Looking for something to do during these up coming long summer days? Say no more. The following is a list of 13 books, some new, some old, and all deserve to be on your summer reading list for 2019!
'Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of The Universe'
"Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" is a YA coming of age novel about the intense friendship between Aristotle and Dante. A significant portion of the book takes place over summer, making this the perfect time to dive into the story of their friendship and to experience all of the themes of racism, LGBTQ, and more that author Benjamin Alire Saenz delicately weaves into the story of these two young boys.
'Crazy Rich Asians'
Loved the movie and can't get enough? No worries. The hit film was based on a novel written by Kevin Kwan. Compare the adaption to its original print source, and maybe read the other books in the series as well.
'Hunchback of Notre Dame'
This is a book everyone must read and given the recent tragic fire at Notre Dame, there never could be a better time. Read the story as Victor Hugo wrote it this summer, if you've seen the Disney movie, it is most certainly a different story that will be tantalizing your mind this summer.
'The Testaments'
Following in the footsteps of Harper Lee, Margaret Atwood brings us the sequel to her classic "A Handmaid's Tale" this summer. The story is said to be set 15 years after the end of the first novel and will show us where Gilead is now. The book is available for preorder and would be an excellent summer read!
'Watership Down'
Written by Richard Adams, this tale of rabbit's seeking out a new home is anything but Disney friendly, and deals with incredibly deep and philosophical issues within its pages. If you haven't visited the story before, now is the best time to do so as the story only grows more relevant with each passing year.
'Frankenstein: The Modern Prometheus'
Published anonymously when she was 20, the tale of Frankenstein addresses undying fears of humans. Being rejected by your 'parents' and your village, life and death, the limitations of science and whether or not we should limit it. All written by a 20-year-old Mary Shelly in the 1800s and often considered the first science fiction novel, this is a must read this summer.
'Les Miserable'
Another classic tome (so big that it is often called The Brick by its devout fans) this book covers the story of ex-convict Jean Val Jean and the famous June Rebellion, different from the French Revolution. The story is one of humanity, morality, and love and is most certainly a great read to tackle this summer.
'A Song Of Ice And Fire'
When summer rolls around this year, winter will be over, and HBO's 'Game Of Thrones' will have graced our TV screens for the last time. Fill the hole it will have left in your heart by reading George R.R Martin's novels, and then wait with bated breath for the next installation with all of the fan's who have been reading since 1996.
'Dune"
If you haven't read Frank Hebert's classic science fiction epic, now is a perfect time. The book will be made into two separate movies, considering its length. 'Dune' is the science fiction equivalent of 'Lord Of The Rings' a massive epic that has spanned generations and is soon to be attempted on the screen once again. Pretend the film with Sting didn't happen and perhaps visit the miniseries once you've finished the book.
'Star Wars: A New Hope'
Believe it or not, the first 'Star Wars' media ever produced was actually a novel published about six months before the film's theater release. The novel contains information and details that were either cut or changed from the film's official release, but also often foreshadows the prequels which would come almost 30 years later.
'Chaos Walking: The Knife Of Never Letting Go'
Another dystopian YA novel that is being made into a film, Chaos Walking is anything but generic. Visit a dystopian world with a male protagonist that dives into a science fiction world where toxic masculinity is all too much part of the norm of the world.
'The Great Gatsby'
Nothing screams summer like F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby.' It is a rather short novel about Jay Gatsby's dysfunctional romance, narrated by witness Nick. The story is not only a classic but features all sorts of beach and summer themes, making it a perfect summer read for this year.
'The Things They Carried'
Written by veteran Tim O'Brien, 'The Things They Carried' is full of semi-autobiographical vignettes about the Vietnam war. While they are separate, they are also connected by the mutual strife the soldiers face. The story that gives the book its title is often taught in classes because of its impeccable technique and it still holds up to this day. Sometimes funny, sometimes horrifying, sometimes heart-wrenching, 'The Things They Carried' is the perfect book to bolster your reading list this summer.
Admittedly, the list may be a bit biased as it is compromised of 13 of some of my favorite books ever put to print. Many of these are becoming films in the near future with star studded casts (guess where Daisy Ridley and Tom Holland are on this list!), or have already graced the screen, be it small and in your living room, or the big screen in your movie theater. Let them all grace your mind this summer!
