Summer Reads List
With the beginning of summer, I’m sure you find yourself looking for some easy and enjoyable reads to pass the time and relax with in the sun. So at The Imaginarium we have compiled a list of our YA (young adult) books which are perfect page-turners to read during Summer, whether you are on holiday, relaxing at the beach or simply sunbathing at home:
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
This book is the perfect summer romance and will be sure to leave you with a sense of nostalgia for the summer you have journeyed through alongside Belly (Isabel) Conklin. Written by the bestselling author of To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, Jenny Han, this book follows Belly as she returns to the summer house of her Mother’s best friend- the place where she has spent each summer of her life ever since she can remember. As Belly tells us, ‘Everything good, everything magical, happens at the beach house.’ From the swimming pool to the beach, every element of the house is held close to her heart, but, most importantly, there are the boys. Conrad and Jeremiah: brothers who couldn’t be more different but are both suddenly noticing Belly for the first time. Conrad has been Belly’s lifelong crush but this summer he is acting different whilst Jeremiah remains bubbly and beautiful- suddenly she is forced to choose between them, but how can she make such a decision when the hearts and happiness of all her dearest friends and family are on the line?
The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
This book is a gripping YA mystery with a side note of romance and an amazing new world to become enthralled in. Avery is a hardworking teenager whose main aim in life is to keep her head down and persevere with school without bringing any attention to herself. Then one day, her life is completely turned upside down when an eccentric billionaire dies, leaving her almost all of his vast fortune. And no one knows, least of all Avery, why. Unfortunately, there is one condition for Avery to inherit this fortune: she must move into the old man’s mansion and live with the family who feel she has ‘stolen’ their rightful inheritance. Soon she is caught in a deadly game that everyone in this strange family is playing. But how far will they each go to keep their fortune? And will Avery ever discover the true reason why she was chosen by this unknown billionaire? As we follow Avery’s journey, she begins to discover the different characters in the Hawthorne family and starts to form alliances with the four brothers as they try to solve the mystery of her money.
The Rest of the Story by Sarah Dessen
This is the story of a life-changing summer for Emma Saylor, whose mother died when she was just 12 years old. Emma doesn’t remember much about her mother but the thing she does remember most vividly are her Mother’s stories of the big lake. Emma is about to spend the summer with her Mother’s family who she hasn’t seen for years. When Emma arrives, a whole new world unravels before her and she starts to discover information about her mother that she never knew. The more she spends time with her Mother’s family, the more it feels as though she is divided into two different people by her parent’s backgrounds. Then there’s Roo, her childhood best friend who holds the key to her family’s history and helps her to piece together the story of her past. But when it’s time to go home, which side of her- her mother’s side or her father’s side- will win?
She Gets the Girl by Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick
This a perfect example of enemies to lovers which will have you rooting for the characters throughout. Molly is trying to start over fresh at university, yet she still remains completely in love with the impossibly cool Cara from school who is also at the same university. When Molly meets Alex, a headstrong, chaotic girl with lots of confidence who knows exactly how to get the girl but is not so sure how to keep her, the two concoct a plan together. If Alex can help Molly to get her dream girl, then she will be able to prove to her own ex that she’s serious about love. But as they create a five-step plan together and steadily work their way through it, could they be the ones falling for each other?
The Loose Ends List by Carrie Firestone
A heart-breaking and hilarious book on love, loss and forgiveness. Maddie O’Neill Levine wants to spend the summer before college tying up loose ends with her best friends. Then her Grandmother reveals the devastating truth that she is dying, and she has chosen to take the entire family on a world cruise- but at the end, she won’t be returning home. Her one request is that they live each moment to the fullest and enjoy the last days of her life. Maddie’s life takes a sudden heart-wrenching turn where she is forced to confront the truth of saying goodbye to her beloved grandmother and this book takes us through the eventful last summer of her Grandmother’s life as Maddie discovers how to live a life with no regrets.
They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
This TikTok sensation has been all over the internet due to its gripping plotline and devastating, dystopian story. One night in September, the terrifying death-cast calls Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio to deliver the news that they’re going to die. Today. Whilst they are total strangers, they are connected by this horrific knowledge and are both looking for a friend to spend their last day with. Luckily they are able to connect through the app ‘Last Friend’ and experience one last great adventure and attempt to live an entire lifetime in a single day. This haunting story will keep you hooked throughout and is perfect if you’re looking for a read which captures the emotions of heartbreak and loss whilst also keeping you enthralled in the storyline and its loveable characters.
Hopefully this list has something for everyone to enjoy this summer and if you’re looking for any of the books on the list or other summer recommendations, please pop in to our shop and we will certainly be able to help you find the perfect book for your summer!