Despite the continuous growth of technology, books are still highly anticipated and read with rigor whether it is by screen or hardcover. There are many books in 2017 that are begging to be placed on shelves, including amazing spring releases such as Cassandra Claire’s "Lord of Shadows" (Book Two in "The Dark Artifacts") and Rick Riordan’s "Dark Prophecy" (Book Two in "The Trails of Apollo"). Even the May launch of Julie Murphy’s "Ramona Blue" was a beautiful read about the transitions of life, love, and identity. However, the books that you should be most pumped up about are the novels coming out this summer. Here is a list of the most anticipated new summer reads.
1. "When Dimple Met Rishi" by Sandhya Menon
This novel about how the lives of two Indian-American teens intersect when their respective parents arrange for them to marry. This contemporary book depicts the clash between independent Dimple and lovable rule following Rishi as they attend the same summer program. This young adult book not only has P.O.C (people of color) main characters and a meaningful plot but it’s filled with constant humor that most would find refreshing. This book comes out May 30, 2017, and I know that’s technically spring and not summer but it so sounds so good that I had to cheat and squeeze it in.
2. "The Unlikelies" by Carrie Firestone
This book is a classic summer adventure novel. This tale tells the story of Sadie and four other teens that stepped into the viral limelight for heroic deeds. However, they might find more than just good deeds to wrap under their belt this summer. This book might be a bit of a break from the heavy reads on the rest of this list, it’s filled with teen mischief and stunts, and a sweetly thrilling love story. This book will be released June 1, 2017.
3."The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue" by Mackenzi Lee
This is a teen historical fiction novel. It tells the tale of Monty, who may be taught to be a gentleman but goes on an adventure from 18th-century Europe to the land of pirates via a magic item. This book not only tells of Monty’s adventures against his foes but also the budding romance of the friend he brings along the way, Percy. This book not only has LGBTQ representation but also adds humor and action into the mix. This book will be released on June 27, 2017.
4. "Because You Love to Hate Me"
This book is a work written in collaboration between 13 authors and 13 BookTubers. This book is a collection of anthologies about tales from the point of view of classic villains. Despite the information about which villains are spotlighted on being kept secret, the choice to show villains as people with real emotions is a break from the classic hero saves the world spiel being shoved into reader’s faces and very refreshing. This collection will be released July 11, 2017.
5."The Land of Stories: World's Collide" by Chris Colfer
This the sixth and final installment in the best-selling series, "The Land of Stories". Bigger and better than before, the twins must fight to save the city once more. When all of the storyland characters are released from the boundaries of the make believe land, Conner and Alex must once again help the heroes and confine the villains. This book will be released on July 11, 2017, which means if you’re a one book bought per day kind of person, you’re going to have to decide if number four or five is your fairytale book of choice. However, whatever you decide, the read will be filled with striking adventure and amazing retellings.
6."Everything All At Once" by Katrina Leno
This is a story of mystery and adventure, as Lottie Reeves goes on a journey of accomplishing tasks handed down to her from her dead Aunt Helen before she passed via letters. This book is a perfect summer read for a mix of contemporary and magical realism that leaves readers engaged in an interesting narrative. This book takes a plunge into going out of one’s depth to face fear and ultimately, death. This novel will be released July 25, 2017.
7. "Little & Lion" by Brandy Colbert
This novel is about Suzette, a girl who heads back home to LA to support her brother Lionel’s diagnosis with bipolar disorder. It is then that Suzette finds herself having feelings for the girl her brother’s in love with as life spins out of control. This novel not only has great representation about those with mental health but also takes the classic love triangle and transforms it from cliché to fresh. This book has a diverse (Black, Jewish, and Bisexual) main character but sheds a light on the debate of medication. This book will be released August 8, 2017.
8. "Wonder Woman: Warbringer" by Leigh Bardugo
This a novel dictating the coming of age of a hero who inspired little girls everywhere, Wonder Woman. However, this story is set before the princess of the Amazons was the goddess of truth, when she was just a young warrior willing to prove herself to her people. This novel is about the fight between Diana’s duty and her morals, as she struggles to keep the descendant of Helen of Troy safe, and in turn, keep the world safe. As the first book in the DC Icon series, readers can look forward to an inside look into the lives of superheroes before they became legends and we’re just kids reading stories themselves. This book is going to be released August 29, 2017, and at least it's not another origin story, right.
9."Georgia Peaches and Other Forbidden Fruit" by Jaye Robin Brown
This novel speaks about openly queer Joanna Gordon having to hide who she is when her father moves her family to conservative Georgia. However life takes a turn when Joanna meets Mary Carlson. Now she must decide what's more important, a family promise or a potential first love? As a story about family, love, and honesty, "Georgia Peaches and Other Forbidden Fruit" is also a very quirky and fluffy book about faith, support, and diversity. This book will be released August 30, 2017.
10. "They Both Die at the End" by Adam Silvera
This tells the tale of two strangers named Mateo and Rufus coming together on their last day on earth. This book attempts to talk on the big topics like life and death by showing the importance in the little things, like how important friendship is and that even support can make someone’s last day their happiest. Much like his earlier work, More Happy Than Not, Adam Silver successfully causes laugh out loud moments while emptying tear ducts at the same time. This book will be released September 5, 2017, and I know that’s technically the end of summer but we’ve already established I’m a cheater so what’s the harm, right?