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The Hottest Books of Summer
Summer is a dream; summer without books is a nightmare. Prepare yourself for a blissful season of reading with soon-to-be favorites in every genre!
To create our list, we focused on what Goodreads members are anticipating and reactions from early reviewers. We measured anticipation by how many times a book has been added to Want to Read shelves, and then we only included books that have earned at least a four-star rating. (If you're curious how you can read prepublished books and be among the first to rate them, take a look at our book giveaways.)
Now let's get to the books. Tell us which ones you can't wait to read in the comments.
To create our list, we focused on what Goodreads members are anticipating and reactions from early reviewers. We measured anticipation by how many times a book has been added to Want to Read shelves, and then we only included books that have earned at least a four-star rating. (If you're curious how you can read prepublished books and be among the first to rate them, take a look at our book giveaways.)
Now let's get to the books. Tell us which ones you can't wait to read in the comments.
FICTION
In this unforgettable follow-up to Beartown, the citizens of a small town in Sweden rally around their local hockey team, even as a hostile rivalry threatens to destroy friendships, families, and the fragile peace of a volatile community.
Check out Backman's book recommendations here.
From the author of Fates and Furies comes a piercing collection of short stories exploring the moments that make us feel alive, all anchored by the landscape, climate, history, and state of mind of Florida.
Discover Groff's book recommendations here.
A fractured love story collides with a secret extremist cult in this electrifying debut about a young misfit, the woman he adores, and the obsession that unravels their relationship and leads to a harrowing act of violence.
Find our interview with Kwon here.
The first novel from actress Sarah Jessica Parker’s new imprint, SJP for Hogarth, charts the crucial turning points in an Indian American Muslim family's past, from the bonds that bring them together to the differences that pull them apart.
Read our interview with Parker here.
One photograph, snapped in a drunken moment at a party, overturns Nina's status among Nashville's elite, forcing her to choose between her family and her values in this poignant tale from the author of Something Borrowed.
At once merciless and compassionate, this is the story of a young woman who attempts to fill the dark and vacuous hole in her heart by embarking on an extended hibernation with the help, of course, of a truly terrible psychiatrist.
Check out Moshfegh's book recommendations here.
A sheltered young girl and a teenage maid strike an unlikely friendship in this mesmerizing debut set against the backdrop of the devastating violence of 1990s Colombia and inspired by the author's own life.
Read our interview with Contreras here.
MYSTERY & THRILLER
From the author of The Woman in Cabin 10 and In a Dark, Dark Wood comes a tale of spellbinding menace that sees a struggling tarot card reader lured into a web of intrigue, danger, and betrayal by the promise of a tantalizing fortune.
Find our interview with Ware here.
An ingenious young man creates an "echo box" to hear his late mother's voice, but the innocent project takes a nefarious turn when shadowy government agents come to seize the extraordinary machine—and silence its creator.
When the bride-to-be is discovered dead in Nantucket Harbor just hours before the ceremony, everyone in the wedding party is suddenly a suspect, from the best man and the maid of honor to the groom's famous mystery novelist mother.
It's just a harmless game, right? The author of Final Girls puts a deadly twist on "two truths and a lie" as successful artist Emma revisits her dark past, the one night at summer camp that still haunts her memories and her paintings.
YOUNG ADULT
As warrior Helene, the Blood Shrike, searches for a way to hold back the tide of war, her sister's life and the lives of all those in the Empire hang in the balance in this epic installment in the Ember Quartet.
Discover Tahir's book recommendations here.
Told through the letters wallflower Twinkle writes to her favorite female filmmakers, this charming tale from the author of When Dimple Met Rishi navigates big truths about friendship, family, and the unexpected places love can find you.
Check out our interview with Menon here.
After escaping Gotham City's slums, Selina Kyle reinvents herself as the mysterious Holly Vanderhees in this exhilarating take on DC Comics' Catwoman from the author of the Throne of Glass and A Court of Thorns and Roses series.
Charlie is desperate for one last perfect weekend, but as all four of her older siblings return for a wedding, chaos reigns supreme in the form of a howling dog, a stubborn band, a missing tuxedo, and a distractingly cute boy.
Find our interview with Matson here.
In this dazzling follow-up to Flame in the Mist, Mariko plays the part of the dutiful bride-to-be in order to infiltrate the emperor's ranks, rescue her beloved, and uncover the truth behind the betrayal that almost left her dead.
NONFICTION
A beach house dubbed Sea Section is the setting for reflections on middle age, mortality, and a tumor joke or two in this deeply personal and darkly hilarious book from the author of Me Talk Pretty One Day and Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim.
With effervescent charm and wit, the Parks and Recreation star takes readers along on her not-so-meteoric rise from "roaches to riches" before reflecting on her life of fame (fending off trolls, flirting with Michael Fassbender, etc.).
Spying on Whales: The Past, Present, and Future of Earth's Most Awesome Creatures
by Nicholas Pyenson
by Nicholas Pyenson
The Smithsonian's star paleontologist explores the cutting edge of whale research, from the fishing decks on Antarctic whaling stations to the desert of Chile where scientists race to document the largest fossil whalebone site on earth.
HISTORICAL FICTION
The rarefied world of a resort island in the Long Island Sound comes to life in this enchanting novel of romance, class, power, and dark secrets set in the summer of 1951 and 1969 from the author of A Hundred Summers.
Read our interview with Williams here.
Based on the experiences of real-life kidnapping victim Sally Horner and her captor, whose story shocked the nation and inspired Vladimir Nabokov to write his controversial and iconic Lolita, this heart-pounding story gives a voice to Sally herself.
From the opulent palaces of St. Petersburg to the World War I battlefields, this riveting historical drama focuses on the anarchic fall of an empire and the complex, bold heart of the woman who tried to save it.
ROMANCE
Brilliant math whiz Stella decides to practice dating by hiring an escort in this heartwarming and refreshing debut novel that proves one thing: There's not enough data in the world to predict what will make your heart tick.
Check out our interview with Hoang here.
The Winston brothers are at it again. From the author of Truth or Beard and Grin and Beard It comes the next installment in the ongoing saga of the burly brothers' quest for love in the idyllic town of Green Valley, Tennessee.
From the three-time winner of the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Romance comes a powerful story about a troubled marriage and the memories, secrets, and old forgotten promises that might be able to save it.
FANTASY & SCIENCE FICTION
Two years after enchanting readers with her Beauty and the Beast retelling, Novik is back with a dark take on the Rumplestiltskin legend that follows Miryem, a clever young woman with a dangerous talent for turning silver into gold.
Find our interview with Novik here.
What does it mean if the gods can be killed? Persephone, the first woman to lead her tribe, enters the battle between humankind and the cruel godlike beings who once ruled in this next installment in The Legends of the First Empire series.
Kate Daniels wants to put her paranormal problems behind her. But in this next installment in the popular urban fantasy series, her attempt at a normal life, playing house with former Beast Lord Curran and their child, is interrupted by an ancient enemy.
From his first encounter with the man who will one day become Darth Vader to his rise to power, Grand Admiral Thrawn proves his reputation as one of the most cunning warriors in the history of the Galactic Empire in this thrilling Star Wars tale.
After a disaster rocks their community, a mother, an alien academic, and a caretaker for the dead struggle to build a new future in this story of finding hope and purpose among the stars from the author of The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet.
What books are you most excited to read this season? Let us know in the comments!
Find more ideas for your summer reading:
Goodreads Employees Share Their Summer Reading Plans
20 Top-Rated Books for Every Kind of Getaway
Choosing Your Vacation Books: Our Readers Share Their Advice
Find more ideas for your summer reading:
Goodreads Employees Share Their Summer Reading Plans
20 Top-Rated Books for Every Kind of Getaway
Choosing Your Vacation Books: Our Readers Share Their Advice
Comments Showing 51-100 of 155 (155 new)
I can't honestly say there is anything on this list that piqued my interest. I'm assuming/hopeful the authors are equating "summer reading" with "beach vacation/one too many cocktails in the sun reading" with their choices? Despite being part of the commented upon 80% readership, I would be interested in a male perspective to add diversity of genre to these lists. There are females readers who appreciate content NOT based on a hastily written sequel, a love story, a celeb bio or a novel written by a celeb. Goodreads = Goodgrief!
Slash213 wrote: "Chris wrote: "David wrote: "I hear you, but even if we make up half of the human race, we are not anywhere near half of this site's user base. Probably at least 80% of Goodreads active users are fe..."I agree that GIF's in reviews, and pictures of what someone thinks a character looks like are just annoying. I also dislike that someone's commentary about being excited to read a book counts as a "review". I also agree with Chris that there are definitely unserved areas of interest by many of these lists. I'm a woman and love to read good books, period, regardless of the genre. There have been a lot of racially diverse books recently touted as good reads, so let's be even more diverse with subject matter.
"Lies Sleeping" by Ben Aaronovitch. Genre: I have no idea, it's a mystery magical-police procedural with some romance in real world London setting with paranormal elements - it generally gets pigeonholed as SciFi but I think it's more mystery.
Dorothea Benton Frank's newest book, "By Invitation Only" is the book I am really looking forward to reading this summer! I've read each and every one of her books and they just get better and better! I LOVE this author!
As a swede I am proud that Fredrik Backman is on the list and I am so exited about Spinning Silverby Naomi Novik.
I'm looking forward to reading The Ones We Choose. I'm also probably going to read Harry Potter this summer because I never finished the series. (Gasp!) I know... I'm a terrible Goodreads member.
Richard wrote: "I just finished reading Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. It is a poignant and very well written debut novel. Everything I Never Told You is also terrific."
I have Eleanor Oliphant on my Want-To-Read list too. I'll have to check out Everything I Never Told You.
Katsuro wrote: "MetaMaus has actually been out for years, and in English, so it's not really suited for this list.Also, it bugs me that one of the books includes the censored word "sh*t." If you want to swear, t..."
Amen!!!!!!! hate it when they do that for books, especially covers because their censoring is just staring out at you!
Chris wrote: "David wrote: "I hear you, but even if we make up half of the human race, we are not anywhere near half of this site's user base. Probably at least 80% of Goodreads active users are female. Reading ..."It depends on the interest of some people. I suggest looking up "books similar to _____" (fill in the blank spot with one of your favorite book titles)
Gary wrote: "'In the Shadow of Lust.'I need a critique; my publisher says "don't pay reviewers".
I ask "then how of its worth, and more to its flaws, do I know?"
Judge not lest thee be judged thyself, they say..."
I would help you with your issue, and I would love to read your book, but I looked online to check out the book from the library, but they don't have any copies. Is there any place I could read it, but not have to buy it?
Thank you, I will look into getting it on kindle. I’ll try as soon as I can!
Barbara wrote: "No cozies? So many coming out that I want to read!"I hear you! Love them myself. https://www.cozy-mystery.com/blog/jun...
Debbie wrote: "Barbara wrote: "No cozies? So many coming out that I want to read!"I hear you! Love them myself. https://www.cozy-mystery.com/blog/jun..."
Thnks Debbie! Is this you're site & blog? I wanted to sign up for emails, but kept getting that there was an error. Any help would be appreciated!
Such a well researched & detailed site!
Gary wrote: "Lexi wrote: "Thank you, I will look into getting it on kindle. I’ll try as soon as I can!"You're very welcome.
I'm going to contact GoodReads, see if I cannot allow members to read the book free o..."
Thank you so much, I purchased your book for Kindle and I can't wait to read it!
Wanna know something interesting, Lexi?You are now, to the best of my knowledge, one of two people walking this planet who own a copy of the manuscript - I have here in my possession the original print, and you, Sir, have the other.
If it were not so embarrassing. I would say that that makes us rather special, you know it? Bestsellers are everywhere, whereas my book exists in only two places worldwide.
Always the optimist, and thank you; I hope you enjoy a beginner's efforts.
Lexi wrote: "Gary wrote: "Lexi wrote: "Thank you, I will look into getting it on kindle. I’ll try as soon as I can!"You're very welcome.
I'm going to contact GoodReads, see if I cannot allow members to read th..."
PS - and please, be critical. I cannot qualify my own syntax.
Thanks.
Chris wrote: "David wrote: "I hear you, but even if we make up half of the human race, we are not anywhere near half of this site's user base. Probably at least 80% of Goodreads active users are female. Reading ..."I am a high school librarian and a woman. Of course, there are a lot of books on this list that men can enjoy, but it is true that this list skews towards female taste. I use these Goodreads lists to find titles that I might want to order for the library and I always worry that I'm not finding enough good stuff for the boys. Men who read can find stuff they like on this list, but when I am trying to find titles to tempt a reluctant boy reader I need to really find some more traditionally male oriented books.
Chris wrote: "Gee, could you please let some guys write a few lists? Some action and adventure, maybe some war stories, and westerns. Space opera, military sci-fi, sports. You know, things guys like.I've been ..."
What do you mean by "let"? No one is stopping anyone creating and publishing lists. Also, no genre is restricted to gender, whilst some books may lean towards one or the other, that is something the author decides, not genre the book is in. You talk about Goodreads restricting diversity as there are few lists created by men. This is due to the fact that men are in the minority on this website. If you want more lists created by men, start something and make one yourself, though I apologize if you already have.
You preach gender equality in your above post, which is somewhat ironic, seeing as you specifically designate some genres to men, which, in my opinion, is quite sexist. Men can enjoy trashy romance novels as much as any woman, and any woman can enjoy war novels. Please do not preach sexual diversity when you yourself are ignoring it; as a woman it offends me.
Regards.
Chris wrote: "swords13429 wrote: "What do you mean by "let"? No one is stopping anyone creating and publishing lists. Also, no genre is restricted to gender, whilst some books may lean towards one or the other, ..."If you read my comment correctly, you would have noticed that never said that males were the largest readers of romance. It was in fact an example to illustrate my point, but I apologize if that confounded you. To further demonstrate my point, in the sentence that you were talking about I used the verb "can" which I had hoped would illuminate the point that they could exercise enjoyment, and but do not have to.
I am also not denying the fact that woman mainly create lists, and again tell you that it is because there is a woman majority on this website. You seem to have overlooked this fact.
As said before, if you want more men to create lists, then start one yourself. The only possible way to have more lists by men is by men writing them. Nothing has ever been achieved by sitting around and complaining about what women have done.
I shall not apologize for something that, in my opinion, is not wrong, just as you have the right to defend your comment.
Chris wrote: "swords13429 wrote: "If you read my comment correctly, you would have noticed that never said that males were the largest readers of romance. It was in fact an example to illustrate my point, but I ..."What you have commented on does not relate to diversity, seeing as you cannot force equal numbers of men and women to all sites. You are complaining about statistics, and that cannot be changed.
This list caters for what the general users of GR desire; whether it be men or women. This is based of statistics, which, as I'm sure you know, say that romance is more popular, thus the content of it.
If you so desire a list of books based to your preferences, I would suggest using the search bar, which is located at the top of the page.
However, you might encounter the problem with these lists created based to your preferences are written by women.
The Real Michael Swann by Bryan Reardon (June 12) who wrote Finding Jake, one of my absolute favorite books.
Watching PBS Great American Read and remembering all the classics I have long wanted to dive into or reread as an adult what I had to read in school....call of the wild comes to mind.... ....Goodreads marry that final PBS list of top 100 books into the list section so we may reference often! Also I love the idea of more excellent male reading suggestions for our book list. geez reading isn’t gender specific ....
I love action adventure, true SF , thrillers, and epic fantasy novels.... don't see any of these in recommendations....
The only book that has caught my attention on this list is the perfect couple. I'm skimming through responses and some of you offered great suggestions to read. I read for pure pleasure and I want to expand my reading tastes. If it's a good book, then it is a good book. I will say from experience that military genre is sorely lacking in abundance compared to others. If I remember correctly, a huge book retailer's website stated there were only about 3,000 military genre books. There was almost 8,000 sci-fi and there was like 17,000 romance. Goodreads lists and even the suggested books aren't as helpful to me lately since I started looking into other genres. I'm sure it's user error and I'll figure it out.
A lot of these books are in my TBR pile right now! Another one that is coming up at the end of July that EVERYONE should be watching for is: Sea WitchAnother great one that just came out:
Pembrim: The Hidden Alcove
Happy summer reading everyone!
I am living for the Non-Fiction section of this post. I just discovered so many books that sound amazing! :)
I'm honored that my book, Age of War was selected for this list. Just two weeks until release date, and the early reader reviews have been very complimentary. Won't be long now before everyone has a chance to get a copy. A second printing has been ordered, so the first editions are being snatched up quickly. Thanks all for the amazing support.
Wonderer wrote: “Gee, could you please let some guys write a few lists? Some action and adventure, maybe some war stories, and westerns. Space opera, military sci-fi, sports. You know, things guys like.I’ve been …”
I’d rather read those myself than some cheesy romance. Most of that list looks so boring.
But …
AGE OF WAR! Yes!
Do you know, there's not one book on that list that looks appealing to me...really disappointed, expected a more eclectic mix tbh :'(
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...I tend follow authors off lists like that and look for their next releases myself. Most sci-fi these days is YA type which I’ve grown out of unless it’s absolutely stellar. Scalzi, Corey, Leckie, Reynolds, Simmons, Hamilton, Banks, Powell, Stephenson, all good authors to keep up with. Plenty more, just gotta look!
I think if you are looking for books off the mainstream you shouldn't check these lists. I never find a book that I would like to read from thoses lists. And I hate that they totally forget about the horror genre (like most bookstores I know, it's a shame).Looking for books that interest me? See what my friends like/recommend, join genre discussion groups - GR offers so many great ways to find good books...but never rely on GR compiled lists that mostly just reflect what you find up front in bookstores. But I like to read the lists anyway just to see what's up currently.
Shannon wrote: "I can't wait for The Winter of the Witch by Katherine Arden, but it isn't scheduled to be released until Jan 2019, so not really a summer read. :("same here!
P.S.: I love to read other readers' comments to these lists - there I usually find some interesting books.
Samantha wrote: "I'm looking forward to My Year of Rest and Relaxation and The Death of Mrs. Westaway. Not on this list, I'm looking forward to The Word is Murder, Neverworld Wake, Something in the Water, and The T..."Love your choices. Thanks for introducing them. I'm starting Mrs. Westaway right away! Love this author.
Really looking forward to the Banner disappearing. Only 1 book was of any interest and I'd already preordered it months ago. How long will we be subjected to the banner and why can't we x it away? That way those that want to know about those books have that opportunity and those of us who don't want to see it don't have to!
Thanks for the list! I agree with the other commentator, that asks if a guy could add to the list. Although I am female....I like war stories, historical fantasy and agree that to view more of a melting pot of different genera's would be awesome. Maybe help some readers branch out into different kinds of books! Thanks again!
Rachel wrote: "Not sure how "hard" science fiction they are, but just saying, sci-fi isn't being neglected here."The only thing being neglected here is quality.
I would like to read Wanago, Wanastay by Maria Jordan Scott this summer. I have heard about this book and would like to read it soon.
I really do not understand what criteria were used to choose these books. Nora Roberts' Shelter in Place is a #1 bestseller and has waiting lists of hundred of library patrons yet GR doesn't have it on the recommended list for summer romance readers. For goodness sake! Nora Roberts is the Beach Read Queen!
Wonderer wrote: "Gee, could you please let some guys write a few lists? Some action and adventure, maybe some war stories, and westerns. Space opera, military sci-fi, sports. You know, things guys like.I've been ..."
Now you know how women have felt for the past few centuries.
I find it interesting there are no recommendations for LGBTQ. Unless I'm missing something
Wonderer wrote: "Slash213 wrote: "I've been using Goodreads for quite a while and it's always been like that. Just ignore the official lists and stick to personal recommendations. ."Yeah, but it's ridiculous that..."
I would love, love to have more books recommended by men, whatever genre they may be. Do you really think they knowingly do not include men or are there just more women reviewing on Goodreads? It's a good question
Kristyn wrote: "Chris wrote: "Gee, could you please let some guys write a few lists? Some action and adventure, maybe some war stories, and westerns. Space opera, military sci-fi, sports. You know, things guys lik..."Thanks for the tip, an interesting list for sure :)
I am super excited about Laini Taylor's Muse of Nightmares ( YA out in october I believe) I have an ARC right now of Diane Setterfield's Once Upon a River (out Jan 2019) I have Holly Black's Wicked King (2nd in the Cruel Prince/ Folk of the Air series) as a ARC right now (also out Jan 2019). I am also patiently waiting and super excited for Katherine Arden's Winter of the Witch (winternight series) out in Jan 2019. One of my favorite sci fi/ post apocalyptic reads that just came out June 5 The Book of M by Peng Shepard so please go read it if you haven't yet. Lot of good reads out this year!
Does anyone know the criteria that Goodreads uses to decide on this list? It would be interesting to know. If anyone is a Goodreads programmer etc please chime in :)
Dorie wrote: "Does anyone know the criteria that Goodreads uses to decide on this list? It would be interesting to know. If anyone is a Goodreads programmer etc please chime in :)"They go by which books have been placed on the most
"Want to Read" shelves, and then weed out the ones that got rated less than an average of four stars.
Ninetailedkat wrote: "Slash213 wrote: "Chris wrote: "Gee, could you please let some guys write a few lists? Some action and adventure, maybe some war stories, and westerns. Space opera, military sci-fi, sports. You know..."Hey - I'm a woman and I agree with the men here - we need more books covering some of these areas - and no it isn't sexist. Women, in general, definitely gravitate towards certain themes or types of books, since I live this with my book club!!!!
I can assure you after having been part of a book club made up entirely of women friends for over 10 years, I get tired of their type of picks all the time - they definitely get in ruts. I find it really difficult to get them to read good sci-fy, horror, thrillers, westerns, historical novels etc. Thank god for Goodreads and good recommendations in these other areas, from men and other similar minded women to me or I would have gone insane!
As far as expanding our horizons, I'm 58 & have more TBR books than I'll probably ever get to, so I have no desire to expand my horizons. I read for pure pleasure, & Have so much to read now!
Maybe Goodreads is mostly women & that's who the post is geared to, but that could also be self fulfilling . Maybe more guys would join if their interests were being served.
Just my 2 cents...