It’s August, which means summer is coming to an end. For me, it is still summer by temperature standards, but the schools always start mid July to mid August. Since summer break is over for all the students, it means the time for summer fun is over. Despite this, I have come to realize how many people start school later than in Arizona and how summer is still going for them.

Since I have a different perspective of how summer looks and feels, I wanted to write a post dedicated to five books I feel like I can still read no matter if school is in session or what the outdoors temperature is. All the books on this list are newer books, which to me means they are ten to twenty years old or less. I still love them and usually associate them with the summertime.

The Summer I Turned Pretty Trilogy by Jenny Han

The Summer I Turned Pretty trilogy is a great summer read for anyone looking for a teen romance that takes place on the East coast. Even though it can be read throughout the summer months, I like to read it in July and August. Also, if you watch and loved season one of series on Netflix, then it’s a great time to read the books!

 

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Summertime is the time for blockbuster movies. So why not read a book heavily inspired by some of the most beloved summer blockbuster movies of all time? This is why I recommend Ready Player One. There are other books that pay homage to the 1980’s, but Ready Player One is one of the most popular and beloved. The book’s plot sounds like something from a 1980’s summer blockbuster movie, but it stands out due to it’s ability to combine 1980’s nostalgia with an interesting and enjoyable story. Best of all, the 1980’s nostalgia is referenced in a way that would make people enjoy yet will not take away from the integrity of the story. If you haven’t had the chance to read Ready Player One, August would be a great time to read it. Also, the dystopian world of the character lives in and uses the game to escape from is perfect for an early fall, spooky feeling. (I always think dystopian novels are spooky. That’s why I love Ready Player One for late summer reading!)

 

The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand

To me, anything Elin Hilderbrand writes is completely summertime read. This is why I wanted to add one of her books onto a late summer reading list. The most recently published book is The Hotel Nantucket, and it is truly a story that would be great for anyone located all across the United States no matter what the temperatures are.

It is about a woman who becomes the new owner of a hotel. She is trying to rebuild the hotel’s reputation, but finds there are some major problems with the hotel, the hotel staff, and some of the guests she is trying to impress. One of these problems is the presence of a ghost in the hotel. This book is great for anyone who isn’t ready to let go of summer time, but loves the fall and can’t wait for Halloween.

 

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

Artemis Fowl is a series of books by Eoin Colfer about a boy genius who partakes in criminal activities. Normally these activities involve fairies and magic folk. In the world of Artemis Fowl, fairies and magic folk have a lot of money, usually in gold form, that Artemis wants to steal. In the first book of the series, Artemis embarks on his first crime against the fairies and magic folk by kidnapping a member of the police squad, a fairy, and holds her for ransom. His goal for obtaining the gold from them is to free is kidnapped father and bring him home.

The Artemis Fowl series is full of magic and technology with a James Bond flair to it. The books are written in a way that reminds me of a blockbuster film, except in book form. Because of this, I wanted to include Artemis Fowl on the list for late summer reading. Also, the magical aspects of the stories make it a great lead into fall and Halloween.

 

Gossip Girl by Cecily von Ziegesar

Gossip Girl was published in the early 2000’s, so technically it is over twenty years old, but I decided to over look the age and focus on the fact this book is a great book that crosses over from the summertime into fall. It takes place during the end of summer break into the fall school year, so it is a great read for anyone who wants to read a known book that deals with school, the lure of rich teenagers, and all the bad things they get into. Due to it’s subject matter and how it is discussed, this book is not for everyone. Still, it is popular and two series are based off this book and the series, which means there are a lot of people who enjoy it to this day. If Gossip Girl doesn’t interest you, then consider reading Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli. It is a family friendly book that also starts in the beginning of school in the fall.

 

Well, that’s all for now! Thank you for reading!

 

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