Nothing is more summer than a summer book, and it’s always the perfect time to curl up with a good page-turner. We have handpicked the best books you need to have on your reading list this season.
Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa
Introspective and soul soothing slice of life literary fiction based in Jimbocho also known as Tokyo’s book district. The book follows Takako as she loses her job as well as her relationship. That is when she moves in with her playful and eccentric uncle who runs an ancestral bookstore. As the book progresses, Takako reconnects with herself, her life purpose and her family through literature. The light novel captures the feeling of a warm hug, a cup of coffee and the sunbeam on paper.
If you’re a fan of The Bookshop Woman, this book is for you.
Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager
Gripping and suspenseful thriller/mystery based in a small town follows a young girl who returns to her childhood summer camp where tragedy struck long ago as her friends vanished after a game of two truths and a lie but now, clues and messages begin to surface and old tensions are ripped open. The book forces the reader to rethink their relationships with people they love (or loved…)
If you’re a fan of The Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, this book is for you.
The Summer book by Tove Jansson
A profound and lasting novella set on a small island follows a six-year old girl and her grandmother during the summer they spent in seclusion. The book consists of twenty-two stories that feel like life itself with conversations of death, god and more. The book deals with stillness of life, nature and intergenerational bonds.
If you’re a fan of Crying in H mart, this book is for you.
Call Me by Your Name by André Aciman
A romance literary fiction based in 1980s Italy summer follows Elio at his family’s villa when Oliver stays as a summer guest and they form a deep yet complicated relationship that turns into a summer romance. The book is complicated as it explores identity and desire yet also a perfect summer book.
Fool Me Twice by Nona Uppal
Bollywood-like romance based in Delhi, India follows a student, Sana who is in a long term relationship with Ashish since 11th grade but their romance is cut short after a tragic new year’s eve accident. During summer, she meets Pranav, her friend’s brother where they share undeniable chemistry (they both deny it by the way until…) until she wakes up to a text message from Ashish. The narrative explores second chances, grief, newfound relationships and moving. (Psst, a sequel is on its way)
If you’re a fan of You’ve Reached Sam, this book is for you.
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
A warm, witty and heartfelt romantic comedy book following Alex and Poppy—best friends with chemistry everyone sees but them. The book follows their decade-long tradition of taking annual trips until their falling-out two years ago but Poppy seeks Alex to repair their friendship with a trip—perhaps their last. So, will they or won’t they?
If you’re a fan of When Harry Met Sally, this book is for you.
