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Whether you’re basking in the sun, relaxing in a hammock, or jet-setting to a faraway destination, summer is the perfect time to immerse yourself in a great book. From thrilling page-turners and poignant memoirs to literary fiction and uplifting rom-coms, this list offers something for every kind of reader. Here are the Top 10 Books to Read This Summer (2025 Edition) which are guaranteed to entertain, inspire, and transport you.  1. The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley (2024) Genre: Sci-Fi, Historical Fiction This clever debut blends speculative fiction with historical intrigue. Set in a near-future London, it follows a government translator assigned to a mysterious time-travel experiment involving historical figures plucked from the past. With romance, wit, and biting commentary on power and colonization, The Ministry of Time is smart, sharply written, and compulsively readable. Perfect for: Fans of The Time Traveller's Wife and The Midnight Library.  2. Funny Story by Emily Henry (2024) Genre: Romantic Comedy Summer wouldn’t be complete without an Emily Henry novel. In Funny Story, a children's librarian and her ex-fiancé’s new girlfriend’s ex find themselves unlikely roommates after their mutual heartbreak. Naturally, things get complicated in hilarious and heartfelt ways. Henry’s signature blend of emotional depth and breezy humour makes this the quintessential summer rom-com. Perfect for: A beach read that’s equal parts light-hearted and emotionally satisfying.  3. The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride (2023) Genre: Historical Fiction Now in paperback and picking up accolades, McBride’s novel is a moving, multi-character epic set in a 1920s Pennsylvania town. When a skeleton is found decades later, it sets off a story that uncovers community secrets and deep bonds of love and loyalty. It’s warm, wise, and beautifully written. Perfect for: Those who loved The Colour Purple or The Secret Life of Bees.  4. All the Sinners Bleed by S.A. Cosby (2023) Genre: Crime Thriller One of the most gripping crime novels in recent years, Cosby’s Southern noir features a Black sheriff navigating a chilling series of murders in a small Virginia town. Gritty, urgent, and socially astute, it’s a crime novel with real literary power. Perfect for: True crime junkies and thriller lovers looking for depth.  5. Real Americans by Rachel Khong (2024) Genre: Family Saga, Literary Fiction Spanning three generations and alternating between perspectives, this poignant novel explores identity, immigration, and genetic engineering. With lyrical prose and a sweeping yet intimate story, Real Americans is a meditation on what it means to belong—in a family and in a country. Perfect for: Book club discussions and literary fiction enthusiasts.  6. The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo (2024) Genre: Historical Fantasy Set in 16th-century Spain during the Inquisition, this dark, magical tale features a young woman accused of witchcraft and the powerful force she discovers within herself. Bardugo’s rich storytelling and lush historical detail make The Familiar a mesmerizing summer escape. Perfect for: Fans of The Night Circus and A Discovery of Witches.  7. Long Island by Colm Tóibín (2024) Genre: Literary Fiction A follow-up to Brooklyn, this novel catches up with Eilis decades later, now living in Long Island, New York. When a figure from her past reappears, she’s forced to confront old choices and the life she’s built. Tóibín’s understated prose and emotional complexity make this a slow-burning but profoundly affecting read. Perfect for: Lovers of character-driven narratives and slow, introspective storytelling.  8. The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue (2024) Genre: Contemporary Fiction / Friendship Set in Ireland, this nostalgic, funny, and sharp novel tells the story of Rachel and her best friend James as they navigate life, love, and literary dreams in their early twenties. It’s both laugh-out-loud and quietly heart-breaking. Perfect for: Fans of Sally Rooney or anyone who’s lived through a chaotic twenties-era friendship.  9. Fire Exit by Morgan Talty (2024) Genre: Literary Fiction / Indigenous Voices Following his acclaimed debut Night of the Living Rez, Talty returns with a deeply emotional novel about a man reckoning with fatherhood, identity, and the secrets of the past in a Penobscot community. Perfect for: Readers looking for intimate, powerful Indigenous storytelling.  10. Operation Absolom by Robert Cubitt Genre: World War II Action Book 1 of the Carter’s Commandos series, this sees the hero of the series, Steven Carter, volunteering for the Army commandos of World War II. Searching for adventure, carter gets more than he bargains for when Operation Absolom leaves him cut off behind enemy lines during the Norwegian winter. Can he survive? Can he escape and make his way back to Blighty? Perfect for: Lovers of historical military fiction with a compelling hero. We hope you find soemthing in that list to tickle your reading taste buds and we wish you happy holiday reading.
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