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Summer is the perfect excuse to kick back, slow down, and dive into a good book. Whether you’re stretched out on a beach towel, swinging in a backyard hammock, or just soaking up a sunny afternoon with an iced coffee in hand, a great read can make your summer feel even more magical.

Looking for some inspiration? I’ve got you covered.

Here are eight books to read this summer—fun, inspiring, thought-provoking, and totally binge-worthy:

1. “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens

Step into the wild beauty of North Carolina with Where the Crawdads Sing—a captivating summer read that blends mystery, romance, and a powerful coming-of-age story.

Meet Kya, the “Marsh Girl,” who grows up isolated in nature and learns to navigate both survival and human connection. Delia Owens paints the marsh with vivid, lyrical prose while exploring themes of resilience, identity, and belonging.

This bestselling novel is as emotional as it is atmospheric, and perfect if you’re craving a thought-provoking escape. Bonus: If you love true stories, check out Educated—a powerful memoir about breaking free and finding your voice.

2. “Educated” by Tara Westover

Educated by Tara Westover is a jaw-dropping memoir that proves education really can change your life. Raised by survivalist parents in rural Idaho with zero formal schooling, Westover’s world was small—until she cracked it wide open.

Armed with grit and self-taught smarts, she blazed her way from a chaotic childhood to earning degrees from Cambridge and Harvard. This isn’t just a story about school—it’s about breaking free, finding your voice, and rewriting your future.

If you love stories of personal growth, resilience, and finding light in the darkest places, Educated deserves a top spot on your reading list.

Read: Create the Summer Mindset You Need for Ultimate Happiness

3. “Circe” by Madeline Miller

Circe by Madeline Miller is a stunning reimagining of the legendary Greek goddess you only thought you knew. This mythological novel flips the script on The Odyssey’s infamous sorceress, diving deep into her backstory, heartbreaks, and bold transformation.

With lush prose and a modern lens, Miller explores power, identity, and what it means to be a woman forging her own path in a man’s world.

If you’re into Greek mythology, strong female leads, and epic storytelling with a feminist twist, Circe is your next must-read. It’s part magic, part myth, and 100% captivating from start to finish.

4. “Normal People” by Sally Rooney

Normal People by Sally Rooney is a deeply emotional, modern love story that hits all the right notes. Set in Ireland, it follows Connell and Marianne—two smart, complicated teens from very different backgrounds—as they stumble through high school, college, and the messiness of love, class, and identity.

Their relationship is as tender as it is tangled, shaped by unspoken feelings and societal expectations. Rooney’s writing is sharp, intimate, and painfully real, capturing all the awkward silences and quiet heartbreaks of growing up.

If you’re into honest portrayals of young love and self-discovery, Normal People is the book for you.

5. “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” by Yuval Noah Harari

If you’ve ever wondered how humans went from hunting mammoths to scrolling Instagram, Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari is your must-read. This mind-expanding book walks you through the wild journey of Homo sapiens—from ancient foragers to modern-day empire builders.

With sharp insights and witty storytelling, Harari unpacks big themes like religion, capitalism, and evolution, all while making history feel totally binge-worthy.

Whether you’re a history buff or just curious about why we humans do what we do, Sapiens will have you seeing the world—and yourself—a little differently. It’s the ultimate crash course in who we are and how we got here.

Read: What Does Self-Love Look Like For You This Summer?

6. “The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides

If you’re into twisty psychological thrillers, The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides needs to be on your reading list. The story centers on Alicia Berenson, a celebrated painter who goes completely mute after being accused of murdering her husband.

Enter Theo Faber, a determined psychotherapist desperate to crack her silence. What follows is a slow-burning unraveling of secrets, trauma, and one jaw-dropping twist. With a haunting vibe and masterful pacing, this thriller hooks you hard and doesn’t let go.

The Silent Patient is the perfect blend of mystery and psychology—ideal for fans of chilling suspense and mind-bending reveals.

7. “Becoming” by Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama’s Becoming is the kind of memoir that leaves a lasting mark—warm, wise, and wonderfully real. From her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years in the White House, Michelle shares her journey with honesty, heart, and a whole lot of inspiration.

You’ll walk beside her through law school, love, motherhood, and public service, witnessing how she stayed grounded while breaking boundaries. With personal stories and powerful reflections, Becoming is a must-read for anyone craving motivation, authenticity, and a deeper look at one of the most influential women of our time. S

Spoiler: it’s incredibly empowering.

Read: Summer Reads: 5 New Books We Are Loving This Week

8. “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is one of those rare gems that feels like a warm hug from the universe. Follow Santiago, a young shepherd with big dreams, as he sets off on a desert journey to find his personal legend—and ends up discovering way more than treasure.

This inspiring story is packed with soul-stirring wisdom, mystical encounters, and rich symbolism that nudges you to chase your purpose, trust the process, and believe in the magic of your path.

If you’re craving a feel-good, life-affirming read, The Alchemist is the spiritual roadmap your heart’s been waiting for.

Enjoy this mix of fiction and non-fiction book recommendations for a fantastic summer reading adventure!

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