Are you looking for some inspiration for some books to read on your summer holidays? Here are some of my top recommendations (click the images to view and buy on Amazon). The books are in no particular order, they are just ones I’ve loved and that I think other people would love too.
Some are new releases, some are old, they span many genres, but they are all examples of good story telling and good writing. Here are 20 books to read this summer:
I Knew You Were Trouble by Paige Toon
In A Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware
The Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan
Geek Girl 5 by Holly Smale
Perfect People by Peter James
The Gone series by Michael Grant
The Shepherd by Ethan Cross
The Pact by Jodi Picoult
Room by Emma Donohue
Elizabeth Is Missing by Emma Healey
The Divergent series by Veronica Roth
Demon Road by Derek Landy
The House That Jack Built by Graham Masterton
The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty
The Delirium series by Lauren Oliver
The Shining by Stephen King
The Crossfire series by Sylvia Day
The Girl Next Door by Jack Ketchum
The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M Auel
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
I hope you have found some new reads to try out.
Will you be trying any of these books? Are any of your favourites on the list? What would you recommend? Let me know in the comments 🙂
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Actually, I should get through all the books I’ve downloaded to my Nook but never read. That’ll take me the summer, and longer. I haven’t read any on your list, but I’ve heard of most of them. (Good things, natch.)
My to be read pile gets bigger everyday!
I love the crossfire series! Jodi Picoult is a great author 🙂 I haven’t heard of a lot of these, I must check them out 🙂 xxx
Me too, it was really good wasn’t it. They are all fab and worth a read 🙂 x
These all look great, but I know I probably wont get to them because I have a large book list myself lol. Love Clan of the Cave Bear! 🙂
Janet from RRW
#AnythingGoes
My tbr pile gets bigger every day lol! Me too, it’s one I can read over and over again 🙂
I love a book list. Perfect for holiday season. I’ll check some of these out.
Sally @ Life Loving
#AnythingGoes
I hope you enjoy them 🙂
The only one I have read so far here is ROOM, it was very different and I really liked it, I then saw the film which like the book really touched me, it is such a heartbreaking story. #anythinggoes
I loved it, and it really was heart breaking! I haven’t seen the film yet
I tend to alternate fiction and non fiction, which reminds me that I should do my own summer reads post again this year, last year’s one was popular! Loved the clan of the cave bear series back in the day too. #AnythingGoes
I don’t read a lot of non fiction, but I don’t mind the odd true crime book or memoir type books. You should, I’d love to have a read, I’m always looking for new book recommendations 🙂
Clan of the Cave Bear! It’s one of my favourite books ever – I love the rest of the series too, but the first is definitely the best.
I’m going to be adding a few others to my ‘to read’ list too. 🙂 #anythinggoes
I vaguely remember reading the others, but that one is one I have read over and over again over the years. I hope you enjoy some of the others too 🙂
I forgot all about Clan of the Cave Bear. Read that years ago. I’ve got a whole bookshelf full of stuff that I seem to have a hard time getting to.
Me too, my to be read pile gets bigger every day!
I loved Room and will never forget it. Such an amazing read. Looking forward to seeing the film too, which I hear actually does the book justice! I also have a bedside table full of books as yet unread. I did well with my first two children but child number three has really put a spanner in the works, reading wise! I know it will get easier though 🙂
Same here, it was so unique and so well written. I haven’t seen the film yet either, I was worried it would be bad but maybe not if you’ve heard it does the book justice. I hope you manage to find time to get through your pile 🙂
I do like Peter James, Hubby reads his books and I then steal them after!! I’m hoping to get some reading done will on mat leave – all that feeding. If I can stay away from the blog that us! Xx #AnythingGoes
Good plan! No chance you’ll be able to stay away from your blog though lol 😉 x
Great idea to list out holiday books Debbie! I remember the olden days when I could read a book on the beach. lol It’s sand castles & watching kiddies in the water now for me. 🙂 #AnythingGoes x
Thank you 🙂 I don’t mind a bit of sand castle building myself lol x
Some fantastic suggestions, having seen the film room I now really want to read the book. The film was amazing.
Also wouldn’t mind reading geek girl. Xx
Thank you 🙂 I haven’t seen the movie yet, but a few people have said it’s as good as the book, so now I want to!
Bookmarking! I love reading but never know ow what to buy though Lianne Moriarty is one of my faves. #bloggerclubuk xo
Thank you, I hope you enjoy the books 🙂 I’ll have to give her a try!
I have t read Lord of the flies since school but may have to give it a retread now. Thanks for the inspiration. I must read some more Jodie Picoult too! #Blogger lubUK
I first read it in school too, and I decided to re-read it years later. I found I enjoyed it much more when I was being forced to read it!
Oh you have excellent taste. I have read Room, Elizabeth is Missing and Lord of the Flies which were all amazing #bloggerclubuk
Thank you 🙂 I loved all of those!
I’m always looking for new books to read, so I will be bookmarking this. I love Jodi Picoult she is one of my favourite authors x
Me too, my to be read pile gets higher everyday! Mine too x
My first thought when looking at this book list, was that I will never a chance to read 20 books during the summer! I used to love long lazy days reading before I became a mum, and maybe I will manage a book or two. I hope so! Thanks for the recommendations. #BloggerClubUK
I think maybe 20 is a lot, but I do hope you enjoy one or two off the list 🙂
Thanks for putting together this list. I don’t think I have read any of these and I’m looking for a new book to read at the moment. Geek Girl jumped out at me so off to give that one a go. #BloggerClubUK
You’re welcome, I’m glad it’s helped you choose your next book, I hope you enjoy it 🙂
Thanks for this. I need some inspiration for books to attempt to read this summer #bloggerclubuk
You’re welcome, I hope you enjoy the books 🙂
Love ‘Room’ and ‘Elizabeth is Missing’. I’ve just finished ‘The Girl on the Train’ and the hype is pretty much justified! #bloggerclubuk
Oh, I have that in my to be read pile! I’m glad to hear it’s as good as the hype 🙂
Paige Toon is my absolute favourite author I’ve already got her book on order to attempt to read, if Josh allows me! I’m glad to see Jodi Picoult has a new book out too I’ll be having a look at that too! x #BloggerClubUK
I love Paige Toon and Jodi Picoult! Good luck getting Josh to agree though lol 🙂 x
You’ve just reminded me that I still haven’t got round to buying Elizabeth is missing – I heard them reviewing it on the bbcr2 book club and have wanted to read it ever since! Must pick that up! There are some great books on this list! #BloggerClubUK
Elizabeth Is Missing is a fab read Lisa, I would definitely recommend you pick it up! Thank you 🙂
Apart from Lord of the Flies… which I was made to read at school, I haven’t read any of your top picks! I feel quite under-read now. *Hides in shame*. One of my fav authors for some time now is Jojo Moyes and Me Before You is a book I come back to again and again. I have yet to check out After you, but that’s top of my list. #BloggerClubUk
I feel under read every time I read one of those “Books everyone should read” lists and they are 75% classics – they just aren’t my thing! I’ll have to check that one out, I haven’t tried any of her books.
I have read a couple of these – LOTF, The Pact and The Gone Series, all of which I enjoyed for different reasons. I will be checking out a couple of the others as I always enjoy looking at your recommendations 🙂 #BloggerClubUK
Thank you, I hope you enjoy some of the others 🙂
I love a good book. Can’t wait till I’m on maternity leave and can find time to properly read!! I’m particularly untested in the girl next door.
Great post
L X
#bloggerclubuk
The Girl Next Door is fantastic, it will really make you think! x
Might sound a bit odd but I am loving my son’s David Walliams collection. I’ve read Gangsta Granny and now moving onto Grandads great escape, throwback to my childhood and reminds me of Roald Dahl. Great idea for a post x #BloggerClubUK
I still love Roald Dahl now so I would probably like these too to be honest! Thank you 🙂
what a great list will have to take a look at some of them #bloggerclubuk
Thank you, I hope you enjoy some of the books 🙂
There is like zero chance of me getting through 20 books, this summer/year/until my boy turns 18! But my reading pile continues to grow, I love books, I’m addicted to them. Now you’ve just gone and given me more ideas!! #BloggerClubUK
My list gets longer everyday! Lol sorry for adding to yours 🙂
Oh fab recommendations. I’ve already read Elizabeth is Missing, Room and The Pact so I am sure I will like other titles on your list. I keep meaning to read some Stephen King and I never get round to it as I am worried I will be too scared – need to read it while I’m on holiday or something haha. #BloggerClubUK
Great recommendations. Some of these are on my reading list. I’ve read room and really enjoyed it.
Thank you 🙂 I loved Room!
I love book lists! More to add to my reading list! Thanks for sharing 🙂
#BloggerClubUK
I hope you enjoy them 🙂
wow what a list. I’d like to read the Geek girl. it sounds interesting to me. Angela from Daysinbed #BloggerClubUk
It’s a really good read Angela 🙂
I’m an English teacher so i’m always after a good summer read, You managed to pick two of my all time favs too (The Shining and Lord of the Flies). If you’re into twisted psychological narratives give The Idiot by Dostoevsky a go. Probably my fav summer read of all time. #bloggerclubuk
I love anything twisted, I’ll definitely look that one up, thanks for the recommendation 🙂
I always love a good list of book recommendations thanks. My teens have absolutely loved the gone series and divergent. ‘Elizabeth is missing’ was my favourite read last year and I couldn’t put ‘room’ down. Will be coming back to this list before my hols! thanks.
I love all the books on the list – Room and Elizabeth is Missing were both so unique, like nothing I have ever read before. If you’re kids enjoyed the Divergent series, they’ll love the Lauren Oliver one too! I hope you enjoy some of the others too 🙂
Ooh you have totally different taste in books to me. I love everything romcom. I have read a couple of Jodi Picoult books though including The Pact and I really enjoyed that one.
#bloggerclubuk
It’s strange because I love a good romcom movie, but generally with books I’m so used to reading horror or crime books, I’m just waiting for someone to get murdered lol 🙂
you just inspired me to make room in my calendar for reading this summer its been a while since I read my last book…..
That’s great, I hope you enjoy the books you choose 🙂
This has made me realised that it’s been a few years since I read a whole book (ahem fifty shades *face-palm)
Need to get back on it! #bloggerclubUK
Lol, I must admit I have read it too!
You’ve reminded me to read “Elizabeth is missing”! Thanks! 🙂
It’s a fab book!
I have been desperately trying to find the next good read, I can’t get into anything at the moment. Have read The Room and Elizabeth is Missing, may revisit my youth with Lord of The Flies. Thanks for this. #BloggerClubUK
It’s frustrating when you can’t get into a book! You’re welcome, I hope you find something 🙂
I haven’t read any of those but Lord of the Flies is one that I have been meaning to read for the last 20 years. Maybe some day.
#bloggerclubuk
It’s definitely worth a read 🙂
LOVE the Crossfire Series. I’m mid final book at the moment – I don’t want it to end. This list came at a great time, I’m off on my holibobs on Saturday and need to load the Kindle up! Thanks for sharing! #AnythingGoes
It’s really good isn’t it! I hope you enjoy your hols 🙂
oh thank you for this list! I’ve read a few but there are some authors in there I hadn’t heard of so will go and check them out – thank you – and I see you do book reviews also so I am going to revisit another day and delve a little deeper – thank you #BloggerClubUK
I hope you enjoy some of these 🙂 If you’re coming back to read the reviews, you will find reviews of most of the books on the list!
Fab choices! Hubby and I have no read most Peter James books, we’re just lagging on those recent ones due to toddler mischief! #bloggerclubuk
Thank you 🙂 I imagine reading isn’t easy with a toddler about 🙂
I love anything by Jodi Picoult and agree that The Pact is fab! Not sure if the rest would be too dark for me though?? Thanks for sharing with #bloggerclubuk 🙂
I loved The Pact (and all of Jodi Picoult’s books). Some of these are pretty dark. I think you would enjoy Room and Elizabeth is Missing if you like Jodi Picoult.
Some good choices here. I found Roomso gripping, I read it in one (long!) sitting. Obviously that was pre-baby! #BloggerClubUK
I loved it! Yeah, no chance of that post baby lol 🙂
This is a great list and I don’t think I’ve read any of these!Will definitely be giving some of these a go if I can squeeze in some reading time xx #anythinggoes
I hope you enjoy them 🙂 x
Some fab reads here! I love Paige Toon, I have read all her books apart from this one so will need to add it to my kindle. Also a huge fan of Peter James, I don’t think I’ve read this one. Loved The Pact – I leant to someone to read and never got it back so may have to buy it again. I still need to read Room, I’ve heard great things. Fortunately when I go back to work in a few weeks I’ll actually have time to read a book so I will get through a few of these. Thanks for sharing #bloggerclubuk
Room is one of the few hyped up books I’ve read that actually live up to all the hype! Definitely worth reading 🙂
We must have really similar taste in books because half of these are already my favourites! 🙂 So I’ll be sure to pick a couple from the other half to take on hols X #anythinggoes
Oh we must have! I hope you enjoy the others 🙂 x
Great timing – two week countdown to holiday and just finished my last book! Thank-you for a fab list! #BloggerClubUK
I hope you find a new one to read here! Enjoy your holiday 🙂
Some great recommendations! I love books but never get chance to read. ‘Room’ is good and I like Percy Jackson but not read any of the series so I will have to take a look! 🙂
#BloggerClubUK
I hope you enjoy them 🙂
Thanks for these suggestions – I really need to get into reading (actual books, not blogs!) and was planning on buying a few new ones for the summer so this is perfect timing! #BloggerClubUK
You’re welcome, I hope you enjoy the ones you choose 🙂
I love Lord of the Flies! I think some of these would be too scary for me – any level of scary is too scary for me! But I do keep meaning to read the Percy Jackson series. #anythinggoes
Percy Jackson is fab! I also think you would like the Gone series if you loved Lord of the Flies 🙂
I kid you not I plan to read something other than blogs this summer!!! We are hitting the road a lot this year and on the times we don’t have to take 2 vehicles I’m going to READ. A. BOOK. I will have to bookmark this page as a reference guide. Thanks so much for hostessing #bloggerclubuk
Yayyy, it’ll feel weird for you being able to finish a book in peace lol! I hope you enjoy the ones you read. Thanks for linking up 🙂
That’s a good set of books. Look forward to learning more about them. Once you’ve finished The Shining the follow up Doctor Sleep is a good one. Very different from The Shining but a fast paced story told well and with some interesting twists on classic monsters.
#BloggerClubUK
Thank you 🙂 I think I have Doctor Sleep somewhere, I’ll have to dig it out!
Some great suggestions here. I have read Room, it gave me the creeps reading it but I am glad I finished it. It was a very powerful book! Oh and read all of the clan of the cave bear books. Lots of ones I have not read on this list though! xx #BloggerClubUK
Yes, Room is one of those books that stays with you long after you’ve finished it. I hope you enjoy some of the others 🙂 x
Well this hasn’t helped my “to read” pile get any smaller. I’ve not got any interest in reading Lord of the Flies though, purely because I did it as part of my GCSEs – all of 10 years ago. I did like the film adaptation though.
The Crossfire Series I found really samey during the second and third books and actually gave up half way through the third one because it was getting so boring. There are some other awesome, and classic, suggestions there so will definitely be reading a few of those! A great list with some great ideas! xx #BloggerClubUK
I did it for my GCSEs too, it was one of the few books we studied that I actually liked. Thank you 🙂 x