Fiction and non Fiction books meaning to Read This Summer

Looking for your next read this Father’s Day or planning your summer reading list? The fiction and non fiction books meaning to Read This Summer 2025, spotlights the most compelling fiction and nonfiction paperbacks captivating readers across the U.S. From heartwarming stories to gripping memoirs, these are the books you don’t want to miss.

🔥 Top Fiction Picks

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

A tender, uplifting novel where an woman finds unexpected friendship with an octopus in an aquarium. Emotional, unique, and unforgettable.

One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune

Set against a picturesque lake house, this nostalgic romance reconnects two past lovers during a season of caregiving and self-discovery.

Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood

A smart, steamy summer romance between a couple with a 15-year age gap, rekindled at a wedding in Italy.

All Fours by Miranda July

A surreal, introspective novel where a woman escapes her routine and checks into a hotel instead of embarking on a road trip, diving deep into questions of identity and freedom.

Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar

A literary novel blending philosophy and poetry, exploring grief, martyrdom, and personal reckoning through the eyes of a troubled writer.

The Tenant by Freida McFadden

Domestic suspense at its finest—when a couple rents out a room, their dream of extra income quickly spirals into a nightmare.

Sandwich by Catherine Newman

This moving, funny, and honest family vacation tale tackles midlife, motherhood, and recalibrating personal expectations.

The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley

Time travel, romance, and British espionage collide in this genre-bending novel where a woman must help a Victorian explorer adapt to modern life.

I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman

A haunting dystopian narrative about imprisoned women who escape captivity only to find a world stripped of humanity.

Funny Story by Emily Henry

Roommate rom-com perfection—two heartbroken exes who were left for the same person move in together, leading to a healing (and hilarious) love story.

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📖 Bestselling Nonfiction Books

On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder

– A timely guide on resisting authoritarianism, relevant for both history buffs and modern activists.

The Wager by David Grann

– A riveting true story of shipwreck, survival, and mutiny at sea.

The Wide Wide Sea by Hampton Sides

– A deep dive into Captain James Cook’s fateful final voyage.

Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

– Essays on Indigenous wisdom and our relationship with nature.

The Art Thief by Michael Finkel

– True crime meets fine art in this story of a notorious and compulsive thief.

The Light Eaters by Zoë Schlanger

– A fascinating look at the emerging science behind plant intelligence.

The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan

– Literary sketches and personal reflections from a beloved novelist observing nature.

All About Love by bell hooks

– A thought-provoking exploration of compassion and emotional well-being.

The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk

– Groundbreaking insights into trauma and its physical effects.

Cultish by Amanda Montell

– Linguistic analysis of how cults (and cult-like movements) use language to influence and recruit.

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🧠 Why These Books Matter

Whether you’re looking for thoughtful nonfiction, worthy beach reads, or a heartfelt story to gift this Father’s Day 2025, this list has something for everyone. Each reader will find a fitting choice. These titles not only reflect what’s trending in bookstores but also what resonates deeply with today’s audience—emotion, identity, resilience, and discovery.