Something about a holiday weekend makes me want to squeeze in a whole book in a few days – and Memorial Day is extra special and fun as we kick off summer! Summer reading is my favorite for some reason. Maybe it evokes feelings of “school’s out for summer” or something?
I compiled a list of some books that will get you ready to ring in sweet summertime – quick reads (under 300 pages) in a variety of genres. Something for everyone!
Please note that the following links are affiliate links that provide me a small commission at no cost to you. I would really appreciate if you would shop with them!
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
Genre: Science fiction
Page count: 193
Now adapted to screen, this book is beloved by many and has over 1.5 MILLION ratings on Goodreads! Described on The StoryGraph as lighthearted, funny, and adventurous, this one should have the pages turning quickly – and there’s even a sequel that is equally short! Click the following links to purchase on Amazon or Bookshop.org.
Cool for the Summer by Dahlia Adler
Genre: Young adult contemporary, LGBTQ romance
Page count: 272
Is the Demi Lovato song stuck in your head now, too? Okay, good, not just me. The StoryGraph says that this one is lighthearted and fast-paced, too! Nothing like reading a fun love story by the pool, and hopefully this one hits the mark! Click the following links to purchase via Amazon or Bookshop.org.
How the One-Armed Sister Sweeps Her House by Cherie Jones
Genre: Historical fiction
Page count: 288
This debut has such high praises that it was chosen for Read With Jenna’s book club! This one will take you to Barbados, and also comes with a whole slew of content warnings – be sure to check The StoryGraph for that. You can purchase on both Amazon or Bookshop.org.
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
Genre: Adult contemporary fiction
Page count: 280
I will never stop recommending this book. I wanted to hug it, I wanted to cry, I wanted to read it over again as soon as I finished it. It can be purchased on both Amazon and Bookshop.org.
The Collected Schizophrenias by Esmé Weijun Wang
Genre: Essays, non fiction
Page count: 208
With essays told in a conversational format, Wang describes her life before, during, and after her diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder. Eye opening, thought provoking, and informative, this book had me glued from start to finish. You can purchase via Amazon or Bookshop.org.
Fantasticland by Mike Bockoven
Genre: Fiction, horror
Page count: 272
DON’T SKIM PAST THIS ONE JUST BECAUSE IT IS CLASSIFIED AS HORROR! I mean, maybe it IS a little scary, but it’s so fascinating. A fictional tale about a bunch of teens trapped in a theme park after a hurricane, this tense, fast paced story had me sneaking in reading time as much as I could in the 30 hours it took me to listen to it. I highly recommend the audio if you can get your hands on it, (currently available on Amazon but backordered on Bookshop.org), but this one will have you engrossed poolside all weekend long. Print copy available to purchase via Amazon or Bookshop.org.
Island Affair by Priscilla Oliveras
Genre: Romance
Page count: 283
If you are looking for a fun fake relationship romance, this is the one! Be transported to Key West and watch Sara and Luis fall in love while pretending to not be in love. This is a relatively low steam/closed room romance, so keep that in mind! It can be purchased via Amazon or Bookshop.org.
That’s a wrap on this list, folks! I tried to pick a variety of genres so there’s a little something for everyone. Let me know what you will be reading in the comments!
Jenna, Stop Reading! 