your required summer reading list

with a twist because reading is actually fun

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With a twist. Because no matter how much you love to read, I bet at least one of your required reading books for the summer you did not want to read. And unfortunately, I think this causes a lot of potential readers to grow to resent the hobby as they grow up.

I think reading in the summer is like saying the sky is blue. It simply is. Schools are trying to foster a love of reading as well as maintain skills over the summer. There are ways to do that by reading the books you like rather than the ones forced on you.

I will say that I think some books should be required. For example, certain classics that are classic for a reason. To Kill a Mockingbird for one. But right here for this summer, let’s find the joy in reading while naturally maintaining your reading and comprehension skills. A win-win.

Required Summer Reading List

One book that you want to read.

Go to your local library or bookstore. Spend a few minutes looking around by letting your brain and heart guide you. You’ll get your interest piqued by something. Choose one book that you are truly interested in.

One book that was recommended to you.

By a teacher, a friend, the librarian. Your mom or dad, siblings, or even something you see online. Sharing books is a fabulous way to bond deeper with people in your life as well as grow your understanding of yourself and them.

One book for fun.

Reading is fun! I guess this goes hand in hand with the book you want to read, but I’m talking a book that is easy to read. There are books I adore and cherish that are dense. I’m referencing the type of book that is fun for you, easy to devour. You’ll crave reading this book.

One book for growth.

You know, I was originally going to say that you’re scared to read, but I think all growth can be scary. This can be a self-help book or certainly one you’re scared of. It can be a new genre to you or a general uncertainty you feel surrounding it. Uncertainty fosters growth. Even reading a book you’re uncertain of or scared by constitutes a correlation in your brain that you did something scary and came out the other end.

I don’t care what genre you read. I don’t care if you hate the book your friend recommended. I don’t care if you drag yourself to the library once a week or read one page a day or read all four of these books in a week.

I care if you try. I care if you show up for yourself. I care that you care about yourself. I’ve said this before, but one of the best things about reading is how open-minded I’ve been since an early age. I have read from the perspective of thousands of people, walked paths I won’t in this life, and went through hardships I pray I don’t face here. The point is that I am better for reading. I’m better for reading for fun, for growth, for connection.

I want this summer reading to show that to you, too.

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All links to books are affiliate links through bookshop.org to help support indie bookstores.

1. Echo Fort by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti (Fantasy): June 17, 2025

2. The Robin on the Oak by KA Linde (Fantasy): June 17, 2025

3. The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau by Kristin Harmel (Historical Fiction): June 17, 2025

4. The Poppy Fields by Nikki Erlick (Literary Fiction): June 17, 2025

5. Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston (Romance): June 17, 2025

6. The Second Chance Convenience Store by Kim Ho-Yeon (Literary Fiction): June 17, 2025

7. Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider (Fantasy): June 17, 2025

   1. note: this is a published rerelease! I read the self-published one and Rachel has created a unique world and plot here. Definitely support her if fantasy is your thing!

8. A Far Better Thing by H.G. Parry (Fantasy): June 17, 2025

   1. note: sounds so good. historical fantasy? maybe? inspired by the tale of two cities but make it fairies.

9. Murder Takes a Vacation by Laura Lippman (Mystery): June 17, 2025

10. A Promise to Arlette by Serena Burdick (Fiction): June 17, 2025

Books I’ve compiled from a variety of bestseller lists. I add the books I haven’t before, since I’ve caught up to the new additions. If you’re curious, last week’s post can be found here.

1. Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (Literary Fiction)

2. The First Gentleman by James Patterson, Bill Clinton (Mystery)

3. Till Summer Do Us Part by Meghan Quinn (Romance)

4. It Takes a Psychic by Jayne Castle (Romance)

5. How Countries Go Broke by Ray Dalio (Business)

6. A Different Kind of Power by Jacinda Arden (Memoir)

7. Badlands by Douglas Preston, Lincoln Child (Mystery)

8. The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark (Thriller)

9. Sandwich by Catherine Newman (Fiction)

10. The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst (Fantasy)

11. Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole (Fantasy)

If you have a book recommendation to share, send me a DM or email me at thesundayreads@gmail.com!

1. I reread The Seven Year Slip this week! I forgot that her new book is releasing on the 17th — Sounds Like Love.

   1. The Seven Year Slip is about a magical NYC apartment, sudden and unexpected loss, a time slip, two pigeons, cooking and food, painting and books, and knowing it’s okay to do something scary.

That’s all for today. Much love

Izzy