Summer is the perfect time to slow down, unwind and get lost in a great book. With every kind of reader in mind, we've gathered a selection of book lists recommended by popular media outlets to help you find the perfect book. Whether you're packing for vacation, planning a staycation or simply looking to spend more time reading find your next great read and come back to search our catalog for availability.
Lists That Cover Many Genres
For summer and beyond, Goodreads has the list for you - Readers’ Most Anticipated Books of Summer … and the Rest of the Year! Books are chosen by early reviews and what users add to their “Want to Read” shelves. Find more:
- Book Riot’s Best Books of 2026 (So Far)
- Guardian’s 70 brilliant books for the summer
- Kirkus Review’s 40 Hottest Reads for Summer 2026
- Time Magazine’s The Best New Books to Read This Summer
Fiction-Only Lists
People Magazine’s Must-Read Books for Summer 2026: Hot New Reads from Tia Williams, Jenny Jackson and More has something for everyone and every taste. Check out these titles if you want to discover more fiction reads:
- USA Today’s 15 of the most anticipated books you should read this summer
- NPR staffers share their favorite fiction reads of 2026 so far
- New York Times’ Summer’s Best Beach Reads
- New York Times’ The Novels Everyone Will Be Reading This Summer
Nonfiction-Only Lists
If you are in the mood for nonfiction, The New York Times (free with your library card) has put together its The Nonfiction Everyone Will Be Reading This Summer list. It features memoirs, true crime and more. Here are other nonfiction suggestions:
- NPR’s Here are the nonfiction books NPR staffers have loved so far this year
- Barnes & Noble’s Most Anticipated Nonfiction Books of 2026
If you’re still looking for more inspiration, don’t miss BCLS staff picks. With over 100 lists to choose from, use our filters to tune into the one(s) that speak to you. Happy reading!
