Barrie Barto, Former Editor-in-Chief

“The Rook” by Daniel O’Malley

This has been my favorite book since middle school, and my paperback has a well-worn spine to prove it. O’Malley’s debut novel centers around Myfanwy (rhymes with Tiffany) Thomas, who wakes up with no memories, surrounded by dead bodies in a park; all she has is a note (from herself) in her pocket. Throughout this page-turner, Myfawny learns about the secret organization in which she ranks highly and about her own supernatural powers that got her there. O’Malley has built out a fantastical world just beneath our fingertips, both intricately intertwined with the British government and thrilling beyond the realm of daily life. (If you like this book, I suggest “The Ministry of Time” by Kaliane Bradley next!)

“The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle” by Stuart Turton

If you like an increasingly fast-paced novel, this one’s for you. The unraveling of Evelyn Hardcastle’s death is told through the eyes of a new character each day as the protagonist starts to piece together the mystery. While some characters seem to be a great help, others frustrate or deceive him on his journey to prevent Hardcastle’s death. By the time this novel was halfway through, I couldn’t tear myself away from it. This novel was a puzzle that kept me guessing to its super satisfying (and open-ended) conclusion. For an extra treat, read this story book club style with a friend or your family so you can bounce around theories as you progress!

Corey Lochan, Copy Editor

“To Cook a Bear” By Mikael Niemi

I read this mystery on the beach last summer and finished it within the week — which, for me, is impressive, considering I spent the entire school year working on one book. The world of this historical story is strangely captivating. It takes place in the far north of Sweden where a preacher leads a religious revival and movement for temperance, placing him at odds with many powerful people in the town. He also faces controversy over his servant, whom he treats as a son and teaches botany and literacy. When a woman is found dead, the townspeople quickly blame a bear, but the mystery begins as the preacher suspects murder. Even as a translation, the writing style drew me in more than any other book I’ve read recently. The story explores Swedish culture and history, which was new for me, but also provides an entertaining mystery with deep, well-developed characters. As much as the story sounds like it could be dark or gruesome, it’s actually sweet, meaningful and easy enough to read –– making it the perfect summer book.

“The Caretaker” By Ron Rash

This love story between Jacob and Naomi set in 1950s North Carolina starts to fall apart when Jacob is conscripted to fight in the Korean War. His friend Blackburn, the cemetery caretaker, promises to take care of Naomi until Jacob’s return, creating an odd sort of love triangle. The added problem, however, is that Jacob’s parents vehemently oppose his relationship and elopement with Naomi, doing anything they can think of to prevent their reunification after the war. I can’t spoil what the parents’ big plan is, but once they thought of it, I struggled to put the book down as I waited to find out if it would work or backfire and ruin their relationship with their son forever. The varying personalities and flaws of each character really come through, packing a lot of plot into a relatively small number of pages and making it an entertaining summer read.

Grace Asness, Staff Writer

“Malibu Rising” by Taylor Jenkins Reid

I first picked up “Malibu Rising” after finishing “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo,” also by Taylor Jenkins Reid. While not directly connected to “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo,” “Malibu Rising” takes place in the same universe, providing subtle easter eggs for the careful reader. The story follows the Riva siblings, children of the legendary singer Mick Riva, as they host their annual end-of-summer party in 1983. The story alternates between the siblings’ struggles with love and identity and the timeline of the turbulent relationship between their parents, June and Mick Riva. With vivid descriptions of the Malibu landscape and surf scene, this book is sure to put you in the mood for a California summer that will make you want to soak in the sun all day. 

“Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller

Madeline Miller retells the Greek mythological tale of Achilles but from the perspective of Patroclus and his relationship with Achilles as they go from children to soldiers in the Trojan War. “Song of Achilles” provides an engaging story of love, war and tragedy that is sure to pull on your heartstrings. I’d recommend this novel to anyone who had a Greek mythology phase growing up, as well as to those who love beautiful prose and books that break your heart just a little bit.

Kristina Trojak, Staff Writer

“Everything is Tuberculosis” by John Green

In the summertime everything gets a little greener, so why not make your reading a little Greener too? “Everything is Tuberculosis” is John Green’s newest novel and second venture into the world of non-fiction. Though a nonfiction book about tuberculosis may seem intimidating, Green delicately holds your hand through brilliantly woven stories of modern-day tuberculosis patients, a history of the illness and accounts of how it shaped the world we live in. Following the precedent set with his first nonfiction book, “The Anthropocene Reviewed,” Green beautifully intertwines prose with education and turns the simplest lines into life-changing statements. “Everything is Tuberculosis” will leave you reaching for tissues, with an abundance of facts to draw from when conversations begin to slow and the conclusion that everything is, in fact, tuberculosis.

“The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien

Something about summer, its warm weather and the vague feeling of potential unlocked by newfound free time creates the perfect breeding ground for a sense of adventure and whimsy. Tolkien captures these ideals perfectly in a story about a little Hobbit who leaves his home to embark on a fantastical journey. Though “The Hobbit” was published in the 1930s and the writing may feel dense to some — Tolkien does love his details — Tolkien’s humorous approach to the story and a nostalgic narration style makes it much more digestible. Besides, what better way to distinguish your summer reading from your academic reading than by kicking the season off with a book written for children? 

Pragya Shah, Former Deputy Opinion Editor

“Funny Story” by Emily Henry

The quintessential summer author Emily Henry brings you another captivating summer read, perfect for your days by the beach or nights on the couch. Daphne’s picture-perfect love story comes crashing down when her now ex-fiance, Peter, suddenly confesses that he’s actually in love with his childhood best friend, Petra. With nowhere else to stay in this unfamiliar, albeit beautiful, Michigan town, Daphne moves in with the only person who could possibly understand what she’s going through: Petra’s ex-boyfriend, Miles. A few glasses of wine in, and the embittered Daphne and Miles make a plan to make their exes jealous by cosplaying a happy new couple. Cozy beach nights, romantic adventures around a quaint town and fake dating her ex-fiance’s new fiancee’s ex — what could possibly go wrong?

“The Summer I Turned Pretty” by Jenny Han

This young adult romance novel is the first installment in a trilogy that follows Isabel Conklin, affectionately known as “Belly,” a young girl who spends her summers at Cousins Beach with the Fischer family. The novel follows Belly as she navigates the summer that changes her life with the two Fischer boys — Jeremiah and Conrad — some heartache, some excitement and all the makings of summer charm. With sprawling beach houses, days out on the boat, Fourth of July barbecues, drive-in movies and lounging out by the pool, this is the perfect series to binge-read as you slip into that idyllic summer bliss. And, don’t forget to catch the third and final season of the series’ popular Amazon Prime show, airing this July. Oh, and, Team Conrad, by the way. 

Skyelor DeLoach, Staff Writer

“Sunrise on the Reaping” by Suzanne Collins

The newest addition to Suzanne Collins’s dystopian universe, “Sunrise on the Reaping,” follows the story of 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy as he tries to make it out of the arena and back home to District 12 during the 50th Hunger Games. If you’re new to The Hunger Games series, now is the time to jump in. “Sunrise on the Reaping” is the second prequel to the original trilogy, telling the story of Katniss and Peeta’s mentor. Suzanne Collins brings new depth and intensity to the country of Panem and blends action with emotion. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a Hunger Games newbie, this prequel tells a gripping story that will keep you hooked all summer long.

“Americanah” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s “Americanah” is a novel I initially read just because it was on my African American and Diaspora Studies syllabus. However, I quickly fell in love with the captivating life of Ifemelu, a Nigerian immigrant navigating life in the United States. Ifemelu moves to the U.S. to attend college, where, for the first time, she experiences racism. It also follows the life of Obinze, Ifemelu’s childhood love, who is denied entry into the U.S. This profound novel explores love, identity and the idea of belonging across continents. Adichie combines social commentary and beautifully crafted prose to create a story that resonates long after you turn the final page.