Summer is almost here! My students all itch to be outside in the glorious sunshine, and get irritable if they are stuck inside for too long. My garden is planted, and I spend probably too much time bending over my little plants and seeds hoping they will grow and not wilt.
Summer is my favorite season, I love the sunshine, the growing gardens, and the early mornings. Since summer is approaching quickly, I thought I would make a list of books I find to be quintessentially summer. Or which remind me of summer time. You may agree or disagree at your leisure.
Queen Lucia by E.F. Benson.
I think this book covers a few seasons, but much of it is during summertime. The soft, gentle summer of the English countryside. Set during the Victorian era, or thereabouts, it chronicles the drama and a small town in England. I told myself it wasn’t my favorite when I read it, but I haven’t really stopped thinking about it ever since. I found it to be a calming read, perfect for lazy summer afternoons.
Beach Read by Emily Henry.
This author takes the award of being the only rom-coms I have read and finished. Probably because the plots are usually focused around books. This one is definitely a summer read, with all of the summer at the coast vibes in the book. And I think summer is the perfect time for rom-coms. Anybody else?
A Room With a View by E. M. Forster.
This is one of my favorite books of all time. Again, it is set in the cool English summer of the Victorian era, also, in the Italian countryside during summer time. Because it is mostly set in the summer, I put this on the list. Also, because it is about a summer love that by happenstance might turn into more.
All the Crooked Saints by Maggie Stiefvater.
Do you know how hard it is to find a fantasy book that has summer vibes? They are all set in spring or fall, the magical turning of seasons. This one, however, is summer through and through. Also, it is summer in the desert, where I reside, so bonus points. I love how the land itself is a character in this book, choosing favorites and looking on at the people living their lives.
The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy by Jeanne Birdsall.
I am realizing that most of the books on this list are my favorite books, perhaps there is a connection between my favorite books and summer? Hmmmm…. Anyway. Considering that this book has summer in the title, I would definitely consider it to be a summer book. Also, it is all about the hijinks of a troop of sisters while on summer vacation. Definitely the story of my childhood… If you like sibling stories, you will probably like this book, and the proceeding series.
Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury.
The story opens as summer begins. The character, a boy in middle school, is trying to find the perfect shoes for summer time. Ones that will make him run faster than ever. There is something about this book that is magical, whether it is because it chronicles summer time in all of its glory, or because there really is magic in the story, I can never tell. All throughout the book there are hints of magic, but is it magic? Or is it a young boys over active imagination? The author never reveals his secret.
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There you have it, a list of summer time books. Best read in the hot days of summer, but if you need a reminder in the depths of winter that the cold won’t last forever, these books are the perfect antidote.
Are there any books you would add to this list?
Have a wonderful, wonderful week.
Shaina Merrick
The Beauty of a Story 