Last November, I wrote an article saying I wanted to read more. Well, almost a year later, I finally have! This summer, I found myself in a place where I was not only reading consistently, but enjoying it, and regarding it as a refreshing escape from the stress of the day-to-day.

One of the reasons it took me so long to get there was the difficulty in finding books that I enjoyed reading. Apparently I’m very particular, who knew? The string of books I read over the summer not only captivated my interest through unique, affective stories, but reinvigorated my desire to read for fun. So with that, here are my reading rut solutions. 

Truly Remarkable Creatures

I went back and forth on “Truly Remarkable Creatures” a number of times before finally deciding to give it a try. I was caught between whether the concept was unique enough to be intriguing or outlandish enough to be stupid.

Ultimately, the former proved true, as author Shelby Van Pelt manages to turn a story about an elderly woman befriending an octopus into a touching exploration of loss and the nature of humankind.

Not only are the story’s array of eccentric, layered characters captivating in their journeys of growth and self-exploration, but discovering how they’re all connected adds a further level of intrigue. As engaging as the main narrative is, where this book really excels is in its ability to capture the more obscure, simple joys of life. Every element of this book, from the characters to the plot, to the themes feels so thoughtfully planned out and written.

No matter your age or what stage of life you’re in, this book has something to offer everyone. It’s one of the most touching and original books I’ve ever read.

Lessons In Chemistry

You’ve likely heard of Bonnie Garmus’ “Lessons in Chemistry” before, as it skyrocketed to fame shortly after its release in 2022. But if, for whatever reason, you haven’t read it yet, this is me urging, pleading and screaming for you to do so.

On a literary level, this is not only one of the most proficient, unique books I’ve ever read, but on a content level, it’s one of the most important. Garmus captures the plight of women’s suffrage in the 1950s and 60s through the ingenious lens of a female protagonist who struggles to maintain values ahead of her time, in a period that constantly wants to suppress and stifle her.

Through this, the reader experiences a brilliant time warp that creates a great sense of immersion within the character. It’s not just telling what life was like during the time period, it’s showing by inserting a modernized person and forcing them to live within the constraints. Rarely has a book affected me as this one has, and it’s because of this unmatched story device.

With the very poignant, often unjust circumstances that take place throughout the novel, it can sometimes be a bit of a difficult read. However, these moments are off-set with eccentric side characters and situations that help to lighten the mood. The world of the story is so unique yet also realistic.

With a rich and truly original story, deeply developed characters and an unparalleled writing style, every element of “Lessons In Chemistry” is masterfully crafted. It’s a bit heavier of a read than the others on this list, but it’s worth it and then some. 

Malibu Rising

After reading and loving “Daisy Jones and the Six” last year, I made a mental note to come back to author Taylor Jenkins Reed’s work. Although I can’t say this novel has exceeded the very high bar “Daisy” set, “Malibu Rising” is still an enchanting, stirring family drama.

If you meet the same niche intersection that I do of loving summer and being obsessed with the 1980s, this is certainly the book for you. Both the season and the decade set a rich yet subtle background for the story, integrated in a way that feels thoughtful and necessary, as opposed to obnoxious or nostalgia bait-y.

In the center of it all is a deeply layered, affecting story about a family’s past and present, exploring how their experiences have and continue to shape who they are. Each of the four main characters are faced with decisions and struggles that feel timeless, relevant, and unique. The events of the story demand the siblings to face their past, themselves and who they want to be going forward. “Malibu Rising” offers the perfect balance of engaging story and intriguing characters.

Eragon

Though an outlier amongst the books I’ve read this summer, I’ve enjoyed Christopher Paolini’s “Eragon” enough that it deserves a mention. I read a fair share of fantasy novels as a kid, with my favorite being Ridley Pearson’s “Kingdom Keepers.” I still regard the series as my favorite of all time. By no means is it the best fantasy series that’s ever been written, but I had a good time reading it.

“Eragon” exists in the same space for me, which is the reason I wanted to read it in the first place. I was hoping to find something that had the same energy, and this does. Is it basically just “Star Wars” but with dragons? Yeah, but so are a lot of things.

At the end of the day, it meets the craving for low brow fantasy that I was looking for, and I’ve had a great time with it. Though I never read it as a child, it still has a nostalgic quality to it that makes it a cozy, relaxed read. If you are a 2000s kid like me who passed by the iconic cover over and over again in libraries throughout your childhood, I would definitely recommend giving it a go.