Tuesday, June 2, 2020

Top Ten Tuesday: Books that Give Off Summer Vibes


This week's topic is:  Books that Give Off Summer Vibes

This is a fun but somewhat tricky topic, largely because I'm not sure I read that many books that people would traditionally think of as having 'summer vibes.' I think when I think of summer vibes, I think of books that are maybe a little more lighthearted, full of adventure, journeys, and explorations, and often have a setting that's either particularly warm, 'island-like,' or full of a lot of traveling to different settings, so that's what my list of recommendations is going to look like!


The House in the Cerulean SeaBalam, Spring

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune is the perfect definition of a story that feels a bit more lighthearted, 'slice-of-life,' and welcoming, perfect for those lazy summer days when you just don't feel like doing much. It does still deal with some more serious topics, but overall I laughed and smiled more while reading this book than I have in a long time--plus, doesn't that cover just make you feel like going on a summer trip?

If you're looking for another somewhat 'slice-of-life' vibe for summer, then you'll want to check out Balam, Spring by Travis M. Riddle! This isn't solely a slice-of-lice story, as there is a decently big plot line at play, but the setting is just so delightful and easy to fall right into, plus this quaint small town setting gives me all the summer vacation relaxation vibes.

IslandiaThe Odyssey

Islandia by Austin Tappan Wright is not necessarily carefree, per se, but I think the adventurous nature at its heart where XXX travels to the land of Islandia to explore a new culture and group of people really fits that adventurous idea that reminds me a summer reading.

What screams 'adventure' more than the The Odyssey by Homer, trans. Emily Wilson? Crazy monsters, witches, rough seas, trips to the Underworld--it's all there!

Peter and the Starcatchers (Peter and the Starcatchers, #1)Into the Planet: My Life as a Cave Diver

Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry & Ridley Pearson is a Peter Pan-inspired tale that is of course filled with pirates, ships, and adventures!

Into the Planet: My Life as a Cave Diver by Jill Heinerth is a bit different from the other books on this list--most notably because it is nonfiction--and is about a woman who is, well, a cave diver! This book is all about her life and journey to become a cave diver and her experiences throughout her career. 

This Tender LandThe Sin in the Steel (The Fall of the Gods, #1)

This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger is not quite as much of a lighthearted rip-roaring adventure, but it's still very much an odyssey for a group of orphans as they leave behind a hard life and try to find something better. This has some really strong end-of-summer vibes to me, which the cover matches really well, and I think it'd be a great read for the season.

And moving back to adventures with pirates and ships, we have.... The Sin in the Steel by Ryan Van Loan! This one's not out until July, but it's definitely worth the wait! I don't have my review up just yet (I'll post it closer to release!), but just know that there's an awesome female protagonist along with her friend/partner-in-crime and, well, there's never a dull moment. 

Queen of the Conquered (Islands of Blood and Storm, #1)Spin the Dawn (The Blood of Stars, #1)

Queen of the Conquered by Kacen Callender is not exactly a lighthearted read by any means, really, but it does have some perfectly miserable summer weather and takes place on an island to boot. It's also incredibly compelling and I had a hard time putting it down.

Rounding of this list if Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim, which is about a girl who takes her father's place in a competition to become the imperial tailor and it is full of magic and adventure and travel. 


Have you read any of these? What books do you think give off great summer vibes?

27 comments:

  1. The Odyssey definitely qualifies as an adventure read!

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  2. I love the cover and title for The House on the Cerulean Sea. Wow!

    My TTT .

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  3. The only one of these I've read is Spin The Dawn, and I didn't think of it for my list this week, but you're right, it is a good summery read.
    My TTT: https://jjbookblog.wordpress.com/2020/06/02/top-ten-tuesday-266/

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  4. Great list! I'm planning to read Queen of the Conquered this summer, and I'd like to cross The House in the Cerulean Sea and The Odyssey off my TBR, too. =)

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  5. The Odyssey is such a unique choice! I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I've never read it. :)

    Here is our Top Ten Tuesday.

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    1. No embarrassment! I highly recommend it :) I'm a little biased as an amateur Classicist, but I really do think it's an amazing adventure (and I highly recommend Emily Wilson's translation, audiobook or physical!).

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  6. I love how everyone has a slightly different idea of what feels like a summer book. I personally love that cover of Balam, Spring, it just makes me happy😁

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    1. There really is such a wide variety, it's interesting to explore. :) That cover makes me happy, too!

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  7. I've heard great things about The House in the Cerulean Sea! This is a great list of recommendations! Have a great week!

    My TTT

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    1. It's one of my favorite books now, can't recommend it enough! You too!

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  8. Good list! I remember my son reading Peter and the Starchases years ago. I LOVED This Tender Land--still possibly my favorite book this year.

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    1. This Tender Land was such a beautiful story, definitely a favorite of mine as well.

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  9. The House in the Cerulean Sea looks and sounds like a great summer read - I'll have to look it up. Great list!

    My TTT.

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  10. Interesting choices! I think most of these are new to me.

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  11. Queen of the Conquered sounds so good. :)

    Check out my TTT

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  12. I love a good island setting in a summery read. Peter and the Starcatchers looks fabulous, and Into the Planet I bet is super interesting! I'd love to read about real life cave diving.

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    1. Cave diving was so interesting to read about--and definitely turned me off from ever trying because it sounds intense, haha, and I'm not so great in the water.

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  13. I haven't read any of these, but islands do make me think summer.

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    1. I definitely think they fit that 'vacation' vibe pretty well.

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