is a timeless tale of love and perseverance.

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr is a captivating novel set during World War II. It tells the story of a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths eventually cross as they navigate the chaos and destruction of the war. Filled with beautiful prose and intricate storytelling, the book explores themes of survival, humanity, and the power of connection.

Ready Player One is a science fiction novel by Ernest Cline that takes place in a dystopian future where people escape their reality by immersing themselves in a virtual reality world called the OASIS. When the creator of the OASIS dies, he leaves behind a series of challenges that lead to an Easter egg hidden within the virtual world, and the one who finds it will inherit his fortune. The story follows teenage gamer Wade Watts as he embarks on a thrilling quest filled with 80s pop culture references, friendship, and adventure.

The Glass Castle is a memoir by Jeannette Walls that delves into her unconventional and challenging childhood. Walls recounts her experiences growing up in a dysfunctional family, constantly on the move and living in poverty. Despite the hardships, the book also explores themes of resilience, determination, and the unbreakable bond within her family.

Looking for Alaska (2005) is a compelling coming-of-age novel by John Green. It follows the story of a young boy named Miles “Pudge” Halter as he enrolls in boarding school and meets the enigmatic Alaska Young. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning, taking readers on an emotional journey that challenges their perspectives on life and death.

The Martian by Andy Weir follows astronaut Mark Watney, who is mistakenly left behind on Mars after a dust storm forces his crew to evacuate. With limited supplies and ingenuity, Watney must find a way to survive on the desolate planet while NASA works tirelessly to bring him home. A thrilling tale of resilience, problem-solving, and the power of the human spirit.

A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess is a dystopian novel that delves into themes of free will, morality, and the effects of psychological conditioning. Set in a future society, the story follows Alex, a delinquent who undergoes a controversial treatment aimed at suppressing his violent tendencies. This thought-provoking book challenges the reader to question the nature of good and evil.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie is a captivating coming-of-age novel that follows a young Native American boy named Junior as he navigates life on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Filled with humor, honesty, and heartache, Junior's diary entries offer a unique perspective on identity, friendship, and the pursuit of a better future.

Anna Karenina is a classic novel by Leo Tolstoy that delves into themes of love, infidelity, and the societal norms of 19th century Russia. Through the story of the beautiful and unhappily married Anna Karenina, Tolstoy paints a vivid portrait of the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of challenging societal expectations.

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell follows the story of Cath, a socially awkward college freshman who is deeply immersed in the world of fan fiction. As she navigates the challenges of her new life, Cath grapples with the complexities of family, friendship, and first love. This heartwarming novel delves into themes of identity and self-discovery, making it a must-read for anyone who has ever been a passionate fan.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (2003) by Mark Haddon is a captivating novel that offers a unique perspective on the world. Through the eyes of a 15-year-old boy with autism, it delves into themes of family, truth, and the power of perspective. The book takes readers on a thought-provoking journey as it unravels the mystery surrounding a neighbor's murdered dog.

Life of Pi by Yann Martel is a captivating novel that tells the extraordinary story of a young Indian boy named Pi, who survives a shipwreck and is left stranded on a lifeboat in the Pacific Ocean with a Bengal tiger. It is a tale of adventure, resilience, and the power of faith, as Pi must find a way to coexist with the wild animal in order to survive. This thought-provoking book challenges our perceptions of reality and belief, leaving readers questioning the boundaries of imagination and the depths of the human spirit.

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher is a compelling novel that delves into the delicate issues of teenage suicide, bullying, and the ripple effects of our actions. Told through cassette tapes left by a girl named Hannah Baker, it follows the thirteen reasons why she decided to take her own life. This thought-provoking book challenges us to reconsider how we treat others and the impact it can have.