Summertime Reads You Did Not Know That You Needed
Most people think of "summertime reads" as something beach-y or vacation related. Not us. For the booksellers at Rediscovered Books, our summertime reads run the gamut from Romance to Horror to Cozy Books. What do they all have in common? They are great to read at the park, in your hammock, with a glass of wine or a thermos of lemonade. They will touch all the feels and bring you sheer and utter joy!
So Happy Summer and Happy Reading!
~Book Love from the Booksellers at Rediscovered Books. Read on!
I Hope This Finds You Well by Kate Baer
I Hope This Finds You Well is a book of poetry birthed in the darkness of the internet that offers light and hope. By cleverly building on the harsh negativity and hate women often receive--and combining it with heartwarming messages of support, gratitude, and connection, Kate Baer offers us a lesson in empowerment, showing how we too can turn bitterness into beauty. Chloe loves this book!
Wretched Waterpark by Kiersten White
Reminiscent of some of the best series from my childhood, I felt right at home in this strange and sinister family. While the Wretched Waterpark may seem weird to some, I would love to float an attraction called "the River Styx." Although the lack of churros may be a deal breaker, the mystery makes it impossible to leave. So many questions are yet to be revealed. I can't wait for the next one. - Jacey
The Wolf and the Woodsman by Ava Reid
From the very first sentence this book pulled me in and held me there with startlingly volatile, complex, and impressive writing right until the very last word. What if all the gods from different belief systems were real? What if mere mortals were allowed to wield their power? In a gruesome world where Évike is the only wolf-girl in the village not granted powers by their gods, she is given up as sacrifice to the terrifying Woodsman, powerful men, magical under their own god, who have come to take a seer from the pagan’s village for their King. Her journey will set you racing through the pages beside her, surviving, grieving, yearning, and, most of all, believing. - Kalli
The Attack of the Black Rectangles by Amy Sarig King
Taking a book off the shelves is one thing, but what about marking out parts of the book on the inside? There are a lot of strange rules in Mac's town, and for the most part, everyone goes with it. But when his copy of a book from school has black rectangles blocking out some words, he becomes curious. All of his friends' copies have the same words blocked out. Why would someone do this? With censorship laws popping up all over the nation, this book is more prevalent than ever. Not only does it help to show that children are strong, smart, and can handle more than we might think, but it also shows that when we band together as a community, that's when we can make change happen. I want to share this book with all my friends! - Kalli
Imaginary Friend by Stephen Chbosky
A young boy is haunted by a voice in his head in this acclaimed, bestselling epic of literary horror from the author of The Perks of Being a Wallflower. One of the scariest books we have ever read!
Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune
Another delightfully warm and earnest book from Klune. It starts with a death, a reaper, and an overly friendly chap who helps people “move on”. The characters are finely drawn, and easily believed. And for a story about death and moving on, this is actually a book about making a life and living well. And to be honest, I much preferred this story to Klune’s previous: “The House in the Cerulean Sea”- the situation and characters just landed better for me. - Kevin
One does not often read of the apocalypse written in verse, but this is done brilliantly with this book. Stark imagery, person thought, and the journey of 12 year old Maddie left alone after her city is evacuated. How she survives, the growing up that she has to do, and the unlikely friendship with a Rottweiler named George. - Rebecca C
One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
I was blown away by this engaging and unique romance. It starts like most romances do, with August, 23, newly arriving in New York and a wonderful meet-cute on the Q train. If the connection between guarded August and carefree and amazingly attractive Jane wasn't enough for you, McQuiston throws in a supernatural twist when August figures out that Jane is actually from the 1970s and is now stuck in a time bubble tied to the Q. August is determined to find out a way to save her and get her back to her own time. But as she gets closer and closer to her goal, her feelings for Jane grow to a breaking point. This romance will definitely be one I'll be talking about for a long time. - Kalli
A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers
To put into words how this book makes me feel would take all the words this novella so eloquently strung together and more. Each page is so full of love. When you are losing faith in yourself or humanity all you really need to do is pick up a Becky Chamber's book. They have a way of inspiring joy and hope unlike any other book I've read in a while. - Jacey
Better Than The Movies by Lynn Painter
Better Than the Movies combined the very best of rom-com tropes with hilarious characters and writing. Liz has always been a true believer in The One and big romantic gestures. Her next door neighbor, Wes, is less than enthusiastic about these ideals. So when the guy of Liz's dreams moves back and becomes friends with Wes, the two of them must pair up to make her romantic movie magic happen. Another fantastic "sunshine / grump" trope that will leave you wanting more! -- Amy and Jacey
For fans of a good dystopian western such as "Outlawed", "Lone Women" fills the bill. Full of a historically accurate and virtually unheard of law that allowed women to homestead in their own right in Montana, "Lone Women" has a supernatural element seamlessly woven in. What is in that steamer trunk and why is Adelaide so worried about it? Wonderful character development and depiction, an intricately woven story that reflects "otherness" on many levels, and a plot twist that takes one by surprise. - Rebecca G, Rebecca C, and Stephanie
The Puzzle Master by Danielle Trussoni
The Puzzle Master has A LOT going on and I mean this in a good way. Intrigue and espionage with a supernatural twist. WOW! Fast paced, well thought out, and a roller coaster ride of a read. Buckle up and pay attention! You are going to need ALL of your wits about you for this book. -- Rebecca G
The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer
"The Wishing Game" is wholly reminiscent of those books that you read as a kid, but this book is a bit meta in that it is a book about the power of children's books, the people who create them, and the people who read them. It is kind and warm hearted with a heroine, Lucy Hart, that you just can't help but root for. We all need a little more "Clock Island" in our lives. - Rebecca G