Books to Get You in the Perfect Summer Mood

“Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August.”

Jenny Han, The Summer I Turned Pretty

So school (finally) just ended, which means I have summer on my mind! Summer adventures, summer memories, lazy summer days, exciting summer nights. And one of my favorite parts of summer is lounging by the pool, reading, or sitting on your porch, reading or laying on the beach, reading. I don’t know if it’s just me, but the books I read in the summer are always so magical, so happy, so hopeful, and really describe the way I want to feel.

When I look for summer books, I tend to stick to the contemporary genre. To me, summer means fluff, coming of age, romance, wit, tears and smiles. It means unrealistic expectations of what teens do in the summer, and wild adventures that make me feel reckless and free. That being said, I’ve tried to compile a list of books that make me feel this way, that to me, capture the epitome of summer.

Anna and the French Kiss- Stephanie Perkins

This book to me is the epitome of sweetness, perfect for summertime. The romance is so so cute, and all the characters are so lovable. Plus, it’s in a dream vacay spot (Paris), and the setting really plays into the story, so you get to travel without ever leaving your bed!

Since You’ve Been Gone- Morgan Matson

Since You’ve Been Gone is all about growing up and growing apart and growing closer. It’s the type of book that inspires you to be a better person, and have wild and crazy adventures, both of which I think fit summer completely. If you want the total, unabandoned freedom of summer, then read this book.

26 Kisses- Anna Michels

This quirky book is about a girl trying to get over an ex, only to accidentally fall in love with someone else. It makes you laugh out loud, cry, and smile so wide you face gets sore. It’s full of romance, friends, and a crazy plot line, all guaranteed to put you in a good mood.

Twenty Boy Summer- Sarah Ockler

This is a bit more of a bittersweet book, but belongs on this list nonetheless because summer can be bittersweet. Twenty Boy Summer explores friendship, love, and loss, all at the backdrop of a perfect little beach town, tucked away in California.

 

The Truth About Forever- Sarah Dessen

I’ve made my love-hate relationship with Sarah Dessen pretty clear, but I enjoy this book and think it fits pretty squarely on the list. This book discusses loss, friendship, first loves, and new beginnings. Macy is a lovable character, and her friendship with Wes is a sweet point of the story.

The Summer I Turned Pretty- Jenny Han

This book makes me wish that I had close guy family friends and a beautiful beach house to escape to every summer. Seriously, the best family friend relationship and the best beach I’ve ever read.  The entire book takes place at the beach, and is filled with flashbacks and summer memories, as well as first loves.

With these books in mind, I hope you have an amazing summer! These are some of my go-to summer reads, let me know what yours are!