Summer reading lists don’t have to come from a teacher — they can be light, fun, and unique to you. Even if you’re like me, juggling summer classes and work, there’s always time to sneak in a few chapters, whether you’re outside in the sun or beating the heat in the cool, crisp AC.
Here are 10 books I plan to read this summer as an English Major at the University of Southern Maine.
1.
“The Odyssey”
This one’s in anticipation of the Christopher Nolan film adaptation of the story coming out in July. I’m not completely sure whether I want to read the classic Homer’s “Odyssey” or the more modernized, easier-to-consume, and highly praised version by Emily Wilson. Either way, I would love to read this book before I see the movie. As an English major, it seems like a personal failure that I haven’t read this book yet, so I’m determined to fix that this summer.
2.
“The Expanse” by James A. Corey
I’m on book three of this nine-book sci-fi series and so far I am hugely enjoying it! Starting with “Leviathan Wakes,” the series follows humanity after it has colonized the solar system — the world-building is so immersive and the characters are so good. It won the Hugo Award for Best Series, and it’s easy to see why. I was inspired to start it after seeing so many recommendations in the wake of the “Project Hail Mary” movie that came out in March, as well as the Artemis II launch — and it did such a good job of scratching that sci-fi itch. There’s also a TV adaptation on Amazon Prime Video that I’m excited to check out. Highly recommend it.
3.
“Project Hail Mary” by Andy Weir
I actually read this one after seeing the movie first — and if I’m being honest, I liked the movie better. That said, I still recommend the book, and I’ve heard the audiobook is a really great way to experience the story. If you haven’t seen the movie yet, Ryan Gosling stars in it and he is so good — I have to recommend it just as much as the book. All I’ll say is: “amaze, amaze, amaze.” You’ll understand once you watch it.
4.
“The Knight and the Moth” by Rachel Gillig
I’ll be rereading this one in honor of the sequel coming out September 1. It’s a great fantasy novel that includes a knight, a buff woman who punches people, and a sentient gargoyle named Bartholomew. What more could you ask for in a book?
5.
“Immortal Longings” by Chloe Gong
Sticking with this trend of rereading books, I really want to reread the “Immortal Longings” series by one of my favorite authors, Chloe Gong. The final book in this trilogy comes out in August and I’m so excited because I love this series. It’s inspired by “Antony and Cleopatra” by Shakespeare — and if you know Chloe Gong, this tracks, since her breakout series “These Violent Delights” was a “Romeo and Juliet” retelling. I recommended this series in a Pack Chat blog earlier this year, and it’s with good reason.
My books, in their element.
A dream come true: meeting Chloe Gong.
6.
“Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien
I feel ashamed to admit that, while I’ve seen all of the movies twice, I still have never read the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. But I will, I swear! Now that I have time to read such an epic series, I plan to take the time this summer to dedicate myself to Middle Earth.
7.
Mary Oliver
Mary Oliver is one of my absolute favorite poets, and her work is so perfect to read during the summertime while sitting outside in the sun with birds tweeting all around you. Her poetry is especially fitting when you want to feel more connected to nature — even on those days that feel uncomfortably hot.
8.
“A Great Big Beautiful Life” by Emily Henry
This book came out last year, but I didn’t get around to reading it. It follows two rival journalists competing to write the biography of a mysterious heiress — very “Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” energy if you know what I mean. Emily Henry is one of my favorite authors, and her books are especially enjoyable when it’s warm outside. Maybe I’ll be overly ambitious and reread all of her books just for fun.
9.
“Extracurricular” by Rachel Lynn Solomon
This upcoming book from one of my favorite authors follows a burned-out former pop star who steps back from the spotlight and enrolls in college — school-related, fitting for an English major. It comes out July 14, and my best friend and I are actually heading to Boston for the release signing, where another one of my favorite romance authors will also be appearing. The last time I met Rachel Lynn Solomon, we talked about New Englanders’ love of Dunkin’ Donuts — so who knows what this visit holds.
10.
The TBR pile
TBR — “to be read” — is the term readers use for the ever-growing list of books they mean to get to someday. Every avid reader has one — the stack of books you bought with the best intentions and never quite got to. Summer is the perfect excuse to finally dig in. Pick something you’ve been putting off, and just start.
Whether you’re taking in a book by the pool, on your lunch break, or curled up in the AC, I hope something on this list makes it onto yours. Happy reading!
