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Summer might just be our favourite time of year. Blue skies, warm weather; the perfect time to escape into a good book. But what to read? We’ve put together a list of some of our favourite summer reads from over the years, giving you some inspiration for your summer reading list.
There are cult classics that simply everyone must read, travel books to inspire the adventurer in you, and romance novels for anyone who fancies a bit of a holiday romance. We’ve even got quick holiday reads for those of you who may be more interested in Pina Coladas than reading. Check out the best summer books below.
Slip some of these classic summer reads into your hand luggage and you won’t be able to put them down.
No summer reading list would be complete without Jack Kerouac’s cult classic On the Road. Sal Paradise follows his friend Dean Moriarty travelling city to city, town to town across 1950s America. A rejection of the clean-collared lifestyle most middle-class men were expected to live, which inspired a generation to do the same.
You may have seen the film, but have you read the book? Richard is a 20-something British backpacker who arrives in Thailand and is told about a beach; a hidden Eden that few know about. But how long can it really stay a utopia, as more and more people join? Garland sets the scene perfectly and makes you feel as though you’re trekking through Thailand yourself.
Our story starts in 1935 when 13-year-old Briony witnesses her older sister flirting with a young servant. She takes rash action, which has unintended consequences and leaves her grappling with guilt for the next 60 years. McEwan’s masterful writing will completely absorb you in this modern classic.
Satisfy your sense of wanderlust this summer with these brilliant travel books. A mix of memoirs and travel guides, which will inspire you to book your next trip.
Fisher’s prose is as delicious as the dishes she writes about. As They Were is a collection of essays following Fisher across the globe, charting her memories and experiences through food. One of the greatest food writers of all time, this book will give you an appreciation for the pleasure of dining. After all, you can’t truly experience a culture until you have shared a meal there.
You can get a sense of the wild and wonderful stories in this book just from the title. Hansen has travelled the world and met many interesting characters along the way. He has birdwatched with topless dancers in California and held dying men in Calcutta. Stories range from the scandalous to the heart wrenching, and show the human experience in all its varied glory.
Wild Swim picks out the very best wild swimming spots across Britain, with beautiful accompanying photography by Dominick Tyler. There are over 300 swimming spots, from sea and rivers, to lakes and lidos. Rew intertwines wonderful personal stories throughout the book, recalling the people she’s met along her journey. This book will leave you itching to get outside and dive headfirst into the nearest pool of water.
When Russell’s husband gets a new job in Denmark she moves with him, set upon finding out why Denmark is the happiest country on Earth. Dark winters and cold weather; surely they don’t have much to smile about? She looks at childcare, education, food, taxes, sexism and more to find out why the Danes are so happy. Anyone who wants to visit Denmark or who has an interest in sociology would enjoy this lighthearted read.
Summer is the perfect time for a holiday romance, real or otherwise. These books have everything you could ask of a romance novel; the ideal holiday read.
Before We Were Strangers captures the complexities of modern relationships. How miscommunication can pull people apart, even when they are desperately in love. Matt and Grace were each other’s first love and when they reconnect 15 years later, their lives may have changed but their feelings have not. A romance novel that we could root for.
Malibu Rising follows the famous Riva family, with an interesting look at family dynamics as well as romantic relationships. The story flits between two timelines: one set in the 1980s following the Riva siblings; the other set in the 1950s following their parents, Mick and June. As the Riva’s host their infamous summer party, there are dramatic revelations throughout the night and their home is up in flames by the morning. It’s not hard to see why this is a BookTok favourite.
Poppy and Alex have been best friends for years, going on holiday together every year. Until they fell out two years ago. Poppy wants to fix their friendship, lay everything on the table and right some wrongs, with one more holiday together. Their fun, playful banter will make you smile, in Henry’s typical style. The perfect summer read around the pool.
This is a slow-burner, with a fascinating subplot about Atlantis. Liv’s father left her years ago, so she’s surprised to receive a letter from him inviting her to Greece. He’s close to proving his theories about Atlantis and wants her alongside him. His handsome young protegee Theo also throws romance into the mix. This is as much a love letter to Greece as anything else.
Want a book that you can read between sips of your Strawberry Daiquiri? Here are our best quick summer reads, which you can quite easily finish in one holiday.
Often touted as the best graphic novel of all time, Watchmen doesn’t disappoint. A group of superheroes are stalked by an unknown assassin, revealing their all too human failings. They enforce their own ideas of morality, whether the people want it or not. Watchmen is an excellent introduction to the comic book genre and can easily be read in a day.
In need of an uplifting read? Art Matters by Neil Gaiman is exactly that. Exulting the importance of art and creativity, not to be good at it, but to be human. Draw, dance, sing, write - do whatever, just make sure you do something. This will inspire you to pick up a pen and paper, to reconnect with those long lost passions and to take pleasure in everyday.
A dystopian novel, set in a future ravaged by global warming. Humans have lost their ability to dream; apart from the Indigenous people of America. The Marrow Thieves hut them down mercilessly, to kill them, harvest their bone marrow and recover the ability to dream. We follow fifteen-year-old Frenchie and his fellow fugitives, as they try to flee to safety. A page turner that you will not be able to put down.
2025 produced some amazing summer reads. Now we’ve had chance to make our way through them, here are some of our favourite 2025 summer books.
Set during the 1980s Space Shuttle era, Atmosphere follows Joan Goodwin, a physics professor who is selected to join NASA’s astronaut programme. As she trains alongside a group of ambitious candidates, she discovers that the greatest challenge is not just reaching space, but navigating the relationships, sacrifices and secrets that come with chasing an extraordinary dream. Combining historical detail with emotional storytelling, this is an immersive summer read about ambition, friendship and finding your place in the universe.
Covering centuries and multiple lives, Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil is a darkly atmospheric novel about women whose fates become intertwined across time. Blending gothic mystery, fantasy and themes of identity, power and survival, Schwab creates a haunting story filled with secrets, obsession and unexpected connections. Perfect for readers looking for a richer, moodier summer escape.
When two writers compete for the chance to tell the story of a secretive former celebrity, they find themselves sharing an island, chasing clues and slowly uncovering more than they expected. Great Big Beautiful Life combines Emily Henry’s trademark humour, sharp dialogue and emotional depth with a compelling mystery at its centre. It is an ideal summer book for readers who enjoy romance, witty banter and stories that balance laughter with heartfelt moments.
We can’t wait to get our hands on these new releases for our summer reading!
This highly anticipated fantasy romance follows two rivals who are forced to work closely together despite their mutual distrust. As danger brings them together, sharp banter slowly gives way to unexpected attraction, creating a classic enemies-to-lovers story filled with tension, humour and adventure. Perfect for readers who enjoy fantasy worlds, romance and irresistible chemistry.
R. F. Kuang’s dark academia fantasy follows two rival PhD students who must journey into Hell to save their professor’s soul. Blending mythology, university life and high-stakes fantasy, Katabasis promises immersive world-building, compelling character relationships and the deeper themes that have made Kuang one of the most exciting fantasy authors writing today.
Returning to the author’s addictive enemies-to-lovers world, this upcoming fantasy romance promises dangerous attraction, unresolved tension and plenty of witty conflict. With magic, rivalry and emotional stakes at its heart, it is shaping up to be one of the biggest romantasy releases of the summer.
After finishing your summer reading list, you might find yourself with a growing pile of books taking up space at home. Instead of leaving them forgotten on your shelves, why not see if they could be worth something?
With WeBuyBooks, you can quickly scan your books using the app to find out how much they’re worth. Simply scan the barcode, pack your books and send them for free. Once your books have been checked, you’ll receive the payment.
Selling your unwanted books is a great way to clear space, make some extra money and give your old favourite books a new home.
We hope we’ve provided some inspiration for your summer reading list, whether you’re lounging around the pool or travelling to far flung places. For more ideas, explore our guide to the best books to read this summer. There should be something for everyone, including classics and new found favourites.
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