You guys know what kind of books we mean. When it’s too hot to move a brain cell, let alone a muscle, we like a bit of nice, easy reading. Try tackling House of Leaves during one of the most humid freaking summers ever. Not the best time. So here’s a list of the Kali Krew’s all-time best summer reads. Some of these do require a bit of heavier brain power but they are quintessential summer reads nonetheless.
Lilyn’s Lazin’ in the Shade Reads
In the After by Demitria Lunella
Maybe it’s because I hate the heat that summer has such negative connotations in my mind. But, really, how many apocalypses are set in the dead of winter, anyways? My choice is apocalypse plus kids because, let’s face it, summers are when kids reign.
Ellie Jordan: Ghost Trapper by J.L. Bryan
Oppressive heat and haunted mansions make me all sorts of happy when combined. Plus, Ellie is as miserable in the heat as I am.
GracieKat’s Lollygaggin’ Books
Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury
Ray Bradbury and I have a difficult relationship. This is really the only book that I’ve liked of his so far. And liked is a bit of an overstatement. But. Every summer I’m drawn to either read or listen to this book. I know it takes place in the fall but it seems like such a summer book that it’s always a summer read.
Out of Tune anthologies 1 & 2 edited by Jonathan Maberry
Summer equals music to me and I absolutely love the Out of Tune anthologies. Story versions of murder ballads and folk songs. Need I say more?
Nico’s Noodling Book
The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
A fast-paced thriller set on a cruise ship. The perfect vacation read!
Tracy’s Ruminant Reads
Last summer I took a reading journey of sorts. I read three books in a row that really made me reflect.
The Summer That Melted Everything by Tiffany McDaniel
Beautiful, heartbreaking, and an amazing summer read. Coming of age and a poignant look small town mentality vs sexuality and identity.
Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury
Coming of age, a bit of horror, and some of the most jaw droppingly good writing I’ve ever experienced.
Boy’s Life by Robert R. McCammon
I closed it out with Boy’s Life by Robert McCammon. By this time I’d been put through the wringer and McCammon took everything I had left. A stunning book that everyone EVERYONE should read.
Sam’s Summer Slackin’ Read
Goodnight Kiss by R.L. Stine
Goodnight Kiss is summer teen vampy goodness!
Sian’s Summer Stephen King
Duma Key by Stephen King
It’s my favourite King novel and it got me over my fear of horror and trying out more!
The Forgotten Island by David Sodergren
Slather on the sunscreen and let us know what your favorite summer reads are! Wash off the sunscreen first, that stuff is murder on the keyboard.
GracieKat was the first co-host of Sci-Fi & Scary, Lilyn’s partner-in-crime, and sub-head of the Kali Krew. She reviews horror books, movies, and games for the site. She also does a weekly Focus on the Frightful feature, and is the site list-maker. She is also in control of the Sci-Fi & Scary podcast which will relaunch soon.
If Nico likes cruises, there’s an old short story, “The Upper Berth,” by F. Marion Crawford to check out.
The Upper Berth is a freaking awesome story.
I’ve read several of these and your list is good summer reading. I would like to reread Something Wicked. And I’ve read all of the Ellie Jordan books. One of my fav series!
Duma Key is a tragically underrated King book. It holds up along with some of the best and scariest of his fiction.