Sign in with Facebook
Goodreads' Top Reviewers Pick the 'It' Book of Summer
The Goodreads community is, of course, exceptional when it comes to finding great books. So, this summer we turned to some of the top book reviewers on the site to ask them to pick the book that will become the season's "It" read: that breakout hit everyone will soon be discussing.
Check out their bold predictions! You can also click on each of their names to follow them for more of their reviews. Be sure to add the books that pique your interest to your Want to Read shelf!
"As an avid reader of mysteries, thrillers, and suspense novels, I've read just about every type of story in the genre. Rarely does an author come onto the scene and change the game so thoroughly while grabbing the attention of the majority, but that's precisely what Riley Sager did in 2017 with Final Girls. Now, with his fourth book, I'm putting my money on Home Before Dark being the must-read story of summer. With the author's three previous novels all being bestsellers, it's the most confident bet I'll make all year," says Chelsea Humphrey.
"If you think that My Dark Vanessa constitutes a 21st-century Lolita; if you think that My Dark Vanessa is an engaging, challenging look at a subject that affects large numbers of women; if you think that My Dark Vanessa is a moving story written by an exciting new novelist, one with the literary skill of a veteran; if you think that My Dark Vanessa has already earned a place on the list of best books of 2020; and if you think that My Dark Vanessa, pending the release of other outstanding 2020 fiction, of course, might just possibly be the best novel of 2020, well you are not alone because, ya know, me, too," says Will Byrnes.
"My prediction for the biggest book of the summer is The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins. This is a hugely anticipated book that will act as a prequel to The Hunger Games trilogy. The book will be the first time readers get to revisit Panem since the series ended ten years ago, so I'm expecting a lot of buzz and discourse over the summer, especially with how the themes of this prequel may relate to our world today," says Cindy Pham.
"So much is packed into these 336 pages! A haunting contemporary-but-feels-dystopian story reminiscent of The Handmaid's Tale, a gritty character drama that explores the relationship between mothers and daughters, and a thoughtful coming-of-age tale about what it is to grow up and reevaluate everything you've been taught to believe in. Godshot made me feel so many emotions that I just had to talk about it immediately," says Emily May.
"Silvia Moreno-Garcia blends fantasy with horror and suspense in 1950s Mexico in her highly anticipated novel, Mexican Gothic. No one will be able to resist the story of Noemi, a brave socialite, drawn to the treacherous secrets of the isolated mansion her newly married cousin finds herself living in. Upon arrival, the house soon invades Noemi's dreams with visions of blood and doom. Readers will soon be seduced by the horrifying world of High Place, and enchanted by Noemi's unlikely quest to save her cousin," says Kristin Hackett (SuperSpaceChick).
"When I think of summer, I think of the beach, and Kristy Woodson Harvey authors beach reads filled with heart and Southern charm. At the top of my agenda for this summer is Harvey’s newest, Feels Like Falling!" says Jennifer ~ TarHeelReader.
"This is the summer thriller that we have all been waiting for. I cannot remember the last time I felt my heart actually race as I read a book. The way Harrison layered all those spooky elements and the way she depicted the characters so vividly. It was amazing. I couldn't sleep because I NEEDED to know what happened...and then I couldn't sleep because I KNEW what happened.... In short, I don't think I will ever sleep again. On the plus side, that will give me lots of time to read more books!" says Miranda Reads.
"While it's hard to figure out what book will be the buzz of the book world this summer, one that I would love to see more people reading is Don't Read the Comments. This story has everything I love in a book! It has incredibly layered characters with strong backstories and personalities. It has a focus on the world of video games, which makes my nerdy heart happy. On top of everything, it's an incredibly well-written and well-paced story! I highly recommend giving it a go," says Jesse (JesseTheReader).
"Repo Virtual is coming out in April, and it is one of my most anticipated books of the year. Why, you may ask? Well, because it sounds like a crazy combination between Ready Player One and I, Robot, with a heist subplot added for good measure. I mean, what's not to love?" says James Trevino.
"I think the book we’re all going to be eating up this summer is The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins! It’s been a long time since we’ve read something new from Collins, and we need it now more than ever. I’m currently rereading the Hunger Games trilogy, and it is somehow better than I remember: thrilling, compassionate, and full of heart. In these trying times, it will be wonderful to escape on an adventure in the world of Panem that reminds us to be brave and strong in the face of difficulty," says Ariel.
"This much anticipated concluding volume to Hilary Mantel's Thomas Cromwell trilogy is finally here. I love the way that Mantel has resurrected and reimagined this self-made man of history into a living, breathing person. Though Cromwell has accomplished miracles in the past for his king, it will only take one misstep for him to find himself in jeopardy with a king known for his 'off with his head' pronouncements. Ripe with intrigue, changing alliances, and compelling conspiracies, this is a titillating and riveting saga that will be the sizzling read of the summer," says Jeffrey Keeten.
Want to play along? Which new books and upcoming books do you think will soon become hits? Let's talk books in the comments!
Comments Showing 51-95 of 95 (95 new)
date
newest »
newest »
message 51:
by
Perry
(new)
May 19, 2020 08:58AM
With a lot of us home for the summer, any travel journals you folks would recommend? I was a big fan of The Italian Affair by Laura Fraser several years back. I am always looking for the next Eat, Pray, Love.
flag
Tanya wrote: "Amazon is trying to hype Collins so hard, it's in every one of these lists, and being pushed in this one twice."That pretty much guarantees it will be a disappointment. :)
Claudia wrote: "I understand that fiction is a large part of what people read - especially since there are so many varieties of it.But there is nothing amidst these choices for those who enjoy non-fiction.
Yes, ..."
I recommend Say Nothing - A True Story of Murder and Memory in Nothern Ireland by Patrick Radden Keefe I just started reading it.
I completely misunderstood the title. I got excited and thought we were looking for a new horror novel to rival Stephen King's "It".
There is a book called Craigslist Confessional, it's non-fiction/memoir. It highlights the very deepest secrets we all internalize with the goal of demonstrating that we are no alone in the struggles we face.I don't know, feels just prescient to me for today's pandemic times.
Jack: When reading, I like to be both entertained and learn something new in the process. "Straddling the Abyss" covers both bases.
Why not have a feature on the 3 books that have been nominated for the VCU Cabell First Novelist Award? Bloomland, by John Engelhardt; Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid; and On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous, by Ocean Vuong. https://firstnovelist.vcu.edu and https://www.facebook.com/cabellfirstn...
I don't care that whoever you are liked a book, that it scared you, or you couldn't put it down. I don't know you or what your tastes are, so I want a REVIEW, without spoilers, of course, to let me know if it is a book for me. Consequently, nothing you show tells me what I need to know and none of the books make my to buy or reading list.Su
I just finished My Dark Vanessa and agree that it was a well-written and thought-provoking book. It’s a little grim for a beach read, but well worth seeking out.
Please consider reading A Children's Bible, by Lydia Millet. I have just discovered her and her work is fabulous. This is not a religious book, however there is a character named Eve and a flood. An environmental warning involved.
Don’t forget Kevin Kwan’s Sex and Vanity! I read the CRA series two years ago and found them perfect summer reads!
Jim wrote: "Elizæ’s wrote: "Mary wrote: "There isn't a book on the list of interest. Snore."Do you really think that’s necessary?"
Agreed. not to be my Grandma, but if you "don't have anything nice to say (..."
It's Mary's opinion and some of us agree, as necessary as others.
I saw this list and am anticipating certain books as much as everyone else. However, I don't think any book should be pushed twice (I mean, come on!) and I believe it's taking up room that another author, another book deserved.
Already pre-ordered Ballad, can't wait to see Snow's story. It will be a hit. But, I think the surprise summer hit will be Meyer's Midnight Sun. The story of Twilight from Edward's POV! Also on pre-order. Happy reading.
Laura wrote: "A list of the Top 10 and yet it's more like Top 9 because Hunger Games is listed TWICE. Seriously? You couldn't add another book on here that needs attention?"I counted and there are actually 11 books because of Hunger Games being listed twice. I enjoyed reading the trilogy in the past, but I agree that another book from a different author should have been featured here since the new Hunger Games book will probably blow up anyway.
Elizæ wrote: "Silvi wrote: "I wish there would be more diversity in the books. Listing The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes twice as if there are no other great books around is kind of sad. Also, it's basically ju..." Not only that it's listed twice because two of the chosen reviewers recommended it!
Mairy wrote: "Top Reviewers picked this list?? Really? None of those books have a summer vibe to me."I'm with you..
None of these books sound particularly interesting it different. There's a narrow range if categories and several sequels to books that have already done well, so no surprise there.
Elisa wrote: "Who’s up for some robots? 🥳" I am! If you're referring to the new Murderbot installement, Network Effect, by Martha Wells. Can't wait.
Mary wrote: "None of these books sound particularly interesting it different. There's a narrow range if categories and several sequels to books that have already done well, so no surprise there."I'm never a big advocate for these lists for a number of reasons, but sometimes we need to check ourselves.
Does 2 out of 10 separate titles really equate to 'several sequels'?
Also, there are several genres represented; thiller/mystery, general/literary, historical, horror, dystopian, sci-fi, romance... with some that cross genres and including both YA and adult reads so for all it's faults, the list is not particularly narrow in range. Could it be better, a lot better? Sure, but reading and taste is subjective so no list, especially one so limited in number, is ever going to appeal to everyone.
Why is it that on EVERY SINGLE ONE of the lists Collins new book there. This one it’s twice idk and idc I didn’t even like the hunger games trilogy so it won’t be on my TBR this summer.
Tanya wrote: "Amazon is trying to hype Collins so hard, it's in every one of these lists, and being pushed in this one twice."If it's a good book that they know people are going to read why shouldn't they push it?
Leigh wrote: "So many great recommendations ..... can’t wait to dive in! Although Collins’ book is getting a lot of hype right now I still plan on reading it, just out of pure curiosity. However, my ‘IT’ summer ..."Try "When the StarChild Sings". New book, new author, might interest you? Great reviews so far.
hey Joe, thanks for the recommendations-your list looks infinitely more interesting than the goodreads list. Maybe you should be making this list!
I'm looking forward to several books, A Week At the Shore by Barbara Delinsky being one. I like her writing , her details and sometimes I just like a good long book. Also 28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand.
Max Brooks "Devolution" is the one I am waiting for.
Tina wrote: "I'm looking forward to several books, A Week At the Shore by Barbara Delinsky being one. I like her writing , her details and sometimes I just like a good long book. Also 28 Summers by Elin Hilderb..."Same . Sometimes you just want to read a good long book .
Jo wrote: "Hunger Games prequel, it’ll sell like hot cakes but be just as poorly written and plotted as the original trilogy"LOL .
Jo wrote: "Hunger Games prequel, it’ll sell like hot cakes but be just as poorly written and plotted as the original trilogy"Amanda wrote: "Tanya wrote: "Amazon is trying to hype Collins so hard, it's in every one of these lists, and being pushed in this one twice."
Because her books are wildly popular. Doesn't mean you personally hav..."
I remember TWILIGHT by Stephenie Myers being the "it" summer reading book of 10 years ago . Now it's Suzanne Collins turn to fill that slot .
I haven't read either .
Billie wrote: "Jodie Sinclair’s memoir, “Love Behind Bars: The True Story of an American Prisoner’s Wife,” officially released on April 28, 2020. It chronicles her daunting 25-year effort to free me from the Loui..."My goodness, this sounds wonderful - thanks for the rec - glad I read the comments!
Tanya wrote: "Amazon is trying to hype Collins so hard, it's in every one of these lists, and being pushed in this one twice."Yep and the book was not great in my opinion
The Association by Sharon Ann Ziegler is a great read!
Well Jay you are about the only one NOT into reading Dystonia fiction books currently.
Craigslist Confessional is such a timely and important book. Needs more attention.
Rebecca Bright wrote: "Well Jay you are about the only one NOT into reading Dystonia fiction books currently."chuckle .
August 4th --- Harrow the Ninth--- enough said. Some people pass out from euphoria if you just say, "Tamsyn Muir". Some people think outside the box, Muir says, "What's a box?"
It's summer. It's thriller time. I just finished a Netgalley copy of Robert Pobi's Under Pressure and wow, was it fun.
This is an ALL white reviewers list and most authors included, save two, are White. Goodreads was always performative in their inclusion.Start calling them out people. Start including and making spaces safe so Black reviews and people of Colour can share their book recs and start diversity your reading.
Kassandra wrote: "This is an ALL white reviewers list and most authors included, save two, are White. Goodreads was always performative in their inclusion.Start calling them out people. Start including and making s..."
Good point. Although Cindy Pham is Asian American, so there is one POC reviewer out of 11...
Joe wrote: "Elena Ferrante's highly-anticipated The Lying Life of Adults (6/9) and David Mitchell's Utopia Avenue (7/14) are both authors with a huge fan base that will likely win over more this summer. As for..."The Burning was excellent
Tanya wrote: "Amazon is trying to hype Collins so hard, it's in every one of these lists, and being pushed in this one twice."I thought so too, but loved the book and wish it was a trilogy.
