Summer time means it’s time for beach reads, leisure reading, and an onslaught of new books for us to devour, no matter our interests! If you’re in school, you likely look forward to a summer where you can read books of your own choosing. Even as someone who is no longer in school, and works year round, I still look forward to summer reading. In the summer, great books being published. There is also the opportunity to read outdoors and soak up some sunshine. 

These are some of the most anticipated books coming out this May, June, and July. This list will give you plenty to read all summer long!

Regardless of your reading interests–whether you clamor for biographies or thrillers or lean towards young adult fiction and political tell-alls, this list has something for everyone. Buy them wherever books are sold, check them out from your local public library, and let’s get reading! 

Sex and Vanity by Kevin Kwan: July 14, 2020

The author behind Crazy Rich Asians is back with a new story. One woman, two suitors, who will she choose? Will she follow the prescribed path, or will she fall for the man she’s trying very hard not to love? This book is perfect for lovers of glitz, glamor, love triangles, and scenic settings.

The Shadow by Alex North: July 7, 2020

If you love thrills, suspense, and crime, you’re going to want to pick up the next book by Alex North, who wowed everyone last year with The Whisper Man. A copycat killer and an intriguing detective? Count me in. 

Imperfect Women by Araminta Hall: June 16, 2020

I love a female dominated suspense thriller, and Araminta Hall always delivers. This story of three women, one murder, and a lot of secrets is going to be a great summer read. 

The Betrothed by Keira Cass: May 5, 2020

If you like royalty, romance, pretty dresses, and palace intrigue, you’re going to want to pick up this first book in a new duology from Kiera Cass, beloved author of The Selection series. 

All Together Now by Hope Larson: June 2, 2020

Graphic novel readers and lovers of music will love this middle grade graphic novel, regardless of age. Bina’s in the band–and now things are getting complicated. 

The Great Gatsby: The Graphic Novel by F Scott Fitzgerald & Fred Fordham: June 2, 2020

Who doesn’t love a timeless classic? The Great Gatsby, a story everyone knows, comes to life again in this graphic novel adaptation of the book. I can’t wait to get my hands on this one, complete with a new introduction by Fitzgerald’s granddaughter. 

The Heir Affair by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan: July 7, 2020

The sequel to the Royal We is finally here, and fans of the British Royal Family have to read this fictionalization of the life of Will & Kate, complete with exile, family secrets, and even more romance. 

My Calamity Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows: June 2, 2020

History meets comedy and strong female leads with the third book in the Lady Janies series, but you can read them all individually. This fresh take on Calamity Jane is going to help beat the summer slumps. 

A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor by Hank Green: July 7, 2020

Beloved Youtuber turned author Hank Green (brother of John) is back with the sequel to An Absolutely Remarkable Thing. Both books are must reads for fans of speculative fiction and technology!

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo: May 5, 2020

The award-winning author of Elizabeth Acevedo is back with a third novel–and this one, like her debut, is in verse. A plane crash changes everything in this emotionally charged book you won’t be able to put down. 

Above the Law by Matthew Whitaker: May 19,2020

If you like politics, and don’t mind a little insider talk, you may want to pick up this memoir by former acting attorney general, Above the Law. It’s all about his time in the Justice Department and what he saw happening there: an attempt to subvert President Trump. 

Catherine House by Elisabeth Thomas: May 12, 2020

If you love literary fiction, gothic novels, and losing yourself in a book, you’ll want to pick up this book by debut author Elisabeth Thomas. A school of higher learning “like no other” will keep you drawn in until the final page. 

One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London: July 7, 2020

If you’re upset that we might not get any Bachelor Nation this summer, it’s time for you to pick up this book. Plus-sized fashion blogger Bea is headed to reality TV to find love, with all the complications you can imagine. 

Beach Read by Emily Henry: May 19, 2020

A romance writer and a writer of literary fiction find themselves pulled together during a summer challenge that’s full of spunk, great writing references, and sweet romance. 

Party of Two by Jasmine Guillory: June 23, 2020

Need a romance read to take you away? Best-selling novelist Jasmine Guillory is back with a book about a lawyer, a junior senator, and a meet ute they’ll never forget. Perfect for fans of political and good summer reads!

Musical Chairs by Amy Poeppel: July 21, 2020

If you love interconnected stories, fascinating friend groups, and real life drama, you’ll want to pick up this new book by Amy Poeppel that’s got music, some romance, and family drama galore. 

The 20th Victim by James Patterson: May 4, 2020

James Patterson delivers an endless stream of books, it seems, so why not spend some time with his latest book in the Women’s Murder Club series?

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins: May 19, 2020

Time to head back to Panem with the prequel to the famous Hunger Games series. This book follows President Snow, but years before Katniss Everdeen was ever a hero–and people are intrigued to see where this story goes. 

28 Summers by Elin Hildebrand: June 16, 2020

Elin Hildebrand is the queen of the beach read, and her island stories of love, loss, and even some politics in this one, are compelling reads no matter where you read them. Plus, it features a woman running for president. 

The Lincoln Conspiracy by Brad Meltzer: May 5, 2020

If you love history and true crime, you’ll love Brad Meltzer’s new book which looks at an attempt to kill Abe Lincoln, but not the one we all know. 

Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner: May 19, 2020

Six years ago a friendship fell apart, but now one friend needs a favor from the other, and it’s got a white dress in the middle of it all. Regardless of the state of your own female friendships,you’re going to love diving into this story!

You’re Not Enough (And That’s Okay) by Allie Beth Stuckey: May 5, 2020

Need some self-help in the sun? Commentator Allie Beth Stuckey’s new take on the “do it all” culture and self-love in general is going to be a great conversation starter. 

Queen’s Peril by EK Johnston: June 2, 2020

Love Star Wars, strong women, and visiting familiar worlds? Dive into this young adult novel about Padme Amidala and you’ll get lost in a galaxy far, far away. 

The Hardest Job in the World by John Dickerson: June 9, 2020

If you’re a fan of politics, the presidency, and history, you’ll want to pick up this nonfiction book. It looks at what presidents have to deal with on a daily basis and in times of big crisis. A perfect read for an election year!

Close Up by Amanda Quick: May 5, 2020

Fans of historical fiction know Amanda Quick is a must-read author. In Close Up, the 1930s come to life, and to death, because there’s glitz and glamour, but there’s also a killer on the loose. 

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Aryssa D
FFL Cabinet Member