Eight Unique Poolside Reads for a Sultry Summer Day

ByAlexis
42 Comments

Just so you know, this post may contain affiliate links, you can read my disclosure policy for more information.

This post may contain affiliate links. Purchasing through them help support this website.

8 unique poolsode reads for a sultry summer day chemistrycachet.comThis is my favorite list of unique poolside reads to enjoy in the summer!

I am a seasonal reader, meaning I like to read books according to what season I am in. If it is fall, I love reading books about autumn. Christmas is all about Christmas related books! Now that it is summer, I love diving in to fun books that I can read by the pool or even on a beach trip.

I’m also the type that doesn’t read new releases. I always wait a few years when the heat dies down…I guess I like being different 😉 These are eight of my favorite summer oriented books! It has a little something for everyone. If you like gardens, beaches, murders, fantasy, or classics, then you may find a great new read below! All of these I have enjoyed the last few summers, sitting by the pool and lounging on a sandy beach.

Check out more summer inspiration here.

8 Unique Poolside Reads

I have shared some of these books on instagram stories, but I thought I would update this list for you too!

The Big House

The Big House: A Century in the Life of an American Summer Home – “Faced with the sale of the century-old family summer house on Cape Cod where he had spent forty-two summers, George Howe Colt returned for one last stay with his wife and children. This poignant tribute to the eleven-bedroom jumble of gables, bays, and dormers that watched over weddings, divorces, deaths, anniversaries, birthdays, breakdowns, and love affairs for five generations interweaves Colt’s final visit with memories of a lifetime of summers”

I loved this book! A perfect mix of history, architectural interest, and a family story.

The Woman in White

 The Woman in White (Penguin Classics) -“Wilkie Collins’s The Woman in White, the first Victorian ‘sensation novel’ and one of the earliest mystery novels in English, weaves multiple narratives into a thrilling and suspenseful tale of mistaken identity and dark desires. This Penguin Classics edition is edited with notes and an introduction by Matthew Sweet. The Woman in White famously opens with Walter Hartright’s eerie encounter on a moonlit London road. ”

I love reading classics, but throw in an eery ghost story and it’s even better! This is a longer book, but very captivating.

Star Spangled Murder

 Star Spangled Murder (A Lucy Stone Mystery)– “Another sign that the crazy days of summer are in full swing arrives when a group of naturists–a.k.a. nudists–descends on Tinker’s Cove, skinny-dipping at the pond that borders Mrs. Pratt’s property, giving her something else to complain about. Worse still, the local lobstermen are upset about poachers–and suspicion falls on Mrs. Pratt’s husband and son. Then the July Fourth fireworks are canceled to protect a patch of extremely rare purple-spotted lichen, and Mrs Pratt is the victim of a hit and run. ”

This was just a fun murder mystery. I read all of these Lucy Stone Mysteries years ago, and I love how they envelop the season it is set in. Fun, quick, and easy read for summer!

The Language of Flowers

The Language of Flowers: A Novel – “The Victorian language of flowers was used to convey romantic expressions: honeysuckle for devotion, asters for patience, and red roses for love. But for Victoria Jones, it’s been more useful in communicating mistrust and solitude. After a childhood spent in the foster-care system, she is unable to get close to anybody, and her only connection to the world is through flowers and their meanings. Now eighteen and emancipated from the system with nowhere to go, Victoria realizes she has a gift for helping others through the flowers she chooses for them”

If you read my blog, you know I love flowers. I loved this book with all the beautiful details of flowers it had. This is a newer book, and not all set in summer, but it is still a perfect poolside read.

The Solitary Summer

 The Solitary Summer– “by the author of the beloved “Enchanted April,” Elizabeth von Arnim. “I went along the edge of the stream to the seat round the oak in my spring garden, where I sat a little, looking at the morning from there, drinking it in in long breaths, and determining to think of nothing but just be happy.”

Again, flowers are one of my favorite things to read about. This book was so beautifully written! It is all about summer in her gorgeous garden and the peace it brings to her each day.

The Night Circus

 The Night Circus – “The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night. ”

This is a newer book that most have heard about I’m sure, but I really enjoyed it. I think the circus and the carnival are the epitome of summertime. This was something enchanting, yet mystical.

Farewell Summer

 Farewell Summer – “When Elizabeth returns to her hometown, a chance meeting with an elderly relative takes her back to 1905 . ..”

 I love Helen Hoover Santmyer as a writer. Something about her books just draw me in. This era is one of my favorites to research and read about so I loved hearing the tales of summer back in the early 1900s. This book is somewhat sad, but also heartwarming in the end. It was a very fast read, so it is perfect for a summer day!

Summer Rental

Summer Rental: A Novel -“Ellis, Julia, and Dorie. Best friends since Catholic grade school, they now find themselves in their mid-thirties, at the crossroads of life and love. Ellis, recently fired from her job, begins to question the choices she’s made over the past decade. Julia has a man who loves her and is offering her the world, but she can no longer hide her deepest insecurities. And Dorie has just been shockingly betrayed by the man she loved and trusted the most. Can a one-month getaway to North Carolina’s Outer Banks help make things right?”

I know most people have read Mary Kay Andrew’s books. They are fun, easy, and captivating! But this was one of my favorite ones for summer. It is all about the beach, a beach house, old friends, new beginnings, and it is just an enjoyable fun read!

I hope you enjoy this list of unique poolside reads! Some are new, some are old, but all are fun!

What is on your summer list?


signature

Follow on Facebook | Bloglovin | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Hometalk

Linking with Met Monday and these link parties!

Categories:

,

Chemistry Hacks For Home and Outdoors

Quick hacks to save time, money, and eliminate unnecessary chemicals!

An easy to use eBook full of over 30+ DIY solutions for cleaning inside and out!

Get YOur Copy
Chemistry Hacks ebook cover.

Monthly Newsletter

Subscribe to the monthly newsletter for exclusive chemist tips and more!

Alexis is an investigative chemist sharing her expertise in cleaning, skincare, gardening, and home hacks. She personally tests out products like the best skincare products or home products then shares not only the science behind how it works, but also her personal results. She is the mom of two living in Texas with her husband. Find her on Instagram for fantastic videos, tips, and behind the scenes.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

42 Comments

  1. Well, maybe I live under a rock (or just spend too much time in kids’ books)! I haven’t heard of any of those! The Solitary Summer sounds like a good one for me.

    Reply

    1. Solitary Summer was a fun read, very old, but I love all the descriptive terms of her garden and the peace it brings! I think you should give it a try. It is also a quick read!

      Reply

  2. What a list…. I have to admit I haven’t heard of any of them! Granted I haven’t been much into mysteries lately, so that explains some of the list… but still…

    I’m so glad you shared this, I might have to look in the Summer Rental…. Thank you!

    Marissa
    Reading List

    Reply

    1. I hope you enjoy it! Most of these are pretty old, and some are even decades old so I figured most people haven’t heard of them. Those are my favorite types of books 🙂

      Reply

  3. These are great suggestions and I am adding them to my list. I love reading a good summer book

    Reply

    1. Me too! Hope you find a new favorite!

      Reply

    1. Night Circus was so fun!

      Reply

  5. I love to read many different types of books often I will even read something by someone I have never heard of before, books are fun, reading is fun, if you read you are not bored

    Reply

    1. That’s true Jo-Anne! Hope you can find a new one out of this list 🙂

      Reply

    1. Thanks Shellie! Would love to join the link up! I will be there then 🙂

      Reply

  7. We have similar tastes in books. I’ve already read about half of these, but appreciate the other suggestions I enjoy the Lucy Stone series as well, which remind me that I’m behind on those books.

    Reply

    1. That’s great Pattie! I need to catch up on Lucy Stone books too!

      Reply

  8. The Woman in White has me intrigued! Great list! I’ll have to check out some of these!

    Reply

    1. I really like the Woman in White, it had a twist. If you like classic or older books, I think you will enjoy it!

      Reply

  9. Nice list. Always love a good read!

    Reply

    1. Hope you can find a new one 🙂

      Reply

  11. These all sound great! That language of flowers one especially looks great to me. Thanks for sharing your book suggestions with us at the #HomeMattersParty this week!

    Reply

    1. That one was really good! I think you would enjoy it! Thanks Nicole!

      Reply

  12. I love that you don’t jump on the bandwagon of a new release! I’m that way about so many things – I want to make sure it’s not just a quick fad! 😉 Thanks for sharing your reading list with us at Waiting on…Wednesday!

    Holly @ http://www.iwillservewhileiwait.blogspot.com

    Reply

    1. Me too Holly! I love being different 🙂 Have a great week!

      Reply

  13. Oooh, really love #1, 4,5,7, and 8. Best friend reunions are so wonderful to read about! Maybe because I’m dreaming of one myself! I think it’s neat that you read according to the season. I love Christmas books anytime!
    Here from Creative Inspiration Party.

    Reply

    1. Christmas books are wonderful! I love reading about best friend stuff too. Thank you Melinda!!

      Reply

  14. Need a great escape this summer! Thanks for linking up #HomeMatters Linky Party. Hope you will be back this week! Rhonda

    Reply

    1. Thanks Rhonda! I will definitely be back this week 🙂

      Reply

  15. Thanks for the wonderful book list! I am always on the lookout for good books to read and you have listed some great one 🙂 So happy to have you share this with Roses of Inspiration.

    Reply

    1. I am always looking for a great new book too! Some of these I plan to read again because I enjoyed them so much 🙂

      Reply

  16. The Language of Flowers is a beautiful book! I’ll have to check out The Woman in White- I love classics!

    Reply

    1. I think you will really enjoy it if you love classics!

      Reply

    1. I hope you enjoy suzan!!

      Reply

  18. I read #4 The Language of Flowers. It was a good read and her story grabbed at my heart right from the beginning. And you are right, the description of flowers opened my mind up to the next time I purchase flowers for someone. Commenting from Tuesday Talk link up party. Thanks for sharing these great reads for summer. FYI, I do the same thing you do, read books around the seasons. Christmas novels are my favorite!

    Reply

    1. I love Christmas novels too! Thanks Michelle!

      Reply

  19. I’m a seasonal reader too! I’m all about light reads right now. Thanks for the recommendations!

    Reply

    1. I’m enjoying light reads too! Hope you can find a new favorite 🙂

      Reply

  20. Ooooh, I’ve heard of the Language of Flowers before, but just kind of brushed it off, now I might have to read it! Thanks! And the Night Circus is wonderful!

    Reply

    1. I felt the same way about it…I waited until the heat died down to try it, and loved it!

      Reply

  21. Alexis,
    Thank you for stopping by my blog! I followed you on g+….came over to see the books on your summer reading list….once I finish “The Red Tent” I think I am going to read The Language of Flowers. Thank you for the suggestions….I am always a few years behind myself!
    Linda
    mysewwhatblog

    Reply

    1. I think you will enjoy the language of the flowers! Just the description of the flowers alone is worth the read 🙂 Have a wonderful day Linda!

      Reply

  22. If only I had unlimited hours in the day to sit outside and read! I will definitely be checking out some of these books to read on vacation. Thanks for sharing at the Creative Inspiration party.

    Reply

Similar Posts