Hottest Summer Reads 2020

Those of you who know me know that I’m a pretty avid reader, in fact, the blessing in disguise during quarantine for me was that I finally had the time to get through most of my reading list. As summer creeps up around the corner, every casual reader knows it’s the peak season for all kinds of books – hair-raising thrillers, exposing tell-alls, enlightening coming-of-age stories and so much more. 

Even if we’re all chilling at home this summer, some by the pool (lucky you!) and some in the living room (me), there’s nothing like a good book to make any day feel like a relaxing escape. So where do you start? Here are 9 summer MUST-READS I highly recommend, there’s something here for everyone: 

1. Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn

Calling all my thriller lovers! This book delves into the story of a young woman who lives alone in NYC who spends her day drinking wine, watching tv and spying on her neighbors.  One night she sees something crazy happen to her neighbors and her world starts to crumble. What is real? What is not real? Who died? Who is in danger? Fun fact, the movie was supposed to be released back in May, so definitely read up before it re-releases so you can compare and contrast the book and movie.

2. Born a Crime by Trever Noah

I’m usually not a fan of nonfiction books but this one really nailed an amazing coming-of-age story with a comedic tone, thanks to Trevor Noah. This books takes a look at his life back in 1984 apartheid-era South Africa and takes you on a journey of race and identity. A pretty timely book to read during the Black Lives Matter movement (paired with Trever Noah’s Instagram video chats). I was truly amazed with how Trever Noah got to where he is today given all the obstacles he went through in his life, some which are prevalent even today.

3. Dark Matter by Blake Crouch

I love me a little sci-fi read every now and then, and I absolutely could not put this book down. Imagine getting kidnapped one day only for someone to ask you a question, “are you happy with your life?” Now you’re on this wild goose chase to get back to the people you love but you have no idea where you are or where they are. What is reality? What is a facade? This book made me so anxious, my heart was racing.

4. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

Meet Eleanor Olpihant, she struggles with social skills, avoids human contact, sticks to a routine and keeps to herself. Why? She has a very damaging past. That all changes when she meets Raymond, an IT guy at her office. From a broken soul to a woman on a mission to life life, Eleanor’s is an inspiring story of friendship, self-growth and independence.This book serves as a reminder that a little bit of kindness can go a long way, a friendship can truly be life-saving. Also, Reese Witherspoon just grabbed the movie rights, I can’t wait to see this play out on the big screen. Who would make a good Eleanor? I pick Emily Blunt!

5. An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks

Another one for my thriller-lovers. This book follows the story of a a young girl who signs up for a psychology study. Easy, answer a few questions, collect your money and then leave. But the questions from the psychiatrist grow more and more personal and invasive which eventually turns into telling the subject what to wear, how to act, and what to do. What is on Dr. Shields agenda? What is this manipulative experiment? Obsessions can be deadly.

6. City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert

This book is the definition of a fun summer read – something hot and steamy. This work of historical fiction spans several decades and follows the life of Vivian Morris in the 1940s. Immersed into the theater world, Vivian’s youthful exploits include beautiful showgirls, sexual hunger, loss of virginity, and nightly sexcapades all while figuring out her life before, during and after WW2.

7. The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks

If you can’t tell, I’m obsessed with Greer Hendricks. When you read this book, you will make a lot of assumptions. You’ll assume you’re reading about a jealous ex-wife, you’ll assume that that she is obsessed with her replacement, you will assume there’s a love triangle. Assume nothing. Lies, deceit and dangerous truths….just a few things we ignore in the name of love.

8. The Wives by Tarryn Fisher

Imagine dating someone who has two other wives. You get him on Thursday, the others have their days. It’s an unusual arrangement, but you’re crazy about him. One day, you find out the man you love, the one sharing wives, isn’t who he says he is. What do you believe? Who do you believe? One of the most twisted, shocking thrillers you’ll ever read. 

9. Educated by Tara Westover

I’m currently reading this memoir and I am obsessed – I always try to switch off between one thriller book and one book from a different genre to expand my horizons, so this was my pick this time around. This book is an account of the struggle for self-invention filled with family loyalty and grief that comes with severing the closest of ties. It follows the coming-of-age story of a young girl and her views on education and what it has to offer. Her quest for knowledge.

Have a hot summer read that you’re itching to recommend? Send me a DM or comment on this post so I can continuously update this list. Happy reading!