Students are reading books and tablets on the green grass. (stockphotokritsaya (123RF))
If you’re anything like me, a huge goal of yours is to read over the summer. But where to start? With hundreds of books coming out every season, it can feel terrifying to pick the best books to begin your summer reading journey. However, your fears stop here with the definitive list of top reads for poolside reads, for every genre.
Released June 2025, this new book from Ann Liang does not disappoint. This rivals-to-lovers romance follows the main characters Cyrus, our favorite know-it-all, and Leah, a former model turned family outcast, on a summer trip to China. Beyond just being set in the summer, this book is witty, clever and essentially is as if your favorite romance show was translated to the page. The banter is giggle-worthy and definitely worth your time. And just to add to the fun, the author has an entire Spotify playlist for reading the book. Between the revenge arc plot, the travel energy and the quippy conversations, “Never Thought I’d End Up Here” deserves a place in any reader’s summer reading list.
Step aside, romance; murder mysteries are the new trend of the summer. “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” is set in a small town in Connecticut. Adorable, right? However, when the town’s golden girl, Andie Bell, is brutally murdered, everything changes. All the evidence points to her boyfriend, Sal Singh. Flash forward, Pippa Fitz-Amobi is back on the case with Sal’s younger brother, Ravi, in tow, as part of a school project. This book will literally make you slam the book shut and check over your shoulder. It never ceases to amaze me with how much it makes me question reality, with its endless twists and turns. There are two books following the first one, making it the perfect series to carry you through the summer. And conveniently enough, there’s a whole Netflix series based on the first book, so you can watch along and find out who did it in the end.
I’m far from the first person to bring up this book, but this book is just irresistible. Another book from the world of Panem and Katniss Everdeen, this selection covers Haymitch Abernathy in the 50th year (and the second Quarter Quell) of the Hunger Games. Darker than its predecessors, this book will not let go until the last tortured page. The nostalgia for the first books is in full force; yet the fresh take on the Games is undeniably tragic but makes for a fantastic read. Not only is it an undeniably excellent book, but there is also the upcoming movie, so a spot on your TBR could lead to a spot at your favorite movie theater in a couple of months.
Teenage girl listening to music while reading book in bedroom (moodboard (123RF))
I wanted to add a historical fiction book to the list, and I can personally guarantee that anyone (despite their favorite genres) would like this book. This book is set in Nazi-controlled Poland and follows a Jewish boy named Jack through 10 concentration camps. Based on a true story, the dark and twisted nature of the book are perfect for both seasoned history buffs and newcomers. The close calls and near misses of this book will have you gripping the seat of your chair. This is not a book to be read without a box of tissues nearby, but it is worth your time without a doubt. For those looking to learn more about the Holocaust or just to expand their knowledge of history, this is a great book. Get ready for your heart to be wrenched out of your chest and pick up “Prisoner B-3087.”
Now, one for all my sci-fi fans out there. Within the first chapter, our main character, Nami, is murdered, launching you into a whirlwind of learning that the afterlife is controlled by robots and there’s an entire revolution happening after death. It’s a lot. But with “The Infinity Courts”’ raw messaging, impeccable world building and constant twists, this book is flawless for fans of sci-fi and beyond. With lots of tech, clashing clans and hints of romance, “The Infinity Courts” is an appealing find for any genre lover. Nami’s moral crisis is just so intriguing to follow and the new concept of robots in the afterlife results in a fresh look at life after death and the effects of tech in society (in a non-pretentious way).
And we’re back in the world of romance! When Lara Jean accidentally sends all five of her love letters, she never expected anything would come of it, but after she begins fake dating the popular jock, Peter, her life completely changes. All three books of this series are fantastic and leave you with a warm and fuzzy feeling that lingers. If you haven’t read “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” in 2025, I can’t even begin to explain how much you’re missing out on. With lovable characters, adorable flirting and lines that make you want to scream “just kiss already,” this book is the quintessential summer romance book. As a bonus, there are the Netflix movies and the TV series following Lara Jean’s younger sister. You’d seriously be missing out by adding this to your summer TBR list.
Editor’s Note: This article was written by a member of the local military community, not an employee of Stars and Stripes. Neither the organization nor the content is being represented by Stars and Stripes or the Department of Defense.
