KHY's Best Summer Reads List
As summer is now in full swing, I have found myself craving to be by the beach and reading a fun book with my toes in the sand. There truly is nothing better than being fully immersed in a summery book!
Over time, I have found myself recommending the same books over and over again to friends and family -- so I decided to create a fun summer reads list for all of my readers! Keep reading to hear more about my favorite picks of 2021.
Categories:
For the Mystery Lovers
Sunset Beach by Mary Kay Andrews
Sunset Beach is a perfect beach read mystery that will get you hooked from the first chapter! This book follows the main character Drue’s journey towards unveiling what really happened in a murder mystery that has gone unresolved for years, and how it connects to her father and a missing person case from decades ago. Filled with suspense, romance, and humor - this book is perfect for anyone with a love for summer-ey mysteries!
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
The Silent Patient is a fantastic page-turning mystery with a HUGE twist at the end! This book is all about one psychologist’s journey towards discovering what happened to patient Alicia Berenson’s murdered husband as she stopped speaking right after he was found. This suspenseful slow-burn story is a great way to spend a beach day!
For the Spirituality Seekers
The Art of Happiness by Dalai Lama XIV and Howard C. Cutler
If spirituality is what you’re seeking, The Art of Happiness is a great choice! This book encapsulates all of the ways that the Dalai Lama defeats day-to-day anxiety and discouragement to promote the happiest lifestyle possible. If becoming a happier human is of interest to you, this spiritual read might be exactly what you’re looking for!
Peace Is Every Step by Thich Nhat Hanh
If you know me, you know that I love anything written by Thich Nhat Hanh - so naturally, Peace is Every Step made it onto this list! This book is a fantastic representation of one’s path towards mindfulness and offers so many great exercises to increase our awareness of our own minds and bodies. If mindfulness is your goal, Peace is Every Step is a great way towards achieving it!
For Those Who Love a Good Romance
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
If you love funny and romantic stories, The Unhoneymooners is a PERFECT summer read choice for you! This enemies-to-lovers story revolves around two equally lovable characters who fall in love despite all odds after they are sent on a “honeymoon” trip together. The Unhoneymooners is a perfect mix of humor and romance, so you will find yourself laughing and swooning all at once throughout the story.
Beach Read by Emily Henry
As the title expresses, this book is the PERFECT beach read! Beach Read is about two authors facing writer's block who ultimately fall in love together while trying to find the inspiration for their new books. If you are looking for a cute and light summer read beside the pool or ocean, look no further!
For Nonfiction Enthusiasts
Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell
As a female entrepreneur who started her own businesses, I found Outliers to be incredibly empowering and super interesting! This book is all about what sets high achievers apart, and ultimately what it takes to become successful. If you’re interested in changing your point of view on success, Outliers is the perfect summer read for you!
Becoming by Michelle Obama
This memoir written by former first lady Michelle Obama is both inspirational and thought-provoking - making it one of my favorite reads of all time! Becoming is all about Michelle Obama’s life up until the present day and covers all aspects of her childhood and background, her time spent in the White House, being a mother, and so much more. I can genuinely say that you won’t finish this book without feeling inspired to change the world.
For People Who Want Something New
It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
This Schitt’s Creek inspired book is brand new and came out on July 13th! It Happened One Summer is a romance all about a Hollywood “It Girl” who is cut off from her wealth abruptly and is forced to move to a small town in the Pacific Northwest where her soon-to-be love interest lives. For a brand-new rom-com book, look no further than this Tessa Bailey read.
False Witness by Karin Slaughter
This crime-based mystery just came out in June of this past year and is a riveting story about a defense attorney who receives a case that hits way too close to home. This thriller was described as a “dark and twisting page-turner” that doubles as a “gripping psychological thriller” - so if this sounds interesting to you, pick up a copy of this new book for your next summer read!
I hope that this list of summer reads has included at least one option that sounds appealing to you! If you have any more recommendations, feel free to list them down below in the comments section!
Until next time, Namaste.