Essential Summer Reads: Novels and Nonfiction to Dive Into

Summer reading season is upon us, bringing a selection of novels, memoirs, biographies, histories, and mysteries perfect for enjoying poolside or tucked away with a cool breeze. These books offer an escape whether you’re soaking up the sun or relaxing indoors with air conditioning. Ideal companions include refreshing treats like Popsicles, peaches, soft-serve ice cream, lemonade, or even a cold beer.

For many book enthusiasts, summer reading is an eagerly anticipated event akin to a major sporting or entertainment occasion. It inspires us to celebrate the pleasures of turning pages in a variety of settings — from a hammock or campfire to a thunderstorm or the beach. Personal favorites like Adirondack chairs, cat-eye sunglasses, and the soundtrack of seagulls often accompany these moments.

When Memorial Day weekend arrives, the relaxed atmosphere signals a break from daily routines. The languid feeling of sandy beaches, chlorinated pools, and blueberry-scented air invites us to unwind, as books quietly beckon and fans hum in the background.

This summer, a wide array of 31 new novels and 21 nonfiction titles have been recommended to keep readers engaged. Here are some highlights generating excitement:

Fiction: Romance and Suspense

On the fiction front, Taylor Jenkins Reid’s "Atmosphere" is poised to gain popularity with its secret love story set against the backdrop of a 1980s space mission.

Amy Bloom’s novel "I’ll Be Right Here" carries a comforting tone, tracing a group of friends through decades beginning in postwar Paris. Among the characters is a masseuse to the renowned writer Colette, adding depth to the narrative.

Clémence Michallon’s thriller "Our Last Resort," following two cult escapees at a luxury hotel in the Utah desert, promises intrigue. Her previous work, "The Quiet Tenant," was noted for its suspenseful atmosphere, and this latest novel explores what dangers can arise in even the most seemingly serene settings.

Nonfiction: Family, Survival, and Music

"How to Lose Your Mother" by Molly Jong-Fast offers a candid and often humorous look at caring for an aging, famous parent, drawing from her relationship with her mother, the acclaimed author Erica Jong.

Sophie Elmhirst’s "A Marriage at Sea" recounts the harrowing true story of a married couple stranded on a tiny rubber raft in the ocean for 117 days during the 1970s. Meanwhile, Peter Ames Carlin’s "Tonight in Jungleland" delves into the creation of Bruce Springsteen’s iconic album "Born to Run."

Mark Kriegel’s biography "Baddest Man" charts Mike Tyson’s complex and turbulent journey from Brooklyn to Atlantic City and beyond, making for a compelling read alongside a beachside workout or stroll.