25 Books You Can’t Put Down for Your Summer Reading List
If you love spending time with books that are hard to put down, you’re in good company! While everyone’s list of gripping books may vary, there are some titles that consistently find their way onto many readers’ lists. Whether you’ve already read some of these books or are discovering them for the first time, you’re in for a treat!
1. Ruby (Oprah’s Book Club 2.0)
Cynthia Bond’s debut novel, “Ruby,” is an unforgettable story set in a small Texas town. The language is beautifully crafted, making it a great book to get lost in this summer. The story follows Ephram Jennings, a man in love with Ruby Bell, a woman who flees to New York City to escape her troubled past.
2. Revival: A Novel
Stephen King’s “Revival” is a gripping tale of a minister who delves into the world of science after a personal tragedy. The story takes a dark turn as he explores the power of electricity for miraculous healing. Vintage King at his best!
3. Once Upon a River
“Once Upon a River” is a spellbinding mystery, love story, and exploration of human nature. Set on the banks of the Thames, the story follows three missing girls and the families desperate to find them. A captivating read that will keep you hooked until the very end.
4. Before I Go to Sleep: A Novel
This psychological thriller by S.J. Watson follows an amnesiac woman who must uncover the truth about her past through her hidden journals. A suspenseful narrative that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
5. The Nightingale
Kristin Hannah’s “The Nightingale” is a beautifully written tale of two sisters in France during World War II. Their struggles, sacrifices, and choices in the face of war make for a compelling and poignant story.
6. Where the Crawdads Sing
“Where the Crawdads Sing” is a story of resiliency, survival, and love set in the marshes of North Carolina. The tale of Kya, the Marsh Girl, and the mysteries surrounding her life will captivate you from beginning to end.
7. A Land More Kind Than Home: A Novel
In this powerful debut novel, Wiley Cash explores the bond between two brothers and the darkness that lurks in a small North Carolina town. A gripping tale of love, forgiveness, and tragedy that will stay with you long after you finish reading.
8. The Girl on the Train
If you enjoyed “Gone Girl,” you’ll love this psychological thriller by Paula Hawkins. The story of Rachel, a woman drawn into a mystery after witnessing something shocking on her daily commute, will keep you guessing until the very end.
9. Waking Up: A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion
Neuroscientist Sam Harris delves into the intersection of science and contemplative wisdom in this thought-provoking book. A guide to meditation, mindfulness, and living spiritually without organized religion, “Waking Up” offers valuable insights for believers and non-believers alike.
10. The Museum of Extraordinary Things
Alice Hoffman’s “The Museum of Extraordinary Things” is a captivating blend of historical fiction and mystery set in Coney Island. The story of a young woman in a world of freak shows and dark secrets will transport you to a mesmerizing and haunting world.
11. The Orphan Master’s Son
This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Adam Johnson is a heart-wrenching tale set in modern-day North Korea. The story follows Jun Do, a man navigating the oppressive regime and discovering the humanity that unites us all. A gripping and immersive read that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.
12. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success
In “Mindset,” Carol Dweck explores the power of mindset in achieving success. By shifting our perspective from fixed to growth, we can unlock our full potential and achieve our goals. This insightful book offers practical strategies for personal and professional growth.
13. All the Light We Cannot See
Another Pulitzer Prize winner, Anthony Doerr’s “All the Light We Cannot See” is a beautifully crafted tale of two lives intertwined during World War II. The story of Marie-Laure and Werner will captivate you with its vivid prose and poignant reflections on love, loss, and the power of human connection.
14. Pachinko
Min Jin Lee’s “Pachinko” is an epic novel spanning four generations of a Korean immigrant family in Japan. The story of love, sacrifice, and resilience will immerse you in a world of cultural clashes and family bonds that transcend time and place.
15. And the Mountains Echoed
Khaled Hosseini’s “And the Mountains Echoed” is a moving tale of family, loss, and the ties that bind us together. Set in Afghanistan, the story weaves a rich tapestry of characters and emotions that will resonate with readers long after they finish the book.
16. Into the Darkest Corner: A Novel
Elizabeth Haynes’ “Into the Darkest Corner” is a haunting psychological thriller that delves into the mind of an abuse survivor. The gripping narrative and suspenseful twists will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
17. The Paris Wife: A Novel
Paula McLain’s “The Paris Wife” offers a captivating glimpse into the life of Hadley Richardson, Ernest Hemingway’s first wife. Set against the backdrop of 1920s Paris, the novel explores love,