The end of the semester is just around the corner and college students are already looking for plans with their friends for summer break. While some do not enjoy sitting down to read a novel, others look forward to the endless amount of time they have to read without other responsibilities or deadlines.
There are thousands of options to pick from to read this summer along with various genres and authors. It can be hard to know what to read with so many options. Do you want to read a new book or reread an older book, or do you want to read a book published long ago?
“In the past, I’ve read the series Mortal Instruments and Red Queen,” said senior conservation biology major, Jesse Martin. “This summer I want to read some of Sarah J. Maas’ books because I’ve seen a lot of them on Tik Tok.”
Magazines like the New York Times and Vogue, along with publishing companies such as Penguin Random House are always suggesting new books for people to read during the upcoming seasons.
For summer 2021, Penguin Random House is suggesting about twenty books they believe readers will enjoy while sitting on the beach or relaxing inside to stay out of the high temperatures this summer is likely to bring.
Penguin Random House suggests different genres. Black Girl Call Home by Jasmine Mans is a book that was released this year. The book is full of poetry that examines the experience of being a daughter in America, while also discussing the experience of being a “queer black woman.”
Senior MAT English student, Julia Wheaton, said, “Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens was a book that I read last summer, and I remember hanging onto every word. It was definitely a book that you won’t be able to help but read in one sitting.”
Another suggestion from Penguin Random House is Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid. This book is a thriller that tells the story of a few teenagers who throw a party but then experience an event that will forever change their lives.
For those who enjoy mystery and suspenseful books, Stephen King, who is known to write books that have twisted and unexpected plots, has many choices to choose from this summer. Later is his newest novel that was released in March of this year. On Aug. 3, 2021, his novel Billy Summers will be released. However, it can be preordered now and can be a great book to wrap up summer reading.
Ashley Moore, a senior secondary education English major, said, “I recommend reading Sold by Patricia McCormick. The book targets young adult readers but it touched on some tough topics that are relevant today that can be eye-opening.”
During this time of the year and throughout the summer many books stores have sales on their books and have recommended reads set up on shelves near the front of the stores. However, sometimes checking out a used bookstore is the best place to find hidden gems for lower prices.
Photo by Emma Crouch
