No extravagant trip planned for this summer? No problem! This year, challenge yourself with a summer reading program — or start a book club with your kids to inspire them to read more. If you're unsure of where to start, you're in the right place. Here are some thrilling book ideas for your (and your kiddo's) summer reading list for 2023. We've even got some tips on how you can grow your personal library for cheap (or even free).
Romance novels
Looking for a quick, lighthearted read? Then romances and beach reads are the way to go.
- Book Lovers, by Emily Henry. This novel has everything you'd want in a summer read: enemies-to-lovers, memorable characters, and a quaint small-town setting.
- Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen. Chances are you know the plot of this classic novel. It's surprisingly easy to read (even if you don't usually read classics) and the love story is oh-so heartwarming.
Historical fiction
No matter if you're a history buff or didn't really pay attention to history class in high school, these novels will have you glued to the page.
- The Song of Achilles, by Madeline Miller. This historical fiction novel is hyped on booktok for a good reason: it's compulsively readable (and might make you cry!).
- Things Fall Apart, by Chinua Achebe. Explore African history through the eyes of an Igbo warrior at the cusp of European colonization. Don't worry, this classic does not read like a textbook.
Thriller and mystery novels
Mysteries make for brilliant page-turners, here's where to get started this summer.
- Gone Girl, by Gillian Flynn. When Amy goes missing, her husband becomes the prime suspect in this remarkable thriller novel packed with plot twists and shocking secrets.
- And Then There Were None, by Agatha Christie. A classic whodunit: eight strangers arrive at a remote island, then promptly die one by one. Be the detective to find out who's behind it all.
Books for younger readers
Kids need some encouragement to start reading for fun. Join them and pick up these books for summer reading together.
- Skunk and Badger, by Amy Timberlake. Making new friends, going out of your comfort zone, and embracing differences are the focus of this beautiful book aimed at young readers, 3rd grade and up.
- Smile, by Raina Telgemeir. If your kiddo doesn't love reading, start them out with comics. In this one, a sixth-grader goes through the trials and tribulations of trying to fit in while learning to accept herself.
- The Summer I Turned Pretty, by Jenny Han. It doesn't get more summer than this coming-of-age young-adult book series. Join Belly, our main character and narrator, on a family vacation in a New England beach town. Teenage crushes, friendships, and growing pains ensue.
How to read books for free
Reading for free? You better believe it. Here's how.
- Visit your local library. You can reserve novels online to pick them up later. And if you don't find the summer books you're looking for, ask the librarians if they can order them for you (often, they say yes!).
- Look for free curbside libraries. Stroll through your neighborhood, you might just find small libraries in people's yards.
- Start a book blog. Book bloggers often have access to free copies of books to review. If you're lucky and industrious, you could even get paid to read upcoming releases.
- Download public domain books. Most books become free 70 years after an author's death. That's great news for lovers of classics!
Where to buy books for cheap
You can still build up an impressive book collection on a tight budget. The secret? Finding the best deals on books. You're bound to find affordable books at your local thrift store. But if you can't find a particularly wide selection there, try a local used bookstore.
Fill your summer with budget-friendly fun
Summer fun doesn't have to cost a ton now that you have entertainment for you and your kids sorted. Keep tracking down the best deals on all summer essentials with our Save Coupon Book. Check if this handy booklet full of discounts is available near you to start saving!
