Post Summary

Looking for the perfect beach read before summer ends? This post is your go-to guide for 10 handpicked books that are actually worth your time—whether you’re soaking up the sun, taking a screen break, or just trying to fall back in love with reading. From swoony summer romances to emotional page-turners, each recommendation comes with a quick summary, personal rating, and why it’s summer-coded.

Plus, get tips on how to build a low-pressure reading habit, make time to read even if you’re busy, and start your own book journey before the season slips away. Whether you’re a casual reader or just getting started, there’s something here for everyone.

Introduction:

Summer is the perfect time to slow down, soak up the sun, and tan on the beach with a good book in hand—no stress, no pressure, just peace.

Growing up, we were always assigned summer reading for school—though let’s be honest, many of us (myself included) didn’t exactly finish those books (or even started). But now, in our late teens and early adulthood, we have the chance to right those wrongs and rediscover the joy of reading on our own terms.

Looking back, the education system may have had a point in encouraging us to keep reading over the three-month break. Books can provide so much more than just homework—they inspire, entertain, and challenge us to think more deeply.

So, in this post, I’ve curated a list of top-rated summer reads I’ve loved. I’ll also share some easy ways to build reading into your daily routine before summer slips away.

Why Summer is the Best Time to Start Reading

Why read in the summer? Honestly—why not? Sure, reading is great any time of the year, but the chance to kick back, relax, and dive into a few pages of a good beach read while the weather is nice and you’ve got endless amounts of free time is unbeatable.

• For one it’s the ultimate mental reset.
  • Books give your brain a break from constant screen time. Whether you’re at the beach, in your backyard, or just curled up in bed, reading lets you unwind in a way that doomscrolling just doesn’t.
• No matter the genre, most books have something to teach you.
  • Most books have a plot, message, or moment that leaves a lasting impact—whether it’s a new word, a life lesson, or even a spark of inspiration. There’s always something to take away after finishing a good or even bad book.
• Reading keeps your brain sharp.
  • Reading over the summer helps you stay prepared for when school, college, or whatever next journey you have to accomplish starts. You retain your focus, critical thinking, and reading skills rather than letting them fade over the summer.

A Reading Journey for the Books

Before that, I only really read books assigned during English class. Back in elementary school, we had weekly reading logs, and I’d just reuse the same books and copy the same summaries each time—without actually reading.

But the summer before my freshman year felt different. I had gotten into an honors program, and completing the summer homework felt like a big deal. I believed it would play a major role in my grade and my first impression.

(Photos taken by Me)

After that, I just kept reading books I found interesting. It became a way to escape, to relax, and to take a break from whatever was going on in real life.

Since that summer of 2022, I’ve read approximately 37 books—not even counting the many DNF’s (did not finish) along the way.

Bringing a book to the beach and tanning all summer has honestly become one of my favorite things—and I hope this post inspires you to try it at least once before the season ends.

Why These Books Made the List

This list isn’t meant to be a copy of every other “must-read” or a collection of only the trendiest BookTok recommendations constantly showing up on your FYP (though a few of those do make an appearance). It’s a personal, handpicked selection based on books I’ve actually read, rated, and loved over the past few years.

Each book on this list earned a 4 or 5-star rating from me, and I’ll be sharing more than just a title. For each one, you’ll find:

• The genre
• My personal rating
• A short summary
• And most importantly, why I think it’s the perfect summer beach read.

The list features mostly romance book but there storylines and writing styles vary.

If you’re curious about more of my thoughts on these books or want to follow along with what I’m currently reading, you can check out my reviews and ratings on my Goodreads page.

I’ve been logging every book I’ve read since 2022!

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10 Must-Read Summer Books for 2025

Finally the moment you all have been waiting for, here I present my top-rated summer beach reads!

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1. Love and Other Words – Christina Lauren

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2. Every Summer After – Carley Fortune

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3. Good for You – Pagan Camille

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4. The Heartbreak Bakery – A.R. Capetta

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5. The Summer of Broken Rules – K.L. Walther

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6. The Breakup Artists – Adriana Mather

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7. We Were Liars – E. Lockhart

8. The Last True Poets of the Sea – Julia Drake

9. Just for the Summer – Abby Jimenez

10. Evidence of the Affair – Taylor Jenkins Reid

(All books are unsponsored and there are no affilate links. All summaries are either paraphrased or cited from the books Goodreads description.)

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How to Get Into Reading

If you’re feeling lost about where to start with reading more this summer, here are some tips to help you get started:

Swap scrolling for reading: Try reading in the morning or at night instead of going on your phone—especially if you’re busy during the day. It can make reading a lot more doable.

Set the tone: In order to want to read, you need a cozy space to do it in. You can create a comfy spot at home, or head out to aesthetic places like a park, café, or library that makes reading feel more fun.

Challenge yourself: A good motivator to keep reading is setting a reading challenge for the summer—or even the whole year.

Track your progress: Use apps like Goodreads or StoryGraph to keep track of what you’re currently reading, your ratings, thoughts between sessions, and any notes.

Book influencers: Find book influencers who inspire you to read more. One YouTuber I recommend is Haley Pham. Check out what books they rate 5 stars and suggest to their followers.

Consistency: If setting aside 30 minutes a day feels like too much, just try reading for 5 minutes. Aiming to read one chapter a day is a great way to start.

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Remember: Sometimes it’s not you thats the problem—it’s the book.

If you’re halfway through and still not feeling it, you can always DNF (Did Not Finish).

Not every book is going to be a 5-star—and that’s fine!

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Start Your Reading Journey NOW

If you already have a book you love or one from the list that you’ve read, leave a comment below with your thoughts!

If not, here’s your opportunity to start—pick one book from the list and begin your reading journey TODAY while the suns out and the weathers nice.

Join reading groups on Facebook, or check out creators on TikTok and YouTube to stay motivated.

And don’t forget to check out more blog posts like this one down below!