The Best Books To Read This Summer

Happy Friday! Today is another “world” day, so of course, I’m going to mark the occasion with a blog post with my list of books that you should read this summer. April 23rd is World Book Day, and, to mark his birthday, it’s Talk Like Shakespeare Day! So, let’s talk about some books, and talk about Shakespeare (because you know there’s no way I can start talking and writing like him).

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Harry Potter (entire series)

You knew it was going to be on this list, don’t even pretend to be shocked. I’ve already written a bit about how this series has impacted my life, which you can find here. I also already have more planned out and written about the series’ impact, and I’m excited to share it, though it will not be until the fall.

The series (as a whole) is something that will stay a big part of my life forever, and I know it will be the same for so many other people out there. There is still new fan fiction being written, homemade films being shot, and an ever-expanding theme park that further cements it into our culture. The Harry Potter side of Tik Tok is amazing. Just this morning I was watching one and learned something new about the series that I hadn’t noticed before.

I absolutely could go on just about this series for ages, so if you have any questions, thoughts, opinions, headcanons, anything- let me know! I’d love to talk more! But please I beg of you- don’t watch the movies without reading the books!

My Hands Came Away Red

My best friend gave me this book several years ago for Christmas. I had never heard of it outside of what she told me (and she talked about it a lot), and it was not what I was expecting.

The book is classified as Christian Fiction, which I know may influence your decision to read it. The story is about a mission group building a church in Indonesia. During the trip, the conflict between Christians and Muslims, leads to the village being attacked.

But, religion is not the main focus of the story. Religious differences are at the heart of the story, but the book is much more than that. The majority of the book is focused on understanding trauma- both physical and emotional. The emotional trauma and learning how to handle what has happened is where the religious aspects come in the strongest. But, it doesn’t feel forced or awkward. You’re reading someone’s private thoughts, not being told anything outside of the context of the story.

Pride & Prejudice

Easily one of the best books I’ve ever read. If I could only pick 1 single book, it would be between Pride & Prejudice and My Hands Came Away Red.

Many people that read it today say the society is oppressive, the characters are stuck up, or my favorite, ask when the action starts. But that’s because you are reading it and thinking about it as if it is taking place in 2021. And that just doesn’t work. Of course the plot seems strange to us now, the world has changed. So, if that is the only thing stopping you from reading the book, don’t let it. You can reward yourself for reading by watching the film version afterwards.

The Iliad & The Odyssey

I know these are technically 2 separate works. But, the stories go together, and I can’t imagine reading one without the other. These stories are the type of thing that once you read it, suddenly references in tv shows, movies, or other books make sense. If you have any interest in Greek mythology, these books are for you.

My first introduction to Homer was in my 9th grade English class, where we read The Odyssey, the story of Odysseus returning home following the Trojan war. The following year, 10th grade, we read the story of the war itself, The Iliad. Personally, I enjoy The Iliad more, but I love both.

I will admit that both The Iliad and The Odyssey have a lot to them. The amount of details in the story can be exhausting to read, especially when there’s 10 pages about a minor character’s family lineage. That specific example is more common in The Iliad. But I’m gonna tell you a little secret. (And I apologize to any former teachers of mine that may be reading this.) I skipped those pages. I don’t think it took anything away from my own enjoyment, so if you find yourself dozing off like I did, skip ahead too.

Hamlet

My last pick, is my favorite Shakespeare play, Hamlet. This is one thing that I still am sad that I didn’t get to do in London. I would love to see this play at The Globe one day!

Shakespeare’s works are major influences on so many other works. You know that little Disney film, The Lion King? Yup, that’s Hamlet. If you don’t believe me, a quick Google search will show you. But, you’ll never watch Simba and Nala the same way again.

So, now you know! Let me know what books you love- I’d love to get new recommendations! You can also check out my Goodreads profile to see what books are on my to-read list, or my ratings of books I’ve read.

You can take a look at the story of how Harry Potter entered my life here. Or, check out my answers to the Anonymous Bookaholics Tag!

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