Standout summer books

Looking for your next summer read? We've got you covered. Whether you’re looking for the next great novel to break your reading slump, a regency romance, or a stunning manga, our staff have some great standout summer reading suggestions for you.

My Librarian recommends

The My Librarian team offers personalized reading recommendations that you can request on our website. A few weighed in with some books that have stood out to them this summer:

1. “In the summer, I like a book that is really fun to read, that pulls me right into its world, and that world? It shouldn't be too dark. I think the new Jessica Anya Blau book, Shopgirls, is a great summer read. It's about a young woman in the 1980s who has a job working in a fancy San Francisco department store. The conversations she has with her coworkers, her roommate and her family are hilarious, and this author somehow has the knack of creating a kind of benevolent kind of world that comes off as realistic and not at all cheesy. I want to live in a world like this, and not just for the summer.” 
   — Diana A
2. “Earls Trip by Jenny Holiday is a steamy regency romance. Archie, Simon and Effie take a trip every year in September. This year is a little different when the Morgan sisters need rescuing from a rake! Publishers are calling it Ted Lasso meets Bridgerton.” — Laural W
3. “The Pygmy-Owls of Forest Park. Summer is a great time to get out and walk in the forests and explore our local parks, so why not read about them, too? This unique book is fiction, but was written by a local biologist who is an expert on pygmy-owls and who has spent many years studying them in Forest Park. You will find yourself drawn into the lives, loves, and sorrows of these tiny and feisty creatures, as well as their fellow park denizens (random porcupine! giant salamander! and even humans). A great read for nature lovers.” — Erika B
4. “The Devils — I admit I thought I wasn't going to like this one. Abercrombie writes bloody grim dark fantasy and I am often too squeamish. But this one was funny! In a blood soaked horrific way. So, if you like your fantasy with a side of ick and want a page turner read this one! Just maybe not right after a large meal.” — Heidi S
5. “My summer recommendation is Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor. This fantastic novel is all about the effects of storytelling on communities, complicated relationships of all kinds, the complexities of fame, and robots!  It hits all my criteria for a great summer read.” — Lana S

Recommendations from library staff

We also have recommendations from some other amazing people working across the Multnomah County Library system: 

1. “Yoshiki knows his best friend Hikaru is dead, so why is something wearing his face, speaking with his voice, sharing his memories, and most important: does it return Yoshiki's feelings? Set in a remote mountain village where familiar faces hide ancient secrets, The Summer Hikaru Died blends elements of mystery, romance, slice-of-life and supernatural horror into a gripping and tender coming-of-age story. With the anime adaptation now airing on Netflix, this summer is the perfect time to catch up on the source material, and uncover the mystery surrounding two boys' most unusual friendship.” — Ophelia D
   Ophelia helps run the Teen Anime Club at Central Library, where teens gather to view, review and discuss anime and manga with snacks. If you’re a teen (or know a teen) who loves anime and manga, check it out!
2. “Mañana: Latinx Comics From the 25th Century. There's so much motion in the art and stories of this anthology. Told from a diversity of Latinx creators, this collection asks what the future can look like. Even through turmoil, what hopes can we hang on to?” — Pablo
   Pablo is a bilingual Spanish librarian, and also sent their recommendation in Spanish: “Mañana: cómics latines del siglo XXV. Hay mucho dinamismo en el arte y los cuentos de esta antología. Contada por diversos creadores latines, esta colección se pregunta cómo puede ser el futuro. Incluso en medio de la turbulencia, ¿a qué esperanzas podemos agarrarnos?”
3. “Woodworking by Emily St. James. A perfect end of summer/back to school read about becoming who you are. The dual narration of this affirming, funny, and melancholy novel about a high school teacher navigating coming out as trans in a small South Dakota town makes it sing. The performance of the audiobook is A+.” — Kady F
   Kady helps participate in Ask A Librarian, our weekly social media recommendation series on our Instagram and Bluesky accounts. You can ask for personalized reading recommendations on these platforms on Wednesdays and you’ll get a recommendation live on Thursday between 9 and 10 am!
4. “Here is a fun summer read by the much loved Renée Watson: Summer is Here. The glistening days of summer are perfect for outdoor gatherings, meals with friends and family and delightful treats. Renée Watson's latest picture book reminds us of the joy of community on sunny days.” — Pati M
   Pati is a bilingual Spanish youth librarian at the newly reopened Albina Library. She and other library staff can help you find resources and materials in Spanish and English!