17 Books to Read This Summer, According to Well-Traveled Bibliophiles

Wow. Where do I begin? This book has all the makings of a great summer read: It’s an atmospheric sketch of modern-day Cairo; a nail-biting mystery about a woman exploring the circumstances of her brother’s mysterious death; and an emotionally charged thriller where the sense of dread never lets up. I couldn’t put it down, and the ending goes in a totally different direction than you think it will. —Todd Plummer, contributor

I actually read this one while I was on vacation in Jamaica. I’ve never felt so seen by a book before. It’s a collection of essays from different vantage points like first-generation Jamaican Americans, as well as people who were born and raised in Jamaica, and it makes you realize how many experiences feel so universal to the Jamaican culture. At the same time, the book explores very universal themes like infidelity and exploring one’s sexuality. It really made me think about my own connection to my heritage and things I learned from my parents and grandparents. —Chrissy Rutherford, writer and host of “I’m Fine, You?”

This one I’ve already read, but I keep the audiobook on my phone. I love putting on a chapter in between flights or before bed when the jet lag hits, for a reminder that creativity is omnipresent. Rubin uses the curiosity of children as an example of being fully present and open to receiving. Once we are open to receiving, we are open to the world. A summer journey is the perfect place to practice expanding your mind, bring this spirit home, and expand your entire life. —Mia Moretti, producer and DJ

This is a fascinating and relevant read by a journalist who dives deep into the science and human impacts of climate warming in the forests of the circumpolar north, from Russia to Scandinavia, Alaska, and Canada. —Jenna Hamm, owner/operator of Camp Denali

This book is a powerful story of a human on a journey to truth and honesty. It’s about using Indigenous wisdom to find new ways of looking at the world, so we can reconsider our spiritual and physical place in it. I loved this book and it has helped me to live better. —Arizona Muse, model, activist, and founder of Dirt

This book is powerful and still very relevant today. I love James Baldwin’s work and views because of his profound insights into race, identity, and social justice issues. Baldwin’s writings and speeches often challenged societal norms and promoted equality, making him a prominent figure in the civil rights movement. I find inspiration in his ideas and the impact he had on promoting justice and equality. —Aurora James, founder of Brother Vellies

Growing up, my mom would talk to me about making sure you view anything that seems barren or forgotten as an opportunity for growth and to always remember to bloom in unexpected places with reckless abandon. I hope people can see parts of themselves in my new book, and understand that they are exactly where they need to be in order to make a change in the world. —A.J.

I am looking forward to reading The Covenant of Water. I loved Abraham Vergese’s last book, Cutting for Stone, which is now more than 14 years old and told a sweeping family saga set across America and Africa. And as a scientist, I love the inclusion of medicine in his stories. –Dr. Tara Stoinski, CEO and chief scientific officer of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund

Darrell Hartman’s new book expertly chronicles Arctic exploration and the rise of the newspaper age. There’s adventure, bravery, deceit and controversy, all eagerly covered by the increasingly popular newspapers of New York City. It’s downright exciting and an absolute joy to read. —David Coggins, author of “The Optimist” and The Contender newsletter

Mental health is a topic that I cannot cease reading about these days, and I love Hadley’s books. She is such a raw yet lively writer. Her latest book narrates her experience as a troubled teenager going through anorexia. I know Hadley personally, and seeing her today as a thriving, brilliant, inquisitive woman makes it difficult to imagine that she went through such hardship in her younger life. The transition intrigues me. —Sofia Sanchez de Betak, founder of Chufy

Just by Looking at Him is a hilarious, heartfelt, and honest account of gay life, self-exploration, and living life with a disability. This book had me laughing until I cried, crying until I laughed, and turning pages faster than ever before. It just makes you so happy. —Taylor Phillips, content creator and founder of Good Park

I love that it’s about a female chemist in 1960s California who ends up on a cooking show. Cooking and chemistry are two of my favorite things! —Jenefer Palmer, founder of Osea

Dance is an important part of my past, and of my artistic practice. With this book, I’ve been digging deeper into my inner ballet nerd, and thinking about the life and legacy of George Balanchine and the New York City Ballet. —Brendan Fernandes, artist