One of my main goals for 2017 is to read more – of everything. News, magazines, books, you name it. I’m currently in the midst of (and very behind on) the Popsugar 2017 Reading Challenge and, while I love following the prompts, I’m looking forward to completely abandoning them for my summer 2017 reading list. There’s something so special about a ‘summer read’. They’re often effortless, extremely captivating, and oh so fun! I usually abandon my age group and drop down to YA novels for the most enjoyable summer reads, but I also love those heartwarming family stories and cheesy romances that always seem to fit in perfectly with summer. Oh, and it’s impossible to get through the summer without a thriller or two!
Compiling a summer reading list is always one of my favorite things to do, and this year has been no exception. We are heading to the Maldives for a week on our honeymoon, and have been spending as much time as possible in the sun in our back garden, so the thought of summer reading has been on my mind constantly as of late (and my Goodreads ‘to-read’ shelf proves that). I’ve perused blogs and reading lists and checked out Amazon’s pre-order options and best sellers and think I have come up with a perfect summer 2017 reading list. I’ve already jumped into it and can’t wait to tick even more of these books off my list!
Whether you’re a strictly paperback kind of person or download everything digitally, here is a list of books that you need to add to your summer 2017 reading list.
12 Books to Add to your Summer 2017 Reading List
Commonwealth
This is the only book on this list that I’ve read so far and it ticks every box of my summer read definition. Family drama, set across about 50 years, and twists you wouldn’t expect. The story was nothing like what I expected from reading the description and rules, but it was extremely captivating. It’s a bit slow at the start, but well worth sticking to it – the final half of the book is brilliant! Note – the novel isn’t written chronologically, so if you struggle to follow, it might not be for you. BUY: UK // US
The Light We Lost
I’m a huge fan of The Skimm for getting my morning news intake, but I also really look forward to their book recommendations each Friday, which is where I found out about The Light We Lost. This seems like the perfect chance encounter/destined to be together/the world is keeping them apart love story – perfect for a day on the beach! The reviews I’ve read say it’s incredibly relatable and one you can’t put down. Plan to read it during a long day at the beach…and during dinner…and before bed. BUY: UK // US
Summer House
Have you ever gone a summer without reading something with a title along the lines of Summer House or Beach House or The Vacationers? Summer House is the one for your summer 2017 reading list. It’s the perfect dysfunctional family novel that is sure to leave you with a tear or two streaming down your face. Mother Flossy is determined to get her family back on track while on vacation for her husbands 80th birthday, but with each of her three grown children having problems of their own, that may be an impossible feat. BUY: UK // US
The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend
This is an older book, but it’s the first YA novel on my summer 2017 reading list. It’s been on my to-read list for awhile, but for some reason I never got around in it. In fact, I probably didn’t read it in high school in fear that I’d determine I was the designated ugly fat friend! This seems like the perfect amount of typical high school drama (oh how I don’t miss those days!) for a day at the pool. Being YA, it’s an effortless read, so might even call for a margarita to go alongside it! BUY: UK // US
Girl Gone Greek
What could be better for summer than some travel inspiration? Girl Gone Greek follows a girl who moves to Greece to become an English teacher and finds everything she is looking for. It’s about falling in love with a place, a feeling that every travel lover feels when they go somewhere new. And it’s about taking the unconventional path. If you’re thinking of giving up your 9-5 to start your own business or travel the world, this might just give you the courage to do so! BUY: UK // US
Rich People Problems
This book has shown up on pretty much every reading list, making me think it’s going to be THE book of summer 2017. Plus, it’s recommended for Gossip Girl lovers, which puts it at the top of my list! There are three novels in the series, with Rich People Problems being the third. I’m sure I’ll read all three this summer – they seem like the perfect mix of lavish lifestyles, saucy scandal, and hilarity. BUY: UK // US
Business for Punks
This is for those of you who still like to feel productive while on vacation. I’ve been meaning to read Business for Punks for so long now and I finally started. It’s full of brilliant business advice, delivered in an easy to comprehend and often funny manner. BrewDog took a unique approach to starting a business and it has definitely paid off for them. If you’re familiar with their company, or looking for a different kind of business advice, this is the book to read! Plus, it’s hilarious, so why not read it at the beach? BUY: UK // US
Wedding Toasts I’ll Never Give
I’m probably most excited to read Wedding Toasts I’ll Never Give, especially after the stress of preparing for and planning a big wedding after we’ve already been married for almost a year! I think this is the one I’ll take on our honeymoon with us. Ada Calhoun gives a real look at marriage, not the frilly ‘happily ever after’ nonsense people throw at you on your wedding day. ‘Brutally honest’ and ‘laugh out loud funny’ both made an appearance in the reviews, which definitely make it a perfect summer read! BUY: UK // US
He Said/She Said
I feel like this is going to be one of the big thrillers of the summer. A totally in love young couple witnesses something that changes their lives forever while chasing an eclipse. Fifteen years later, they are still haunted by it. When love is mixed with something a bit crazy, it seems to make for the absolute perfect novel, and you’ll be sure to get through this one quickly! BUY: UK // US
The Identicals
Similar to The Summer House, this one SCREAMS summer beach read read. I mean, look at the cover! Two twins are separated in their youth when their parents split up. They move to different islands, each with a respective parent. They grow up living totally different lives. More than a decade later, they switch lives (and islands) to try to repair their individual lives. BUY: UK // US
The Cafe by the Sea
Now that I’m living in the UK, I am immediately drawn to books set in the UK, including this one. The Cafe by the Sea is a story about returning home, and about how difficult that can be when you left on negative terms. Though there aren’t many reviews out yet, my initial thought makes me think this one will be extremely heartwarming. It will also probably make us all think about what we might be able to accomplish if we return home. Released on 27 June 2017. BUY: UK // US
Things I Should Have Known
Another YA novel for the list, but this one takes on the more adult matter of autism. A teenage girl sets out on a mission to find a boyfriend for her autistic older sister. In typical YA fashion, her life changes in the process. The portrayal of autism and how it affects family members has been constantly praised in the reviews, which makes me think this is a great read for any adult who has an autistic child, sibling, etc. And as it delves into the relationship between the two sisters, I’m sure this novel will be pulling on heartstrings from every type. BUY: UK // US
Have you read any of the books above? If so, please let me know your thoughts in the comments! I love having an idea of what to expect before diving into a book. Also, share which other books are on your summer 2017 reading list. I’m so excited to jump into a heavy reading period this summer, and can’t wait to see what these books have in store!
