Summer is approaching and we are all itching for a relaxing break after a long year. What better way to spend summer break then curled up by the pool with a good book. Our local San Marcos High School librarian Ms. McMillian voiced some wise words about her take on summer reading.

“Summer is a great time to read based on your own passions and interests. If you are not traveling, books can take you to places all over the world,” said Ms. McMillain.  “If you are lucky enough to spend some time at the beach or the pool, it is relaxing and fun to have a page-turner like a spy thriller or a fun romance. Everyone should use the summer down time to relax and dive into a good book.” 

Here are the top five best summer book reads for your inspiration this summer: 

Book #5: The Summer I Turned Pretty (series) by Jenny Han

This book series is a great read for this summer. This romance follows a girl named Belly Conklin who spends every summer in a lovely beach house on the coast with her family and the Fisher’s. The only problem being that Belly has always had a crush on the oldest Fisher brother, Conrad. This summer things get a little stirred up between the other Fisher brother, Jeremiah, and Belly, questioning  her feelings about each of them. This series contains three books and has that perfect summer feeling we search for all year. This series is especially perfect for this summer as season two of the TV Series on Prime based upon this book will also be released this summer. Follow along with the series and read the books this summer! 

Book #4: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

This coming of age novel is a perfect way to broaden your horizons and open up your summer. It takes place one summer in a very warm atmosphere and is perfect for putting yourself in an explorative headspace. This book follows two Mexican American young friends who explore their sexual, racial, and ethnic identity struggles, alongside  each other. 

Book #3: People We Meet On Vacation by Emily Henry

This novel follows two best friends who lost each other along the way but always come back together for a vacation. This book takes place all over the map, but the majority is spent under the baking sun in Palm Springs and is the perfect read for any warm summer day. This beautiful romance novel encapsulates the bond between those we love most and how no matter what, those that we care about the most always come back to you. What is  meant to happen will happen. Trust that this book will be a great read for your summer break.

Book #2: Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman

One of the most classical and beautiful stories ever written, Call Me By Your Name follows young Elio living in Italy who discovers one summer that love can give you the most joy out of life and leave you broken in a minute. This romance/coming of age novel is one of the most scenically beautiful and emotionally heart wrenching stories. This book is the greatest exploration of young love that one can find. This is a must read for anyone looking for a good book this summer. 

Book #1: Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Set in Malibu in the early 50’s, this story has a very romantic feel and feels very climatic as it follows the progress of a Malibu fire burning down one of the biggest parties of the year in the celebrity world. The strength of the relationships between one family collide to keep everyone together and provide a safe environment in a sea of chaos. This fiction novel creates the perfect summer nostalgia to send us right back into the best parts of this sunny season. This book is highly recommended for everyone in search of a creative exploration into how family is able to love each other through any circumstance.