Literature for Summertime

Is there anything better than reading a good book on the beach with nothing but the sound of the waves crashing on the shore? Probably not. I am a huge fan of seasonal reading, and have previously created book lists for autumn, and even Christmastime. I think reading can be a great way to get in the mood for a certain season or holiday, so I always have books or other works handy.

I do not know about anyone else, but because of this quarantine I am looking forward to the next foreseeable time we can leave the house. From what I see on the news, that time will probably be in the early summer, so I am preparing early out of excitement. Below I’ve listed a few books and other works that will get audiences in the summer mood.

I have read some of these books, and some of them I have not read yet and plan on doing so this summer. Some of the works are classics, and a few of these books are not even out yet! If anyone has any suggestions for other books to read over the summer, please drop a comment below! I am always looking for new reads.

The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald 

The Great Gatsby is a book that can be read at anytime of the year. However, when better than summertime to read a book that takes place in the Hamptons during the that season? Never. This novel is also inherently American, and the Fourth of July is America’s birthday, after all.

A Caribbean Mystery, Agatha Christie 

Alright, yes! I read a lot of Agatha Christie. I only began reading her about two years ago and absolutely fell in love with her work. One of my favorite things about Christie as a writer is that there is a novel for any occasion. A Caribbean Mystery is actually on my reading list this year, as I have never read it before!

We Came Here to Shine: A Novel, Susie Orman Schnall

This novel comes out this June. From what I can tell from other brief plot summaries, its the story of women helping one another achieve their dreams. I love a good pro-woman story, and I am really excited to pick this book up in June.

To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee

This is another American classic that takes place during the summer. Yes, this is a novel that most of us have read in high school. However, it is a masterpiece and a summer classic.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream, William Shakespeare 

This is a drama that made the list! A Midsummer Night’s Dream is one of my favorite works by Shakespeare. Not only does the work take place during the summertime, but it is quite funny to read.

The Sun Also Rises, Ernest Hemingway

What is more summer-esque than Spain’s traditional Festival of San Fermín and the running of the bulls? If you have read my other recent post about literature that changed my life, you know that post World War I literature is one of my favorite eras. This book is an essential classic, and if you have not read it, I suggest picking it up.

Beach Read, Emily Henry

This is a new book coming out in May, and it is on my personal summer reading list! The plot sounds interesting. The story follows two very different authors during a summer of writer’s block. They make a deal to write in the styles of one another while living next door to each other.

The Old Man and the Sea, Earnest Hemingway

Alright, so this guy is on the list twice. But let’s be honest, this is another great work that takes place on the shore. The awesome thing about The Old Man and the Sea is that it is not too long. You can practically finish this novella during a long day at the beach.

The Lost Girls of Devon, Barbara O’Neal

This is another book on the list that is not out just yet. It will be here in July. If you know me, you know I love horror, mystery, gothic novels, etc. At first when I saw the cover of this book, it looked like a romance tale or something. Then I decided to read the summary and it seems much darker than that, and I am really looking forward to reading this book this summer!

To the Lighthouse, Virginia Woolf 

This is another book on the list that is on my personal reading list for this summer. I am a fan of some other works by Woolf, and have always looked forward to reading this piece.