Welcome to the Shelves of Summer, your reading oasis. Discover more of what you love with a shelf for every kind of reader.
New & Popular This Summer
Project Hail Mary
from $17.25
James
from $11.39
The Emperor of Gladness
from $22.60
Braiding Sweetgrass
from $18.01
I Who Have Never Known Men
from $13.49
Theo of Golden
Out of Stock
Sunrise on the Reaping
from $21.15
Remarkably Bright Creatures
from $14.59
The Let Them Theory
from $17.59
My Friends
from $16.48
Can't Get Enough
from $9.59
The Wedding People
from $15.83
Almost Paradise
from $4.99
Deep End
from $15.39
King of Envy
from $14.62
Chances
from $5.59
Just for the Summer
from $6.69
Beach Read
from $5.99
A Chance at Love
from $7.59
The Love Haters
from $8.39
A Summer to Remember
from $3.89
Lessons in Chemistry
from $4.59
The Women
from $17.29
Here We Go Again
from $8.09
The Milepost 2025
from $33.50
We Are Experiencing a Slight Delay: (Tips, Tales, Travels)
from $4.89
1000 Places to See in the U.S.A. & Canada Before You Die
from $4.79
Disney Parks Mazes
from $13.27
A Walk in the Woods
from $4.19
100 Runs of a Lifetime
from $30.30
The Lincoln Highway
from $5.29
The 10
from $12.29
The Wide Wide Sea
from $18.29
Mountaineering
from $4.59
River of the Gods
from $4.99
Recommended Articles
Featured Author
Elin Hilderbrand
Pretty much the queen of summer reading, Elin Hilderbrand is a popular writer of romance novels, all set in or around Nantucket Island where she lives. Born and raised in Collegeville, Pennsylvania, she spent her childhood summers on Cape Cod and moved there in 1993. Hilderbrand is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University. She has been a teaching fellow at the University of Iowa Writers' Workshop.
More from this author
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Find Your Summer Escape: Shelves of Summer™
There’s something magical about summer—long days, warm evenings, and the perfect opportunity to unwind with a great book. Whether you’re lounging poolside, heading out on vacation, or simply enjoying a quiet moment at home, choosing the right summer books can transform your break into an adventure. At ThriftBooks, we make it easy to find books for summer that match your mood, interests, and reading goals. Explore our curated collection to discover fresh releases, timeless favorites, and hidden gems across every genre.
What Makes a Book Perfect for Summer?
Books for summer are all about immersion and enjoyment. The best books on summer reading are those you can’t help but reach for—stories that capture your imagination, lighten your mood, or whisk you away to new worlds. Whether you crave fast-paced thrillers, heartfelt romances, thought-provoking fiction, or inspiring nonfiction, there’s a summer read to match every reader’s taste. Let’s dive into some top picks to help you build your ideal summer reading stack.
Relax, Recharge, and Discover: Summer Books by Genre
Heartfelt Romances & Feel-Good Fiction
- Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry is an uplifting new novel perfect for those who love witty banter, charming characters, and a story that feels like vacation in a book. If you want a feel-good escape, this is a summer must-read.
- The Love Haters by Katherine Center delivers the kind of heartfelt romance and authentic character growth that make for irresistible summer reading—ideal for fans of warm, hopeful stories about love and second chances.
- My Friends by Fredrik Backman explores life, friendship, and the connections that carry us through. Backman’s signature warmth and wit make this a moving companion for quiet summer evenings.
Gripping Thrillers & Mysteries for Summer Nights
- Forget Me Not by Stacy Willingham is a twisty, edge-of-your-seat thriller perfect for readers who love unraveling secrets under the summer stars.
- The Tenant is a suspenseful mystery that will keep you guessing until the last page—a great choice for fans of atmospheric, page-turning summer books.
- Never Flinch by Stephen King delivers the master storyteller’s signature blend of suspense and psychological depth, making it an unmissable pick for anyone who likes their summer reads with a side of chills.
- The End of the World As We Know It gathers new tales inspired by King’s classic, offering dark thrills and thought-provoking stories that are perfect for late-night reading.
Epic Adventures & Fantastical Escapes
- Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins takes readers back into the world of Panem—an essential pick for anyone craving high-stakes adventure and immersive world-building this summer.
- Hunger Games Series 1-5 is the ultimate binge-read for summer, letting you experience all the action, intrigue, and drama of Suzanne Collins’s bestselling dystopian saga.
- Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by Victoria Schwab offers a haunting, imaginative journey—perfect for readers who love stories with a touch of the supernatural or gothic flair.
- The Emperor of Gladness invites readers into lyrical fantasy and rich storytelling, an ideal companion for those lazy summer afternoons when you want to get lost in another world.
Inspiring Nonfiction & Life-Changing Ideas
- The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins shares a practical, empowering approach to living with less stress and more joy—perfect for anyone looking to reset and recharge over summer.
- Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid blends memoir and inspiration, exploring the environments and moments that shape us—an uplifting pick for self-reflection and personal growth.
- Hidden Nature by Nora Roberts invites readers to reconnect with the natural world, making it a calming, restorative read for anyone seeking perspective during the busy summer months.
Summer Reading for Every Mood and Interest
Not sure where to start? Consider what kind of experience you want from your summer books:
- Chasing adventure: Dive into Sunrise on the Reaping or the complete Hunger Games Series 1-5 for high-stakes entertainment.
- Looking for love or laughter: Pick up Great Big Beautiful Life or The Love Haters for romance and humor.
- Wanting suspense and thrills: Try Never Flinch, The Tenant, or Forget Me Not for mysteries that keep you up late.
- Seeking inspiration or self-discovery: Explore The Let Them Theory, Atmosphere, or Hidden Nature.
- Longing for poetic or literary escapes: Let The Emperor of Gladness and Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil transport you.
Tips to Get the Most from Your Summer Reading List
- Mix it up: Combine genres—try a romance, a thriller, and an inspiring memoir to keep things fresh all summer long.
- Set a summer reading goal: Challenge yourself to read a certain number of books or explore new authors from our summer collection.
- Share the fun: Start a summer book club with friends or family, or swap recommendations to discover new favorites together.
- Keep a book handy: Whether you’re traveling or relaxing at home, a great book is always within reach with ThriftBooks’ affordable selection.
Find Your Next Great Read with ThriftBooks
Summer is the perfect time to rediscover your love of reading. With so many books for summer to choose from, ThriftBooks helps you find stories that match your mood, inspire your imagination, and make every day feel like a getaway. Browse our handpicked selection of summer books to build your own personalized reading adventure—whether you’re after heartwarming fiction, pulse-pounding mysteries, or transformative nonfiction, you’ll find it here. Start exploring today and make this your best summer of reading yet!
