Claire Brackenbury | June 14 2021 |
Summertime is perfect for reading and getting into some quality literature. Whether it’s a rainy day to curl up inside or a sunny morning to savour the outdoors, a good novel is a great companion. Below, you will find a list of novels from various genres and topics that you can add to your summer reading list.
Greek Mythology
Circe by Madeine Miller
Circe is “an epic spanning thousands of years that’s also a keep-you-up-all-night page turner” (Ann Patchett). The daughter of the sun god, Helios and the ocean nymph Perse, Circe is unsure of her place in the kingdom of immortals. On her journey of self discovery, she discovers her power: witchcraft. Circe is a story of strength and suspense that will provide you with great entertainment while also teaching you about greek mythology.
Poetic and emotional
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
*Content warning: This novel includes topics of racism, abuse, and suicide*
This book is the perfect summer read if you’re looking for a book filled with beautiful descriptions, profound messages and deep emotions that will likely cause you to shed a tear or two. The Secret Life Bees takes place in South Carolina and follows Lily Owens on a journey that leads her to a home of beekeeping sisters: May, June and August. There, she discovers pieces of her family history and develops meaningful relationships with mother-like figures that her heart has desired for so many years.
Science Fiction
To Sleep in a Sea of Stars by Christopher Paolini
To Sleep in a Sea of Stars is the story of a mission to an uncolonized planet. When she discovers a sign of alien life, Kira Navarez enters a great adventure of space fights in an effort to protect humanity’s fate. Will she succeed? Read and find out!
Social Justice
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
*Content warning: This novel covers topics of racism and police brutality*
Starr Carter is a sixteen-year-old balancing her life between her wealthy suburban prep school and the poorer neighbourhood she lives in. When her best friend, Khalil, is fatally shot by a police officer, Starr’s world is turned upside down. The community begins to protest to stand up to the injustice of Khalil’s death. Starr is the only one who knows exactly what happened to her best friend, leaving her in a difficult situation that is sure to have readers at the edge of their seats.
Nature and Family Connection
Medicine Walk by Richard Wagamese
Franklin embarks on one last trip through British Columbia with his dying father, who has been absent for most of his childhood. Through seamless transitions of flashback stories and the present moment, Wagamese illustrates Franklin’s meaningful journey of learning about his heritage. This novel is filled with profound descriptions of nature’s beauty and power; a great summer read that is most immersive when read in the great outdoors!
Captivating Fiction
My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult
When Anna discovers that the main reason for her existence is to be a donor for her sister suffering from leukemia, she is put in an unthinkable position. What will she decide to do in this ethical dilemma? Read on and find out!
Historical Fiction
My Lady Jane by Jodi Meadows, Cynthia Hand and Brodi Ashton
This novel is a whimsical twist on the history of Lady Jane Grey. When Jane is told she will be married to a stranger against her will, she is not very happy. However, there are some other significant matters to deal with as well. When King Edward falls ill, he enters careful consideration of family heritage and worthiness of the crown and decides that Jane is to be the Queen of England. Filled with shapeshifting and humour, this book is sure to give you a laugh. Lady Jane’s intelligent and fierce personality keeps you flipping the pages to see what happens next in this intriguing story.
If you would like to get reading this summer, the Kingston Frontenac Public Library is a great place to borrow books! Go to https://www.kfpl.ca/ to reserve a book and pick it up at various branch locations. If you are interested in buying a book , check out some of the local businesses listed below that sell used books!
Berry and Peterson Booksellers (used bookstore) https://www.downtownkingston.ca/business/berry-and-peterson-books
Bookland (New and used books): https://booklandkingston.ca/
Happy summer reading!
By Claire Brackenbury
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