9 Books We’re Dying To Read This Summer

Summer is finally here, and what better time to sit back, relax, and enjoy a good book.

Whether you’re a history buff, hopeless romantic, or you just like a quick read, here’s a list of books that we think will make your summer even better!

The Great Divide – Cristina Henriquez

“Join a gripping tale set during the Panama Canal’s construction, revealing the lives of diverse characters intertwined by ambition, loyalty and sacrifice.”

Cristina Henriquez’ The Great Divide follows the inspiring and unique tales of a group of characters, and how the construction of the Panama Canal brought their lives together.  

Just For The Summer – Abby Jimenez

Abby Jimenez’ Just For The Summer is a witty, slow-burn tale about Justin and Emma, two people who are literally cursed when it comes to the dating scene. To fix this problem, they make a plan – they’ll date each other, their curses will cancel each other out, and then they’ll break up. Simple, right?

Well, when the pair have to deal with family problems, the deal gets a lot more complicated. Will these obstacles ruin the plan? Or will they bring Justin and Emma closer?

Funny Story – Emily Henry

Picture this. You just moved with your fiancé back to his hometown, only to find that he has fallen in love with his childhood friend. Now, you find yourself with no other choice but to live with that childhood friend’s ex-fiancé. We know, it’s very messy.

Well, Emily Henry’s Funny Story is exactly that. Mess, chaotic and captivating. Follow Daphne and Miles as they navigate living with each other, healing from the past and looking to the future.

One Day – David Nicholls 

One Day has been a total hit on Netflix, and if you loved the show, why not read the book too? Dexter and Emma meet in 1988, and for the next twenty years we are given a snapshot of their relationship, on the same day every year – July 15th.

The pair encounter fights, laughter, and tears, as this book explores the nature of love and life. 

Bobcat and Other Stories – Rebecca Lee

For those of you who have lots of summer plans, and less time for reading, don’t worry!

Check out Rebecca Lee’s collection of short stories that you can enjoy at your own pace. This book is full of witty and charming tales that explore a range of topics including infidelity, sacrifice and optimism.

The Ruined Map – Kobo Abe

For all the crime and mystery fans out there, we recommend Kobo Abe’s The Ruined Map, following a nameless detective as he tries to find a missing salesman who disappeared over a year before.

His search brings him to the depths of Tokyo’s dangerous underworld, where he slowly loses his own identity in the process. 

Greta and Valdin – Rebecca K. Reilly

If you liked Normal People or Schitt’s Creek, you’ll love Rebecca K. Reilly’s funny and endearing tale of Greta and Valdin, two siblings navigating their way through love, sexuality, work and family.

This story offers an authentic and hilarious portrayal of dealing with life and identity.

Empty Bed Blues – William Wall 

When Kate Holohan’s husband suddenly dies, she discovers the debt that he has racked up, as well as the fact that he has a mistress and a secret love spot in the Italian village of Camogli. Unwilling to face the repercussions of her husband’s actions, Kate runs away to Italy to restart her life.

There, she meets a formidable and mysterious old lady named Anna. Will Anna’s past as a journalist, resistance fighter and committed communist pose a challenge to Kate and force her to consider her own responsibilities in life?

She And Her Cat – Ginny Takemori, Makoto Shinkai and Naruki Nagakawa

Authors Ginny Takemori, Makoto Shinkai and Naruki Nagakawa teamed up to create a story about four women and their cats navigating their way through the highs and lows of love. How is that not the best story ever?

These four stories follow the lives of four different women and their feline companions, as they explore what it means to love and be connected. 

Words by Aicha Chalouche 

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