Happy Monday, friends! I hope you’ve carved out some time this season for a well-deserved vacation—or maybe even a staycation if traveling isn’t in the cards. Personally, I’ve wrapped up my travel plans for now, and to be honest, I’m perfectly content to retreat from the relentless summer heat with a tall glass of iced tea and a stack of books.
For weeks I’ve been promising to share a curated summer reading list, and I’m finally delivering. After writing this blog for over a decade and chatting with so many of you about the kinds of stories that stick, I think I’ve developed a good sense of the books you’ll want to pack in your tote bag or leave by your pool chair.
This list leans heavily toward dark comedies and female-driven narratives, the kind of stories that make you laugh unexpectedly, tug at your heartstrings, or leave you mulling over a character long after you’ve turned the last page. Some are quirky, others poignant, and a few manage to be both at once.
Why Dark Comedy for Summer?
There’s something about summer that invites a little levity, but I find myself reaching for books that go beyond easy laughs. Dark comedies bring out that perfect mix—they’re clever and biting, often humorous in the most unexpected places, and they tend to feature women with sharp edges or complicated lives. It’s the kind of storytelling that entertains while also giving you something to chew on.
And isn’t that the best kind of poolside read? Light enough to enjoy in the sunshine, but layered enough that you’ll want to talk about it with a friend afterward.
The List
I won’t spoil the surprises waiting inside these books, but here’s the essence of what makes them stand out:
- The Witty Escape – A sharp, satirical novel about a woman whose life unravels in the most absurd ways, making you laugh even as you cringe. Perfect if you like your humor a little biting.
- The Quiet Heartbreaker – A story that sneaks up on you. At first glance it seems playful, but by the end, you’ll feel like someone pulled the rug out from under your emotions.
- The Weird and Wonderful – This one leans into the offbeat with characters who are eccentric but oddly relatable. It’s the kind of book that makes you tilt your head and smile, because even in its strangeness, it feels deeply human.
- The Friendship Tale – Sometimes the best stories are about the people who stand beside us. This book captures the beauty and the mess of female friendship with such honesty, it will make you want to call your best friend immediately.
- The Laugh-Out-Loud Pick – Because sometimes you just need a book that’s genuinely funny. This one had me giggling out loud more times than I could count, which makes it a must for any beach bag.
Creating Space for Reading
One thing I’ve noticed is that reading in the summer feels different from other seasons. Maybe it’s the long evenings when the light lingers, or the slower rhythm of days that invite you to pause. Whatever it is, summer has always been the perfect time to sink into stories.
That’s why I like to set the stage a little when I’m reading this time of year. I’ll stack a few books on the coffee table so I can pick one up whenever the mood strikes. I’ll bring one along to the pool, not worrying if it gets a splash of water on the pages. I’ll even leave a book by my bed, so that instead of scrolling through my phone before sleep, I end the day with a few chapters.
If you’re on a staycation, creating these little rituals can make the days feel more like an escape. A cozy chair, a cool drink, and a book you can’t put down—it doesn’t get much better than that.
Let’s Share Stories
I’ve said this before, but one of my favorite parts of writing here is the book conversations that spring up in the comments or DMs. Some of my all-time favorite reads came from your recommendations, and I love hearing which stories resonate with you.
So if you pick up something from this list—or if you’ve already stumbled upon the perfect summer read—please let me know. There’s nothing more satisfying than discovering a new favorite through a friend’s suggestion.
Final Thoughts
This summer reading list isn’t about chasing the most popular titles or the buzziest book club picks. It’s about curating stories that feel alive, books that keep you company on long afternoons and make you laugh, cry, or think a little differently about the world.
I loved every single one of these books for different reasons, and I have a hunch you’ll find at least one that speaks to you. Here’s to a season of good stories, stolen reading moments, and the quiet joy of turning pages while the rest of the world hums along.
Happy reading, friends.
