Recommended Reads for the Summer 2025: Top Picks to Devour
As the summer sun begins to shine, it's the perfect time to immerse yourself in a good book. Here are ten recommended reads for summer 2022 that will transport you mentally to the sun-soaked shores of Italy, Spain, or southern France, or take you on a thrilling journey through crime stories and heartfelt family sagas.
1. Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk: This unconventional whodunit, set on the icy Polish-Czech border, combines dark humor and mystery in a captivating tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
2. Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman: A moving debut novel about a socially awkward woman confronting her past, this book is ideal for a thoughtful summer read.
3. Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty by Patrick Radden Keefe: This gripping and well-researched non-fiction delves into the opioid epidemic and the controversial Sackler family, offering a compelling exploration of power and corruption.
4. Park Avenue by Renee Ahdieh: This glamorous, fast-paced novel is full of family secrets, drama, and ambition, set against a lavish urban backdrop reminiscent of Mediterranean luxury.
5. Don’t Let Him In by Lisa Jewell: A domestic suspense thriller involving three women unraveling a dark secret, this book is perfect for fans of psychological crime stories.
6. Snakes in Paradise by Tangea Tansley: This historical novel sets itself during a pivotal period in the Iberian Peninsula, featuring power, treachery, love, and cross-cultural friendship, capturing Mediterranean history and intrigue.
7. Live In Your Light by Abdellah Taïa (translated by Emma Ramadan): This family saga spans decades in Morocco, portraying social and political change from French colonization to the late 20th century.
8. Midnight on the Scottish Shore by Sarah Sundin: While not Mediterranean, this gripping WWII-set story blending suspense and romance along the Scottish coast adds a unique twist to the summer reading mix.
9. The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon: An acclaimed novel that blends historical fiction and family saga elements, this book offers a compelling narrative suitable for summer exploration.
10. Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: A profound family and coming-of-age story exploring identity and belonging, this book adds depth and global perspective to summer reading.
These picks cover a rich spectrum from Mediterranean historical narratives and family sagas to gripping crime and suspense thrillers, ensuring diverse and engaging summer reading options. The Mediterranean-themed selections particularly highlight historical and cultural depth, while others offer thrilling and emotional stories fitting for summer leisure.
Whether you're lounging on the beach or enjoying warm days elsewhere, these books are sure to provide an immersive and captivating reading experience. Happy summer reading!
What would you say if I recommended 'Americanah' by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie for your summer reading list? It's a thoughtful and engaging family and coming-of-age story that explores identity and belonging, providing a refreshing perspective to this season's reads. While it doesn't have a Mediterranean setting, it certainly adds a global dimension to your summer lifestyle of books and entertainment.
