There’s something about summer that makes reading feel like a ritual.
Maybe it’s the longer evenings, the slower pace, or the permission to sit still with a glass of something cold and get lost in someone else’s story. This summer, I’ve gathered a stack of books that reflect exactly where I am: curious, craving good writing, and always open to a little escapism or insight.
Here’s what’s on my summer reading list—some I’ve already started, some I’m saving for just the right lazy afternoon.
King of Ashes by S.A. Cosby
Gritty, fast-paced, and masterfully written. If you loved Razorblade Tears or Blacktop Wasteland, you’ll know Cosby doesn’t hold back. King of Ashes is raw and layered—equal parts suspense and social commentary, with characters that stick to your ribs. This one’s for fans of crime fiction with heart.
Climbing in Heels by Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas
The title alone had me intrigued. This one reads like a love letter to ambition, reinvention, and the complexity of being a woman who refuses to be boxed in. Think smart rom-com meets career drama, with a heroine you want to root for.
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
I will read anything Taylor Jenkins Reid writes—and Atmosphere has that signature blend of nostalgia, intimacy, and characters with rich, messy inner lives. It’s the kind of story that makes you reflect on your own seasons of life and transformation. A perfect beach read with soul.
Never Flinch by Stephen King
This one’s classic King: creepy, compelling, and psychologically sharp. I don’t read horror often, but every now and then, I need something to jolt my imagination—and Never Flinch did just that. It’s not just scary; it’s haunting in that emotional, metaphor-heavy King kind of way.
Aftertaste by Daria Lavelle
A beautiful surprise. This novel is about flavor—literal and metaphorical. It’s about relationships, self-discovery, and the way a life can shift with one bold choice. I’d call this a midlife novel without the cliché. Tender, sharp, and satisfying.
Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab
This one is gothic, lyrical, and unlike anything I’ve read in a long time. Schwab is a master of atmosphere, and this novel blends grief, love, and legacy in an almost poetic way. It’s the perfect moody read for a rainy day or quiet night.
Why This Stack Matters
Each book in this pile is a reminder: midlife doesn’t mean predictable. Our stories—like the ones we choose to read—can be wild, emotional, strange, funny, or all of the above.
Whether you’re lying poolside or curled up in a cozy chair at home, I hope you find a story this summer that lights you up from the inside.
Have you read any of these? Got a book to recommend? I’d love to know what’s on your nightstand right now.
Want to know more about my favorite reads? I’ve shared some of my favorite reads in this blog post, and you can always visit the Library tab on my blog for a growing list of books I’ve loved through the years. Fiction, memoir, mindset shifts—there’s a little something for every season.
👇 Drop your recs in the comments or DM me on Instagram.
And if you’re part of my Lisa’s Letter email community, keep an eye out for Monday’s letter—I’ll be sharing a little reading challenge you might want to join.
