You’re reading that book you can’t put down while sipping on a glass of iced tea. Is there a better way to spend a gorgeous afternoon in July? I’ve always loved reading during the summertime. Now that I’m working, it’s harder to sit back and enjoy a good book. However, I still try my best to read at least two or three books before September. This year, I decided it was time to make my own reading list!
Maybe it’s because I’m a Pisces, (LOL!) but I enjoy dreamy books. A dreamy read can feature a whimsical setting, unique characters, or even a mysterious plot.
Dreamy books make you cry. They also make you laugh. Ultimately, they make you feel. You’re only sitting in your room, but a captivating book has the power to whisk you away into another world.
Here are 14 dreamy books for your summer 2019 reading list. Many of them are newer books, but I also included a few of my all-time favorite reads!
14 Dreamy Books for Your Summer Reading List
1. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
Check it out here!
Genre: Romance, Psychological Fiction
Eleanor Oliphant is a quirky 29 year-old accounts clerk who doesn’t exactly love social interactions. She spends the weekends in her apartment, eating frozen pizza and chatting with Mummy. Despite working in the same department for years, none of her coworkers seem to understand her. She puts up walls and keeps to herself, because things are fine that way.
Everything changes when she meets the new goofy IT guy in her office, Raymond. She slowly begins to realize that she must confront her past in order to truly move forward.
Out of all the books, this one struck my interest the most. I ordered the novel on Amazon last night after reading a few reviews. Eleanor sounds like such a relatable protagonist. Also, I’m a sucker for modern day love stories.
Would definitely recommend if you enjoy more contemporary reads!
2. 2Fish: (a poetry book) by Jhené Aiko Efuru Chilombo
Check it out here!
Genre: Poetry
Singer-songwriter, Jhené Aiko penned this stunning collection of poetry in 2017. In 2Fish, Chilombo’s intimately reflects on her journey through adolescence and adulthood. The amazing part of Jhené’s book is that she includes a collection of notebooks she kept since she was 12 years-old!
Even the design of her book cover gives me dreamy vibes. On top of that, I love the idea of looking back at your old diary entries!
3. Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
by Jerry Spinelli
Check it out here!
Genre: YA Fiction
As soon as Stargirl arrives at Mica High, all eyes are on her. She wears funky clothes, cheers for everyone, and plays her ukulele during lunch. Stargirl, who has been homeschooled all her life, brings color to her dreary small town school. She also steals Leo Borlock’s heart.
This book will make you cry. I’ve read Stargirl more than once and it is beautifully written. Even though the novel is meant for younger readers, I think everyone should read it at least once!
4. The Rest of the Story by Sarah Dessen
Check it out here!
Genre: YA, Romance
Dessen’s latest novel is about Emma Saylor. Her mother passed away when she was only 12 years-old. Emma has fond memories of her mom and remembers the stories she used to tell her as a kid. When it comes to daily life, things are pretty ordinary. She lives with her dad but is unexpectedly sent to spend the summer with her mom’s family. This is a coming of age story as Emma tries to figure herself out.
She also reunites with Roo, her old childhood friend. As he helps her dig into the past, she begins to fall in love with him and the wonder of North Lake.
I couldn’t create a reading list without including Sarah Dessen! This nostalgic novel would be the perfect beachside read! My #1 book from Dessen will always be This Lullaby, but I’m excited to read her brand new book! It literally came out last month, y’all!
5. The Ghost Road by Charis Cotter
Check it out here!
Genre: Ghost Story, Paranormal Fiction
Every year, Ruth spends the summer traveling with her dad. This summer though, he’s honeymooning with his new wife and Ruth isn’t too happy. For the first time, he sends Ruth to stay with her Aunt Doll and cousin Ruby. The thing is, she’s never even met her mom’s side of the family before.
Ruth is apprehensive about the trip, especially since the small town of Buckle is worlds apart from Toronto. There are also murmurs about family curses, The Sight, and ghosts.
Together, Ruth and Ruby begin to unravel their family’s dark past.
I read this book back in November and couldn’t put it down! It’s such an easy read and ghost stories are always so interesting. I especially loved the whimsical setting of this book. Cotter’s prose is stunning and she has a way of teleporting you into her world!
6. With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo
Check it out here!
Genre: YA Fiction
Acevedo’s novel is about a high school senior named Emoni Santiago. Ever since she got pregnant, she’s been caring for her daughter and abuela. She has a passion (and incredible talent) for cooking. Her biggest dream is to become a chef, but she is used to making tough decisions.
Emoni knows she doesn’t have the time or money to pursue her passion. However, as she continues cooking, Emoni has no choice but to let her talent shine!
Another book I’m adding to my personal summer reading list! I bought the book at Barnes and Noble last week and can’t wait to start it!
7. Meet Cute by Helena Hunting
Check it out here!
Genre: Fiction, Romance
Kailyn Flowers literally has a “meet cute” with her childhood celeb crush, Daxton Hughes. I know, every Wattpad story ever. Her inner fan girl is unleashed, but Daxton doesn’t flinch. In fact, sparks fly instead. That is until Daxton betrays Kailyn. They later reconnect due to an unexpected reason, but can Kailyn really trust him again?
8. Rules for Visiting by Jessica Francis Kane
8.
Check it out here!
Genre: Literary Fiction
40 year-old May Attaway loves spending time in her garden. In fact, she prefers it over spending time with people. One day, her job unexpectedly grants her some leave. She eventually goes on her own Odyssey inspired journey and reconnects with friends from her past. Kane’s captivating novel delves into what friendship looks like in our digital age.
I found this book on GoodReads and the concept is intriguing! As a writing grad, I’m also pretty stoked that Kane’s novel is in the literary fiction genre lol!
9. Bloom by Kevin Panetta
Check it out here!
Genre: Comics, YA Fiction, Graphic Novel
High school is officially over. All Ari dreams about is moving to the city with his band. His dad, on the other hand, wants him to continue working for the family bakery. As he’s interviewing candidates for his position, Ari meets Hector. Unlike Ari, Hector adores baking. Love begins to blossom as the two get to know each other.
10. Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
Check it out here!
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Novel
New Yorker Rachel Chu is about to get married. Her fiancé (Nicholas Young) invites her on a summer trip to see his family in Singapore. She envisions a lovely vacation, simply hanging out with his family in their humble home.
The thing is, Nick didn’t mention a few details about his past. His childhood home is basically a palace. Also, he is currently the country’s most eligible bachelor. Let’s just say things get a little bit complicated.
11. A Corner of the Universe by Ann M. Martin
Check it out here!
Genre: Fiction
Martin’s novel is about a young girl named Hattie. She lives in a small town where every day seems the same. However, this summer is different. Her uncle Adam comes back home after 10 years. Unfortunately, Hattie has never met Uncle Adam because the family kept him a secret. She later finds out that her uncle is autistic and schizophrenic.
Hattie’s parents and grandparents don’t seem to understand Adam. On the other hand, she quickly bonds with her uncle because they just get each other. Uncle Adam helps Hattie understand that her uniqueness is a strength, not a weakness.
I read this book when I was in junior high and it still leaves an impression on me. This is a book that personally changed my life. When I first read the novel, I remember seeing myself in Hattie. I also found the love that she had for her Uncle Adam equally as touching.
Before reading, keep in mind that his book covers extremely heavy topics. With that being said, it’s probably one of my favorite books of all time. It speaks to the importance of openly talking about mental health, especially within a family unit.
12. The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
Check it out here!
Genre: YA Fiction, Romance
The Sun is Also a Star is about teens Daniel Bae and Natasha Kingsley. They meet in bustling New York City. On what appears to be her last day in the U.S., Natasha fights against her family’s deportation. On the other hand, college-bound Daniel Bae is on his way to an admission interview.
The two meet and meet again as the day progresses. Finding each other feels like destiny, but the thought of each passing hour looms over them.
13. The Beautiful Chaos of Growing Up by Ari Satok
Check it out here!
Genre: Poetry
The Beautiful Chaos of Growing Up is a crash course into “adulting.” We’re talking everyday college life and those crazy post grad years. Apparently Satok poetry collection covers job interviews, first dates, first apartments, and everything in between.
14. Lock Every Door by Riley Sager
Check it out here!
Genre: Thriller, Suspence, Fiction
Jules Larson just accepted a new job as an apartment sitter. This isn’t just any complex, though. It’s the Bartholomew, a high profile building in Manhattan. Her job comes with some strange rules like no visitors or nights aways. Jules is okay with them though, because she’s broke and eager to say goodbye to her past.
She befriends a girl named Ingrid, who warns her about the eerie apartment. The next day, Ingrid disappears. Now, Jules is determined to unlock Bartholomew’s many terrifying secrets.
Have you ever kept a summer reading list? What books are on your 2019 reading list? Also, what are some of your favorite books of this year and all time? Were you interested in any of the books from this list?
Thanks a lot for this list! I actually haven’t read any of these books 🙈 but I’m adding them to my list! They all sound great!
Aww, yay!! 💓Any of these books would be such fun summer reads. I just finished reading Lock Every Door today and I couldn’t put it down!! I hope you enjoy the reading list, Juliette!! x
Thank you for this list, Nunzia!! I added A Corner of the Universe to my TBR. Sounds so good.
Aww, I’m so glad!! I think you’re really gonna like the book, Hunida! It’s a very heartfelt read! x
Ooh, this is a fantastic list of summer reading inspiration! I’m trying to find some new books to check out so this post is perfect timing, thank you for the recommendations Nunzia! I especially like the sound of Stargirl and The Sun Is Also A Star. These sound great, thanks again and hope you have a lovely week! <3 xx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
Aww, you’re so kind Bexa!! Thank you!! I’m glad you enjoyed the list! 💓Both Stargirl and The Sun is a Also a Star are wonderful reads! I love that The Sun is Also a Star was made into a movie too!
Hope you’re having a great Friday, hon!! Happy reading!! x
I really need to read Sarah Dessen’s latest book! She was one of my favourite authors as a teenage and I always like to revisit my favourites during the summer. Stargirl sounds really interesting too, I’ve added that to my list. Thanks for sharing! 😊
Summer is such a good time to reread those nostalgic books! 💛I remember reading one of your blog posts where you talked about Sarah Dessen!! She’s always been one of my favorite authors too. All of her books are fun to read. I have a soft spot for This Lullaby though hehe! 💓Glad she’s writing new books!!
Stargirl is a fantastic read, girl! I definitely recommend it!
Hope you’re having a nice Friday by the way! x
My favourite book is The Fault In Our Stars! 😍 I love this list too. I would read the first one and also A corner of the universe. It’s important books that speak about mental health as it helps me so much to understand my own thoughts. I recently bought a lot of books which I’m planning to read such as Everything, Everything and Call me by your name.
I’ve never read The Fault in Our Stars, but I will definitely put it on my reading list! 💗
Aw, I’m glad you like the list. A Corner of the Universe is such an amazing book. It’s one of the books that made an impact on me (even after many years went by). Definitely agree — books that talk about mental health are so important and beneficial for readers. Even as a kid, I always struggled with anxious thoughts and I remember really relating to Hattie. I’m thankful that there are books like A Corner of the Universe out there.
That’s so awesome. I hope you enjoy your books, hon! Happy reading! x
The Sun is Also a Star is just great! I haven’t heard of 2Fish before, but I added it to my wishlist. It sounds so good!!
whoops sorry, accidentally send that in anonymously x
The Sun is Also a Star really is such an amazing story! I also still have to watch the movie, it looks really good!! And I’m obsessed with poetry collections! I love that Jhené included her old notebooks from childhood!! I think that’s super cool! x