When I was in high school I wasn’t annoyed by summer reading, it was probably my favorite homework assignment of the entire school year. I always read the book from cover to cover even if I didn’t like the book. My required reading introduced me to some great classics and created interesting discussions once everyone was back in the classroom. I was usually in the minority of people who liked the book (and actually read all of it)—yes, even Fahrenheit 451. Aside from my summer reading, I always read a bunch of other books and this hasn’t stopped since I’ve graduated. Here are some of the books I have been enjoying this summer, some of them are new and some are favorites that deserve to be re-read.

Everything, Everything

By Nicola Yoon. 2015.

I had my eye on this book for a while, but was having a hard time finding it. The need to read this book was strengthened when Zoella included it in her book club selection.

The premise of the book is really intriguing: Madeleine has an immune disorder which causes her to be allergic to everything and be forced to stay inside. She has settled into a routine and accepted she won’t be able to have a normal life. Her world is changed when a new family moves next door who has a son her age, Olly.

Yoon creates such amazing characters and the relationships and development of the characters feel very realistic. Everything, Everything is about family, both biological and chosen, learning to break free of your comfort zones, and growing up.

Side notes: Madeleine is a POC, which is awesome and will hopefully become more prominent in YA literature. The novel also has some great graphics and dialogue from online conversations, which makes it all the more fun to read.

The Rest of Us Just Live Here

By Patrick Ness. 2015.

Patrick Ness is one of my favorite authors, he always manages to write unique novels, but capture the universal feelings we all have as humans. If you haven’t read his Chaos Walking series, you need to get yourself to a bookstore immediately. The Rest of Us Just Live Here is not the same sort of fantasy as the Chaos Walking books, it’s more rooted in reality.

It essentially tells the story of people who aren’t ‘The Chosen Ones’, the normal souls who are unlucky enough to live in an abnormal town. The writing is really clever and the characters are relatable and diverse, which is refreshing because often fantasy novels seem to only include white characters.

The Rest of Us Just Live Here is a perfect read for summer as the characters just want to be able to finish high school and graduate without their school blowing up (again); a feeling I think we all can relate to even if the ‘blowing up’ bit is more metaphorical.

Althea and Oliver

By Christina Moracho. 2014.

If you like nostalgic indie movies, this is the novel for you. Althea and Oliver is an interesting novel and I wasn’t sure if I liked it or not. Althea is abrasive and so unlike any other female character I have ever read. Oliver is also unlike any character I have read; their dynamic is unique and resonated with me.

It’s a great coming-of-age story, which reminds me of Catcher in the Rye and The Bell Jar, with road trips and New York and interesting supporting characters.

Image Source: Goodreads

My Paris Dream

By Kate Betts. 2015.

True fact about me: I love Paris. I loved it before I had ever been and I truly fell in love after spending my gap year there. This book is a must-read if you’re interested in fashion, Paris, 1980s and 1990s culture, or all of the above. I enjoyed reading it because I’m familiar with Paris and it was interesting to compare Paris in the 1980s to Paris right now (lots of things are still the same).

Another true fact about me: I want to write about fashion as my job. It was amazing to go behind-the-scenes of the most famous magazines, like Women’s Wear Daily and Vogue. To read about some of Betts’ exchanges with designers and fashion insiders. One thing My Paris Dream reinforced: networking is important because you never know who will be helpful in your career.

The memoir isn’t just glitter though, Betts talks about the gritty side of getting to the top in the fashion world and trying to get Paris to love you back and feeling like you belong.

After finishing My Paris Dream, I’m counting down the days until I can return to Paris.

Fangirl

By Rainbow Rowell. 2013.

This was my third time reading Fangirl and it was still as good as the first time I read it. It was more relatable this time around as, like Cath, I am heading off to college. Cath is me as a character: she loves to read and write and is fine with staying in her comfort zone. Her comfort zone is already being pushed when her twin sister says she doesn’t want to be roommates.

The hits just keep on coming for Cath: her roommate is surly with a boyfriend who is always in their room, her sister has abandoned her, and her writing professor does not understand that fan fiction is a valid genre of writing.

Fangirl made me laugh and cry (every time I read it), so maybe don’t read it on the plane/car as you head off to college.

I’m always on the look out for my next great read: what are some good books you have read this summer? And what are your summer favorites that you keep coming back to? Let me know in the comments!