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Beach, please: summer books you need to read

<p>Asst. Campus and Community Editor Parker Green gives book recommendations for this summer.</p>

Asst. Campus and Community Editor Parker Green gives book recommendations for this summer.

Summer is almost here, and you know what that means: hours of uninterrupted and guilt-free reading time! So, whether you have a TBR (to be read) thousands of books long or are just trying to read one book over vacation, here are four summer reading suggestions from a variety of genres.

For those who want a summer romance

Look, I don’t care if it’s basic: “Book Lovers” by Emily Henry is by far her best summer romance. If you’ve already read it, reread it. A charming mix of banter, bookish references, reflections on life and the slightest bit of spice, “Book Lovers” is my highest-rated Emily Henry book to date.

For those of you who don’t like to read, Emily Henry is a great introduction to the book community. Her writing is unpretentious, easy to consume and full of cute moments. “Book Lovers” is brain popcorn, in the best way possible.

For those who love a thriller

Spooky and summer aren’t usually what people pair together, but connoisseurs of the thriller genre know that a seemingly perfect honeymoon is the perfect location for all the thrills and chills. Meet “Something in the Water” by Catherine Steadman: a suspense thriller set in gorgeous Bora Bora. Approved by Reese Witherspoon and with over 30,000 five-star reviews, “Something in the Water” is a tried and true beach read. Though I can’t personally attest to this, reviewers mention multiple times that the audiobook version is incredible.

For those who prefer an element of fantasy

Though this is technically a YA (young adult) fantasy, “The Raven Boys” reads like an adult series. “The Raven Boys” by Maggie Stiefvater is an addictive fantasy series. Told through multiple third-person perspectives, this book expertly blends fantastical elements with the real world. Fear not, love lovers: this book has multiple incredible romantic plotlines (both LGBTQ and hetero), which, while subplots, complement each other beautifully.

For those who keep it real

Not everyone wants their summer to be full of made-up stories. If you like real events with real people, as well as beautiful writing, pick up “Everything is Tuberculosis” by John Green. If you know anything about John Green, then you know this is the book of his dreams. Short, witty and full of emotion, this book is a masterclass in delivering both empathy and research in an easy-to-digest way. “Everything is Tuberculosis” is a great book for both newbies and old-timers in the genre of nonfiction.

greenpt@miamioh.edu

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