When many of us at The New York Times Book Review were children, there were few things as exciting as the start of summer reading: a list of books stretching out before us, full of possibilities, with the promise of gold stars and pizza at the end. And while those days may be behind us, that seasonal frisson of literary anticipation persists. Like many adult readers, we still love a summer reading challenge — an invitation to read more widely and deeply, to check things off our perpetual reading lists and to take full advantage of the season when time seems to swell and the hammock, pool lounger or air-conditioned nook beckon.
Over the next three months, we invite you to read along with us. We’ve put together a list of 10 literary to-dos: Can you get through at least five before summer ends? Track your progress using our checklist at the bottom of this page.
1. Read one of The New York Times’s Best Books of the 21st Century
Here is the full list.
2. Read a book published in the last year
You can find our latest book reviews here, browse our critics and editors’ favorite new books or check out our book recommendation page.
3. Read a book in a genre you don’t typically read
Curious about thrillers? Opening your heart to romance? Dipping your toe into fantasy? We’ve got suggestions for you.
4. Read a book in translation
“We Do Not Part,” by Han Kang; “The Colony,” by Annika Norlin; “The Tokyo Suite,” by Giovana Madalosso; and “The Director,” by Daniel Kehlmann are just a few of the translated works we’ve loved this year. You may also enjoy some of our favorite translations published in 2019, 2020 and 2021.
5. Read a book by a writer you’ve never read before
Our Essentials series offers entry points to many authors that may be on your to-read list, from Stephen King and Octavia Butler to Gabriel García Márquez, James Baldwin and Terry Pratchett.
6. Reread a book you loved as a kid
Were you a Redwall or Boxcar Children kid? Did you dream of starting your own Baby-Sitters Club or running away to Green Gables? Maybe you’re still tickled by the lyrical whimsy that lies where the sidewalk ends. All are worth another visit.
7. Listen to an audiobook
Our editor Lauren Christensen shares some of her recent favorites. You might also enjoy her list of the best audiobooks of 2024.
8. Read a book set somewhere you’ve never been
Not sure where to start? Our Read Your Way Around the World series includes literary guides to 45 destinations, including Paris, Cairo and Seoul.
9. Read a book that takes place during the summer
We recently shared a selection of our favorite new beach reads (and you can find even more appropriately summery recommendations from the past couple years here and here).
10. Check out and read a book from your local library (bonus points if it’s recommended by a librarian!)
Save this image, or take a screenshot, to track your progress.
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