Summer is a busy time for everyone, whether it be school and work or catching up with friends. Everyone needs a break now and then. The following is a list of the top five best books to sit down and relax with over the summer.
- “Falling Awake: How to Practice Mindfulness in Everyday Life” by Jon Kabat-Zinn
Start off your summer with an enlightening read to help you become more aware of the world around you! This book dives into the importance of immersing ourselves in the present moment. We all know how quickly summer seems to fly by, so taking time to indulge in this book will remind everyone to appreciate the relaxing season before the chaos of fall semester begins again.
- “Ask Again, Yes” by Mary Beth Keane
This coming-of-age fiction novel explores an array of relationships between friends, families and past and present selves. It follows the stories of the Gleeson and Stanhope families, specifically their children Kate and Peter. When tragedy and violence divides these individuals, Kate and Peter rekindle their relationship years later and begin to reflect on the events that drew them apart. This book portrays emotional themes, including mental health and addiction, but does so in a way that establishes empathy and understanding from its characters and readers alike.
- “A Five-Minute Life” by Emma Scott
This novel is perfect for romance lovers looking for a little twist to kick-start their summer. Thea Hughes is the victim of a severe case of amnesia, only allowing her to recall up to five minutes of her life. She is constantly faced with frustrations, anger and hope for her future. She meets Jim Whelan, who was a foster child now continuously on the run from his past. So, what happens when someone who desperately wants to remember her life meets someone trying desperately to forget his own? This summer read holds the incredibly-anticipated answer.
- “Normal People” by Sally Rooney
This novel is a perfect summer read as it provides a wise and insightful account of social class and how it comes to affect young love. Connell is a popular, outgoing individual and star of his school’s football team. Marianne is quiet, studious and keeps primarily to herself. They meet when Connell comes to Marianne’s house to pick up his mother from work, and the connection between them is instantly magnetic. Will their social reputations keep them apart? Or will young love win and prevail in the end?
- “Perihelion Summer” by Greg Egan
Summer wouldn’t be complete without a fiery fantasy world to warm up the season! This novel predicts the collapse of Earth as it is faced with intensely hot summers and way too frigid winters. These weather conditions are destroying the world as the characters know it. Scientist Matt Fleming creates a mobile world called Mandjet to help keep his family and friends alive, but will this be enough? This novel holds the answers to summer survival and the world is rampaged by alien environments.
Published By: Caitlin Srager