Peruse My Summer 2025 Reading List
See which trendy (and untrendy) titles have made it onto my TBR list for the hot months to come.
To me, reading is a built-in part of summer. I live for this upcoming slower time of year when I’ve got every excuse in the world to slather on some sunscreen, put my feet up out back on the patio, and dive into a good book, glass of chilled rosé in hand. Is there anything better?! Not in my book, anyway (pun unintended). Since I love hearing about other people’s summer reading lists, I thought I’d share a quick breakdown of the eight books that I’m hoping to work into my down time this summer season.
I actually started this year off with a smaller-than-usual reading goal because I felt like I rushed through the books I read last year just so I could say that I reached a certain number. That’s silly! I want to savor the books I read, so I’m taking things much slower and letting go of the pressure to hit some arbitrary goal. Keep scrolling to see which books made it onto my summer reading list this year.
My Summer 2025 Reading List:
Slightly South of Simple, Kristy Woodson Harvey: This will be a reread for me, but I’m so looking forward to diving back into this story. Kristy’s books are some of my favorites to take to the beach thanks to their sunny southern locations. We aren’t going on a beach vacation this year, so I’ll be living at the coast vicariously through this book.
Whispers Underground, Ben Aaronovitch: My brother-in-(common)-law gave me this series for Christmas, and I’ve been really enjoying it! It follows along with a magically leaning police force deep in the heart of London. It’s witty and full of smart, dry humor.
Swan Song, Elin Hilderbrand: You ever go to Target and just feel like buying yourself a random treat? That’s what this book purchase was for me! I don’t know anything about it, but I just decided to grab it as a reward for surviving the week. Iykyk. I love all of Elin Hilderbrand’s book anyway, so I’m sure it’ll be a hit.
Tower of Dawn, Sarah J. Maas: I’m still fully committed to this series, and hope to get through the second to last book before the end of summer. It’s the best, best, BEST fantasy storyline I’ve ever read!
Food Saved Me, Danielle Walker: Since being diagnosed with UC last fall, I’ve been deep in research mode, trying to figure out how to manage my illness. This book was recommended to me by someone on Instagram, and I’m hopeful that it’ll offer me direction.
The Power, Naomi Alderman: I picked this up from a Little Free Library box while at the beach last year, but haven’t broken into it yet. I’m excited to give it a try and to then pass it along to our own free library donation box here in town.
The Invisible Life Of Addie LaRue, V.E. Schwab: I ordered this one after hearing rave reviews about it from pretty much everyone I know. I especially enjoyed Faith’s review of it on her YouTube channel. She’s the reason I finally decided to go for it!
The Wedding People, Alison Espach: My friend Nikki and I are reading this one for our 2-person book club this month! I can’t wait to get her thoughts. It’s another title that I’ve heard over and over again on social media, so I have high hopes…
To say that I’m giddy about this book lineup is an understatement. There’s such a good mix of themes, from lighthearted and delightfully fluffy, to more tragic and serious. I don’t usually read many non-fiction books, so it’s kind of exciting to have one of those on my list this year, too.
I don’t know that I’ll actually get through all eight of those books in just three months, but a girl can dream! Truth be told, I’ll probably start in on the list next week, but I’ll still count it as part of my “summer” reading season since we’re almost to Memorial Day. Comment on today’s Substack and let me know what’s on your summer reading list or if you have strong opinions about any of the books I mentioned.
Things worth mentioning this week…
New On The Blog: I finally compiled a full list of all the area rugs in our home after getting asked to make one on social media for the past year or two. See the full roundup of links and photos here.
What I’m Watching: I think I mentioned this in a past newsletter, but my evenings are currently spent rewatching the entire Star Wars series in order from beginning to end, including the filler shows and movies on Disney+. I’m only on The Clone Wars TV series and have a long way to go, but my nerdy Star-Wars-obsessed heart is thrilled to be taking in every single one of the details in this intricate tale all over again.
What I’m Reading: I’m still reading Empire of Storms (part of the Throne of Glass series) and love it, but I’m excited to take a little break from that epic saga with one of my summer reads listed above.
Noteworthy Substack: I thought this post all about what it’s really like to share your life online was interesting. It’s written by someone who has a far larger audience than I do, but I could still relate to several of her reactions to opening herself up to public opinion. It’s not easy!
Favorite Recent Purchase: This deck box was super affordable and easy to put together. I keep it next to our outdoor sofa to hold our decorative outdoor throw pillows during stormy weather so they don’t get soaked or stained.
Looking Forward To: More outdoor wine tastings here in the mountains, like the one you see pictured below! My mom and I went to a special one on Mother’s Day this past weekend held by Pollak Vineyards, which taught us how to taste and pair olive oils with wine. It was so interesting and made me really appreciate the nuances of good olive oil.
A few favorite posts from the Dream Green DIY archives in case you’re new here:
The Softest Bedding We’ve Ever Tried (I still stand by this years later!)
Weekly editorial notes and requests…
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Thanks for book recommendations! Looking forward to checking them out.
I am reading Summer of Songbirds by Kristy Woodson Harvey right now!