Tom Foster
If you’re looking for 25 great books to read during the summer, you might want to look at this list of popular titles. Sometimes, it’s great to sack out with a story that can help you waste a few hours.
The Achilles Trap: Saddam Hussein, the C.I.A., and the Origins of America’s Invasion of Iraq-Steve Coll
This is one of the great books to select for those who seek clarity about America’s relationship with Iraq. The ideas explored within can give a new look at the delusions of the former Iraqi dictator, among other things.
The Cemetery of Untold Stories-Julia Alvarez
This book reminds people that there is a vast number of untold stories in the world that have yet to be given voice. Alvarez creates a considerable interest in hearing those voices who were not raised up initially.
Challenger: A True Story of Heroism and Disaster on the Edge of Space-Adam Higginbotham
One might think that great books have been written and everything from the past has been fully explored. But a new look at the Challenger disaster of 1986 is worth reading to understand what happened.
City in Ruins-Don Winslow
The story of Danny Ryan appears set to conclude in Sin City, where his past continues to create issues that he has to solve. Readers of Winslow’s City trilogy will undoubtedly find this a compelling read set to bring the story to a fantastic end.
Come and Get It-Kiley Reid
This intimate story details the lives of several young women at the University of Arkansas. While there is some sexual content, it focuses more on the inequality of economic positions using a blend of sympathy and satire.
Glad to the Brink of Fear: A Portrait of Ralph Waldo Emerson-James Marcus
There’s been a ton written about Emerson, but it does beg the question if there’s anything else to say. Marcus’s understanding of the subject is excellent since it opens the eyes of the reader to facts they might not have realized.
Great Expectations-Vinson Cunningham
Using personal experiences, Cunningham comments on the first Obama presidential campaign to divine his place in this country. This coming-of-age story seeks meaning and the feeling of belonging that many people will undoubtedly identify with.
Grief Is for People-Sloane Crosley
One might think it a little morbid to use humor in discussing suicide, but it is a way of coping that many people understand and agree with. There are no lessons and no morals in this book. It’s just a messy and chaotic tale meant to convey what life is like.
The Hunter-Tana French
It’s tense, moody, and slow-burning toward the unfolding of the plot. When retired Chicago detective Cal Hooper is drawn into a long con, things start to happen that will keep the reader turning page after page.
The Husbands-Holly Gramazio
Following the life of a 31-year-old protagonist, Gramazio’s tale constantly asks the question, ‘What if?’ The possibilities given to this character will draw the reader into the same query as they continue to read about the opportunities and pitfalls the character experiences.
I Heard Her Call My Name-Lucy Sante
Sante delves into the effort to lead two different lives by mentioning her gender transition and the rest of her life. Readers will undoubtedly find the details of her life enticing and worth reading.
James-Percival Everett
As a clever response to the Huck Finn story, Everett uses humor and terror equally to tell an exhilarating tale. Readers will likely find it intriguing, and it will upset old norms that were accepted back in the day.
Listen for the Lie-Amy Tintera
When a podcaster unearths an old cold case, Lucy has to face the act and the question of whether she killed her friend years before. Creating a stunning link between podcasts and true crime, this book is a fun story that will draw many lovers of crime stories.
Long Island-Colm Toibin
As the sequel to Brooklyn, released in 2009, this book continues to follow Eilis Lacey after she leaves her home in Ireland for New York. The story continues to examine the losses and development of the main character as secrets are revealed and her life is upended yet again.
The Mango Tree: A Memoir of Fruit, Florida, and Felony-Annabelle Tometich
Who could have known that using a pellet gun to shoot out the window of a mango thief would be such a big story? This book details the difficulties that many immigrants and multiracial families are forced to deal with in the US.
The Ministry of Time-Kaliane Bradley
Using historical facts and fantasy that presents a sense of moral progress, this story tries to answer the question of what would happen if two people from very different times met. It’s an odd question, obviously, but it makes for a compelling story.
Ours-Phillip B. Williams
The titular town is made of magic and meant to house formerly enslaved people who must find their way in the world. This story asks many important questions about freedom, safety, and what it takes to enjoy both.
Radiant: The Life and Line of Keith Haring-Brad Gooch
The life of Keith Haring is one of interest and joy as Gooch takes a closer look at the Radiant Baby drawings that helped Keith become famous. Getting past the myth, the reader is shown the truth of this man and what he did.
Reboot-Justin Taylor
Using the always-fun trope of conspiracy thinking, Taylor uses a sense of humor that is very Delillo-like to entertain the readers. The idea of living in a media-dominated reality will be able to keep the reader guessing and turning the pages.
The Spoiled Heart-Sunjeev Sahota
You might not think that a labor election would be this interesting, but Sahota uses identity politics and critical theory to tell a compelling story.
There’s Always This Year: On Basketball and Ascension-Hanif Abdurraqib
With a narrative that’s structured like a basketball game, this book is bound to entertain plenty of readers. Focusing on LeBron James and his split from the Cavaliers, it’s a story that shows the how, when, and why.
This Strange Eventful History-Claire Messud
Readers will find the story of a family who, over three generations, rode the geopolitical waves that extended from WWII. The depth of this story is what will keep people reading.
An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s-Doris Kearns Goodwin
As an acclaimed historian, Goodwin details her time spent with the Kennedys and Lyndon Johnson. Of all the stories about the 1960s, this is one that’s up close and personal.
Wandering Stars-Tommy Orange
A story of cultural annihilation paints the picture of Orange’s second novel. The story of a young Cheyenne boy is a particularly notable part of this story.
We Loved It All: A Memory of Life-Lydia Millet
This tale is shaped by an exploration of individual memories, ancestral identities, and the future of humanity. As his first entry into nonfiction, this is Miller’s chance to show a new level of skill.
Whiskey Tender-Deborah Jackson Taffa
As part of a mixed-race, mixed-tribe family, Taffa explains her life and the twists and turns that define it. While it sounds entirely mixed, this is a decidedly American story that many people will enjoy.
The Women-Kristin Hannah
Volunteering as an Army nurse in Vietnam turns out to be Frankie McGrath’s life. As a rich and developed character, Hannah introduces this character in a way that will keep readers flipping the pages.
Worry-Alexandra Tanner
With a biting sense of humanity and in a world set pre-pandemic, Worry is the type of novel that is easy for people to relate to. Of course, agreeing that social isolation was in full sway before the pandemic is a debatable topic that people will be interested in.