With the promise of sunny skies, soft breezes, and warm weather on the horizon, it’s safe to say winter is finally in our rear-view. Yes, the period of hibernation is coming to a close as people are trading in their cozy sweats for swimsuits and hot cocoa for popsicles. The new season marks the time for change and the possibilities are endless. You can look back on this summer in a couple of years and remember it as the time you finished that DIY project, crossed off an entire bucket list, or that time you read 100 books!
Whether you identify as an avid reader, a bookworm, or you simply haven’t touched a book in ages, try and challenge yourself by reading. Make this season a memorable one by dusting off your shelves, digging out an unread book, and filling your afternoons with some reading. First, set a personal goal by indicating how many books you would like to read before autumn rolls around. Next, compile a list with books of your choice. It can include books you’ve been dying to read or books that you’re less enthused (but still curious) about.
Don’t know where to start yet? Fear not, I have compiled a list with a variety of different genres to explore. Here’s the official, ultimate, top 10 summer reading list:
- Lifestyle: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
Nothing says change like cleaning out your living space and learning how to organize like a pro!
- Poetry: The Sun and Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur
Written by a Waterloo alumni, this collection of poems revolves around growing, healing, and finding your inner sunshine through self-love.
- Sci-Fi: The Gone World by Tom Sheterlitsch
Dive into another world with this mind-bending and puzzling novel that combines a sinister murder case with the fate of humanity itself.
- Romance: The Summer We Believed by Shel Delisle
Not only can you simultaneously enjoy summer while reading about it, but you also get to experience the blossoming of young love!
- Horror: The Bad Seed by William March
This novel, written in 1954, contributed to the cult subculture of creepy children in horror. Read the chilling novel centered around terrifying little Rhonda Penmark.
- Fantasy: Six of Crows by Leigh Barduso
In the world of Ketterdam, everything you want comes at a price. Read what happens when you mix in the promise of wealth, a crew of intelligent criminals, and the heist of a lifetime.
- Non-Fiction: You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me by Sherman Alexie
This memoir full of raw emotion and humour tells the true life story of Sherman Alexie’s tough childhood, written through a series of essays and poems.
- Thriller: Double Indemnity by James M. Cain
Are you craving drama this summer? Buckle up because this novel has it all: the deceit, the seduction, and the intrigue that promises to keep you on the edge of your seat.
- Food: Tiny Budget Cooking by Limahl Asmell
As students, it can be hard to make tasty meals while on a budget. Try this cookbook and learn how delicious food doesn’t have to sacrifice your savings!
- LGBTQ+: I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
Centered on fraternal twins, this novel alternates between the past and the present. It weaves together two very different characters and their experiences through life.
Each book you read is a new little adventure just waiting for you. Whether you choose to read all books or even just one, it’s no small feat. So sit back, soak up the sun, and read to your heart’s content.
Happy Reading Warriors!
