After the finals week mayhem and goodbyes to friends who are returning home, summer break means that the season of reinvention and relaxation is finally upon us.
It’s a time when the weather is warm, the sun sets late in the evening and there is no pressure of classes, deadlines or assignments.
As I’m staying in Boston for the summer, this time of the year means taking an evening stroll in the park or reading a book in peace.
Since Boston has so many quiet locations where you can enjoy the sun and read a book without any disturbance, I bring you five book recommendations that you can add to your list.
“Happy Place” by Emily Henry is a New York Times Bestseller that revolves around two exes, Harriet and Wyn, who pretend to still be together during their friend group’s reunion.
In the story, their challenge is to convince their best friends that everything is good between them while trying to fight their own feelings of wanting to get back together.
The story is very well-told, and it’ll keep you hooked till the end.
If you happen to finish “Happy Place” sooner than you expected, then you can pick up “Yellowface” for your next read. This book by R.F. Kuang is a dark mystery about a white author, Juniper Hayward.
She steals her friend Athena’s manuscript of an experimental novel that talks about the untold contributions of Chinese laborers during World War I. Hayward starts claiming it as her own and gets the book published.
Things start getting crazy when her lies start surfacing, and the reader is left to see how far she will go to hide the truth. This story is gripping, and perfect for a summer read.
The next book on the list is “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig.
Imagine there being a library somewhere out beyond the periphery of the universe. The library has several books, including one that could tell you about the alternate lives you could live if you had made different choices in life.
Nora Seed somehow finds herself in this library and gets a chance to make different choices in life to alter her path altogether. Sounds interesting, right?
The premise is so simple, yet powerful, that you will end up thinking about your alternate lives by the time you finish the book.
For those who love thrillers, “The Guest” by Emma Cline is also a great addition to your shelf.
The story follows a young woman named Alex, and she is asked to leave the house she’s staying in on Long Island at the end of the summer. She’s not ready to leave, so she starts finding different ways to stay back in the city.
The novel is suspenseful, moody and has the craziest twists. If you’re in the mood for something bizarre, this is your book.
“Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” by Gabrielle Zevin is another great book to read this summer. It’s a love story that is built on friendship, creativity and a strong bond.
Sam and Sadie are college best friends who are often in love, but never together. They become creative partners and build a video game called “Ichigo.” The game becomes a hit, but the victory comes with a price. Along with fame and joy comes tragedy, deception and ultimately, a test of their bond.
If you read just one book this summer, make it this one. The book is so beautifully written that you will be immersed in the world of Sam and Sadie.
The summer break is a perfect time to pick up productive habits like reading. Whether you’re staying in Boston or going back home, these five books are a good way to make the most of your downtime.
Grab a cup of coffee, find a nice spot to soak up the sun and lose yourself in another world for a while.