There\u2019s something magical about reading in the summertime. Whether you\u2019re lounging at the beach or poolside, traveling to a summer destination, or simply stealing a few quiet moments at home in the sunshine, reading has the power to transport, inspire, and entertain. At PAN, we\u2019re continuing a favorite summer tradition \u2013 curating a list of our favorite books to share with our community.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From fantasy realms, to mysteries, to romantic comedies, each recommendation comes straight from a PAN employee. So, find a shady spot and dive into our 2025 picks! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fantasy & Romantasy<\/strong> <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Romantasy was hugely popular on last year\u2019s list<\/a> and this genre continues to be a fan favorite. Who doesn\u2019t need an escape from reality sometimes?\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Throne of Glass<\/strong><\/a> by Sarah J. Maas<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n In the first book of the addictive Throne of Glass series, an assassin competes to serve a corrupt king. Mistborn: The Final Empire<\/strong><\/a> by Brandon Sanderson<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Also the first book in a series, Mistborn features a daring heist and epic world building. The Spellshop<\/strong><\/a> by Sarah Beth Durst<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ever wondered what it\u2019s like to be a librarian with a sentient plant for a friend, working to protect your empire\u2019s spellbooks, but then your library catches fire in a rebellion, so you steal some books and run away to your childhood home? Yes? Then this book is for you.\u202f\u202f <\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cA nice light option for those who prefer cute fantasies and can read without overanalyzing!\u202fIt\u2019s like a Hallmark rom com featuring mythical creatures and fueled by jam, cinnamon rolls, and magic.\u201d \u2013 Shannon Shewbrooks<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Divine Rivals<\/strong><\/a> by Rebecca Ross<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Magic typewriters and a wartime romance between rival journalists. The perfect fantasy book for a PR pro. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cA lighter read, this two-book series captures the magic of writing, journalism and storytelling, which PR people can appreciate.\u201d \u2013 Kally Lavoie<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sci-Fi & Dystopian<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019d rather escape to a dystopian future, check out these picks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Ministry of Time<\/strong><\/a> by Kaliane Bradley<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Part time travel, part satire, part romance, this book defies genre boundaries. It\u2019s one of Barack Obama\u2019s top picks<\/a> and also one of mine. Sunrise on the Reaping<\/strong><\/a> by Suzanne Collins<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n This Hunger Games prequel follows Haymitch\u2019s journey in the 50th Games. Romance & Feel-Good Fiction<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n For a true beach read, check out these vacation-ready books. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Paradise Problem<\/strong><\/a> by Christina Lauren<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Fake dating meets White Lotus-style island luxury in this sunny vacation read. Don\u2019t Forget to Write<\/strong><\/a> by Sara Goodman Confino<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n A rebellious young woman moves in with her eccentric aunt in this nostalgic and empowering beach read, set on the Jersey Shore in the 1960s. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Wedding People<\/strong><\/a> by Alison Espach<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n When a woman is mistaken for a wedding guest, she finds an unexpected connection with the bride and a journey of personal transformation in this funny and heartwarming book. Historical Fiction<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Travel back in time with these choices. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Lion Women of Tehran<\/strong><\/a> by Marjan Kamali<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n A moving tale of two girls coming of age in politically turbulent 1950s Iran. North Woods<\/strong><\/a> by Daniel Mason<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n A multi-generational story about a single house and the people \u2013 and ghosts \u2013 that pass through it. Nonfiction <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n If non-fiction is more your vibe, here\u2019s a great book for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make\u2014and Keep\u2014Friends<\/strong><\/a> by Marisa G. Franco<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n A science-based look at friendship, attachment, and how we maintain meaningful connections. Mysteries and Suspense<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n These page turners will keep you on the edge of your seat (or beach chair)! <\/p>\n\n\n\n All the Colors of the Dark<\/strong><\/a> by Chris Whitaker<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI read this book in four days\u2014I was hooked!\u201d \u2013 Jess Tasman<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI LOVED this book. The plot was thoroughly engaging, relatable, and at times humorous due to the character\u2019s camaraderie and banter. I was obsessed with the world-building and magic system.\u201d \u2013 Shannon Shewbrooks<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ve been recommending this book to everyone, because it has a little bit of everything, all perfectly tied together: time travel, romance, dystopian future, historical fiction. And it\u2019s a lot of fun.\u201d \u2013 Ariel Novak<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs an elder millennial, I still remember reading these books as they came out, and the excitement around each of them. It\u2019s been so nice to revisit with some of these characters and get a backstory that elevates the originals. Not to mention, these are some of the most tightly edited books out there \u2013 no wasted space, everything super intentional, a wildly fast-paced but never confusing read. I highly recommend to all fans of the original trilogy or movies.\u201d \u2013 Ash Waters<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis got me out of a recent reading slump \u2013 couldn’t put it down!\u201d \u2013 Emma Nugent<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis book got me out of a reading rut! Not only does the Newport, RI setting make it a perfect Summer read, but the story has a lot of depth, and you come off it with some great life lessons.\u201d \u2013 Emily O\u2019Brien<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis was so beautifully written. Great characters. And the content is very poignant in our current climate.\u201d \u2013 Jen Walker<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cA little heavier than your typical beach read but the writing is stunning. It\u2019s unlike anything I\u2019ve read (in a good way!)\u201d \u2013 Ariel Novak<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe science behind human connection is so interesting, and Marisa Franco does a great job of making it relatable. While we all have friends, it\u2019s important to learn how to keep those friends and bring value to friendships. This book made me think differently about what I bring to my relationships, and how to be the best, most supportive friend possible to those I care about!\u201d\u202f\u2013 Emily Hubbard<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n