Five books you should read this summer

Planning to stay indoors to avoid the heat? We’ve got you covered with some great book recommendations for this summer!

1. Better than the Movies by Lynn Painter

Better Than the Movies is the perfect rom-com relief with its hilarious and charming story that had me laughing out loud.

Liz is a hopeless romantic who dreams of having her happily ever after. She also craves a swoon-worthy promposal for her final year of high school from the perfect guy, Michael Young — Liz’s long-time crush. However, he only sees Liz as a friend, so she enlists the help of her childhood nemesis, Wes Bennet. As Wes and Liz spend more time together, their relationship blossoms and Liz is forced to re-examine her ideas of love and happily-ever-after.

I liked this book because of its relatability. The romance between Liz and Wes could actually happen to someone in real life. I also appreciated how the author incorporated several famous quotes from iconic rom-com movies at the beginning of each chapter. It is a wholesome read sure to lift your spirits.

2. Caraval by Stephanie Garber

For a magical escape filled with secrets, excitement, and intrigue, dive into the Caraval trilogy by Stephanie Garber. 

This enchanting story follows sisters Scarlett and Donatella, who are trapped on the Isle of Trisda by their violent father. Yet, their lives change when Scarlett receives tickets to the infamous Caraval and its games. Caraval offers wonder, adventure, and a chance to win any wish granted by the immortal master named Legend. The sisters’ journey through this high-stakes, magical world is captivating and unforgettable.

The author is a master at vivid imagery and world-building. Her imagination and ideas astounded me, and I was completely enthralled in the Caraval world. The portrayal of magic in the book was described extremely well. The author detailed both its incredibleness but also the danger and consequences behind it, which was extremely compelling. The second and third novels are equally as magical.

3. Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak

If you want a gripping read that keeps you on the edge of your seat, try Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak. Once the story picks up, this book is impossible to put down.

This book, enhanced by eerie illustrations, tells the story of Mallory Quinn. She is fresh out of rehab and working as a live-in nanny for five-year-old Teddy. Everything seems perfect at her new job. However, when Teddy draws a man in a forest, dragging a woman’s lifeless body, Mallory becomes concerned. As Teddy’s drawings become increasingly sinister and realistic, Mallory begins to wonder if these sketches are part of a deeper, more disturbing truth.

It’s the perfect summer late-night thriller. The anticipation of wanting to find out what happens next is exactly how a reader should feel. The ending was a little predictable, but it still had that shock value.

4. The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline

This is a young adult (YA) dystopian novel written by Indigenous author Cherie Dimaline. In the novel, she discusses Indigenous political and social issues and creates a world that is deeply affected by the climate crisis.

The Marrow Thieves takes place in a world where global warming has left people with the inability to dream. Consequently, the dreamlessness has led to worldwide madness. Only North America’s Indigenous people are able to dream, and their bone marrow holds the cure for the rest of the world.

This book talks about extremely important issues in an engaging and interesting way. It was easy to understand, even for those who aren’t familiar with Canada’s history with Indigenous peoples. I applauded how the author talked about deep and relevant issues simply and directly. Additionally, the idea of bone marrow being a cure for people to dream was really unique and interesting.

5. The Storied Life of A.J Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin

Need a simple and short read? The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin is perfect. It’s 258 pages, and although that might sound intimidating to some, the simple writing style will allow you to breeze through it. This contemporary novel is wholesome, humorous, and emotional at times, with a surprising element of mystery.

A.J. Fikry is a grumpy bookstore owner whose life is falling apart. One day, A.J. wakes up to find a valuable object stolen. It has instead been replaced with a mysterious package that ultimately changes the course of his life.

The characters and setting create the perfect, cozy vibes for when you’re in the mood for a light read. I also loved how many references it made to other books written by other authors, particularly classics.