The 2025 Official Summer Reading Guide
20 Books to add to your TBR
Even though the first day of summer isn’t until June 20th, today is Memorial Day: the unofficial start of summer. Which means that it is officially summer reading season.
So on that note, back by popular demand, this is my official Summer Reading Guide.
It’s a guide of 20 books in 5 categories that hopefully gives you something to read by the pool, on the beach, on the porch, or while you are reclaiming your time.
Note: this email is long and may cut off in your inbox. Make sure to click over to Substack or “click more” to get the entire list.
Let’s get to it!
Summer Reading But Make it Possible Summer “It “ Book
King Of Ashes By S.A. Crosby
When Roman Carruthers returns home after his father’s suspicious accident, he finds his family in crisis. With his brother in debt and danger mounting, Roman uses his financial skills—and hidden ruthlessness—to protect them, even offering himself to criminals. But Roman’s no victim, and he’ll do anything to survive. Out 6/10
Buy it on Barnes and Noble | Bookshop.org | Amazon.com
Atmosphere By Taylor Jenkins Reid
From the Author of Daisy Jones & The Six: In 1980, reserved physics professor Joan Goodwin joins NASA, finding friendship, love, and a new sense of purpose. But as she prepares for her first mission, STS-LR9 in 1984, a single moment alters everything—forcing Joan to question her place among the stars and in the world she left behind. Out 6/3
Buy it on Barnes and Noble | Bookshop.org |Amazon.com
The Road to Tender Hearts By Annie Hartnett
At 63, grieving lottery winner PJ Halliday plans a road trip to win back his old flame—joined by his grand-niece and nephew, his estranged daughter, and a death-sensing cat. Along the way, he chases love, redemption, and one last shot at family before time runs out.
Buy it on Barnes and Noble | Bookshop.org |Amazon.com
Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab
This is a gothic tale spanning centuries, linking three women—María, Charlotte, and Alice—through a shared vampiric legacy. Their intertwined stories explore immortality, desire, and rage in a haunting, genre-blending novel of transformation and timeless hunger. out 6/10
Buy it on Barnes and Noble | Bookshop.org |Amazon.com
Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall
Beth’s quiet life shatters when her brother-in-law shoots a dog—belonging to Gabriel, her first love. His return stirs old wounds and buried secrets. As passions and past grief resurface, Beth must choose between the life she built and the one she left behind in this twist-filled story of love and reckoning.
Buy it on Barnes and Noble | Bookshop.org |Amazon.com
Summer Reading But Make it a Romance
Can’t Get Enough By Kennedy Ryan
In Can’t Get Enough, entrepreneur Hendrix Barry isn’t looking for love—until she meets tech mogul Maverick Bell. Their chemistry is electric, but he’s off-limits. As desire collides with family duty and ambition, Hendrix must decide if risking everything for love is worth it in this emotional series finale.
Buy it on Barnes and Noble | Bookshop.org |Amazon.com
Problematic Summer Romance By Ali Hazelwood
Twenty-three-year-old Maya can't stop thinking about Conor, her brother's older best friend. He keeps pushing her away, but a destination wedding in sunny Sicily throws them together. Suddenly, Maya starts unraveling his secrets and decides a messy summer fling might be just what she needs. Out 5/27
Buy it on Barnes and Noble | Bookshop.org |Amazon.com
August Lane by Regina Black
Faded country star Luke Randall returns home to open for his idol—and face August Lane, the woman he betrayed by stealing her song. She demands they co-write a new one or she’ll expose him. As sparks fly, August must choose between revenge or a second chance at love and truth. out 7/29
Buy it on Barnes and Noble | Bookshop.org | Amazon.com
Shield of Sparrows By Devny Perry
This was the best romantasy book that I’ve read in a LONG time. It gave me first time reading ACOTAR feels, and I have to recommend it. PLUS, it’s written by a long-time favorite romance author: Devny Perry.
This book is a slow-burn romantasy where a forgotten princess defies duty, battles monsters in a cursed realm, and questions the fate forced upon her. With enemies-to-lovers tension and high-stakes rebellion, it's a story of power, sacrifice, and choosing who you want to become.
Buy it on Barnes and Noble | Bookshop.org |Amazon.com
One Golden Summer By Carly Fortune
Hoping to recapture past magic, photographer Alice returns to a lake cottage with her grandmother. There, she encounters Charlie, a man from a pivotal photo taken when she was seventeen. As sun-drenched days turn to warm nights, Alice, used to observing, finds herself unexpectedly seen by Charlie, risking her guarded heart.
Buy at Barnes and Noble | | Bookshop.org |Amazon.com
Summer Reading But Make it a Thriller
Julie Chan is Dead By Liann Zhang
This book was UNHINGED and I have recommended it to everyone to read this summer.
Cashier Julie Chan assumes the glamorous life of her deceased influencer twin, Chloe, after finding her body. Enticed by fame's perks, Julie steps into Chloe's luxurious world. But on a private island, she uncovers sinister secrets among Chloe's influencer circle. Trapped and targeted, Julie must maintain the charade to survive.
Buy it on Barnes and Noble | Bookshop.org |Amazon.com
What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown
Raised off-grid, Jane's isolated world is shattered when she uncovers a dark family secret. Fleeing to San Francisco, she navigates the city's tech boom while seeking answers about her hidden past and true identity. This gripping tale explores innocence, knowledge, and belonging as Jane confronts who she truly is. out 6/3
Buy it on Barnes and Noble | Bookshop.org |Amazon.com
The Ghostwriter By Julie Clark
Decades after his siblings' murders, Vincent, a horror author, is ready to reveal the truth. His estranged daughter, Olivia, agrees to ghostwrite his final book, discovering that it is not fiction. She's forced to confront a legacy of lies, trauma, and long-buried family secrets from that fateful night in 1975. Out 6/3
Buy it on Barnes and Noble | Bookshop.org |Amazon.com
It’s Not the End of the World By Jonathan Parks-Ramage
In 2044, privileged Mason Daunt ignores America's collapse until an apocalyptic event strikes Los Angeles during his lavish baby shower. Forced into the chaos, his wealth offers no shield. This satirical novel blends gore and wit to explore climate collapse, capitalism, and white supremacy, questioning hope when everything unravels. Out 6/3
Buy it on Barnes and Noble | Bookshop.org |Amazon.com
Summer Reading But Make it a Literary
Wait By Gabriella Burnham
The night before graduation, Elise learns her mother was deported to Brazil. Returning to Nantucket, Elise works to bring her back, reconnecting with her past. Caught between her wealthy friend's privileged world and her family's struggle, Elise confronts the systemic forces that tore her family apart and the life her mother lost.
.Buy it on Barnes and Noble | Bookshop.org |Amazon.com
My Train Leaves at Three by Natalie Guerrero
Grieving her sister, Afro-Latina singer Xiomara juggles two minimum-wage jobs and a stagnant life. A chance audition for a charismatic director offers a path to her dreams. But as she confronts the industry's dark side and a new co-worker sparks her apathy, Xiomara must decide if achieving her aspirations is worth losing herself. Out 7/15
Buy it on Barnes and Noble | Bookshop.org |Amazon.com
The Girls Who Grew Big By Laila Mottley
Sent away pregnant, sixteen-year-old Adela finds herself in Padua Beach, Florida, with her grandmother. There, she meets Emory and Simone, and joins "the Girls"—a group of outcast teen moms. Despite town judgment, these young women navigate friendship, love, and the complex journey of motherhood, proving they're finding their way, not losing it. Out 6/24
Buy it on Barnes and Noble | Bookshop.org |Amazon.com
The Names By Florence Knapp
After a devastating storm, Cora goes to register her son's birth. Her controlling husband expects the child to be named after him, but Cora hesitates. This decision sparks three alternate versions of their lives over thirty-five years, exploring the painful ripple effects of domestic abuse, family ties, and the possibilities of healing and autonomy.
Buy it on Barnes and Noble | Bookshop.org |Amazon.com
The River Is Waiting By Wally Lamb
Devastated by job loss, addiction, and new fatherhood, Corby's life spirals into tragedy, landing him in prison. Amidst brutality, he finds unexpected kindness from a librarian and fellow inmates. Supported by his mother's faith, Corby clings to hope for forgiveness and reconciliation, desperate to heal the family he shattered. Out 6/10
Buy it on Barnes and Noble | Bookshop.org |Amazon.com
Summer Reading But Make it Non-Fiction
Toni at Random : by Dana A Williams
Beyond her celebrated writing, Toni Morrison profoundly shaped American literature as an editor at Random House. This study, Toni at Random, reveals her vital role in empowering authors like Toni Cade Bambara and cultural figures such as Muhammad Ali. Morrison's editorial contributions transformed the literary landscape, deepening cultural conversations and influencing countless readers. Out 6/17
Buy it on Barnes and Noble | Bookshop.org |Amazon.com
Careless People By Sarah Whynn-Williams
This searing memoir exposes the unchecked power and rotten culture within Facebook. From private jets to global leaders, Sarah Wynn-Williams reveals the shocking misogyny and irresponsibility behind the scenes. It's an eye-opening look at how a few individuals carelessly wield immense power, impacting us all as they become less accountable.
Buy it on Barnes and Noble | Bookshop.org |Amazon.com
Mark Twain by Ron Chernow
Before becoming Mark Twain, Samuel Clemens pursued steamboating, then journalism. This biography by Ron Chernow reveals the man who meticulously crafted his celebrity, writing classics like Huckleberry Finn. It explores his triumphs, business failures, family tragedies, and enduring legacy as America's most influential literary figure, grappling with slavery's impact.
Warning: this book is 1200 pages long.
Buy it on Barnes and Noble | Bookshop.org | Amazon.com
Make it Ours : Crashing the Gates of Culture with Virgil Abloh By Robin Givhan
Robin Givhan's Make It Ours explores Virgil Abloh's groundbreaking rise as Louis Vuitton's first Black menswear artistic director. It reveals how streetwear and designers like Abloh revolutionized the exclusive fashion world, challenging notions of luxury and taste. The book offers a powerful look at race, genius, and fashion's evolving identity. out 6/24
Buy it on Barnes and Noble | Bookshop.org |Amazon.com
Blessings and Disasters: A Story of Alabama By Alexis Okeowo
In this intimate memoir and journalistic feat, Alexis Okeowo, daughter of Nigerian immigrants, defies stereotypes of her Alabama home. She intertwines her family's story with the state's, exploring its complex history and present-day realities. Okeowo reveals how Alabamians reconcile love for their home with its troubled past and ongoing struggles. out 8/5
Buy it on Barnes and Noble | Bookshop.org |Amazon.com
Ok friends, that is it! That’s my 2025 summer reading guide.
Stay tuned next week for some fun summer reading activities to go along with this guide. Hopefully. :-)
And don’t forget you can download the guide here.
Ok talk to you next week!
LaShawn
Definitely coming back to this again & again!
Do you ever read Fredrik Backman? I just finished his new one, My Friends. I loved it.
“See” you Thursday!
I love Wally Lamb’s books. I’d forgotten he has a new one coming out. Thanks for a great list!