10 Best Books To Read By The Pool This Summer

Last Updated on October 20, 2021

A swimming pool is one of the best luxuries you can have at home. Not only does it offer the perfect place to cool off and bond with your friends and family, but it’s also a great spot for some alone time. And with the summer weather here, you can finally bask in the sun and while away the hours with a good book to read aloud or silently. Don’t have something to read yet? We’ve got you covered.

From sweet romance stories to psychological thrillers and heart-wrenching memoirs, here are 10 books to read by the pool this summer. 

1. The Push by Ashley Audrain

The Push is a gut-wrenching, emotional, and must-read story of a woman, Blythe, whose experience of motherhood isn’t quite like she expected. Turns out, it was everything she feared. This is a book that explores the consequences if mothers are not believed and heard. It is thought-provoking, emotionally devastating, and brutally honest. 

While it’s a little heavy for a relaxing read by the pool, The Push is a thrilling book that will keep you at the edge of your seat – or in this case, your sun lounger. 

2. The Giver of Stars: A Novel by Jojo Moyes

From the author of Me Before You, Jojo Moyes delivers another compelling story about love, friendship, courage, and self-actualization. Set in the Great Depression in America, The Giver of Stars is a story about five women and their remarkable journey as traveling librarians. It is based on a true story, particularly that of the actual Pack Horse Librarians who brought hope and light to other people through books during one of the darkest times in history. 

3. People We Meet On Vacation by Emily Henry 

Looking for a rom-com that will give you all the feels? Well, here’s the book for you. The People We Meet On Vacation is a sweet and emotional tale about two best friends that end up as lovers. Surely, you’ve read a dozen of those already, but what makes this unique and an incredibly worthy read is Emily Henry’s amazing humor and writing. If you loved her book “Beach Read”, you’ll certainly fall in love with this too. 

4. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

Have you ever wondered how your life would be like if you just made different choices along the way? What if you continued playing in a rock band? What if you stayed in your career and didn’t break up with your boyfriend? This is exactly what The Midnight Library is about. 

Nora, a woman in her mid-30s and unhappy with her current life finds herself in a library filled with an infinite number of books. Each book provides her a chance to try another life she could have lived – but are any of these other lives any better? That’s for you to find out. The Midnight Library is a beautiful story that deals with self-discovery, mental health, suicide, and hope.

5. The Viscount Who Loved Me (Bridgerton Series #2) by Julia Quinn

If you loved the Bridgerton series on Netflix and can’t wait for the next season, then you better read Julia Quinn’s “The Viscount Who Loved Me”. It is the second book of the series and is focused on Anthony Bridgerton, eldest of the Bridgerton siblings and London’s most elusive bachelor. 

Like the first one, “The Duke and I”, The Viscount Who Loved Me is a fun, witty, and good romance story that will leave you smiling if not laughing out loud by the pool. 

6. Legendbord by Tracy Deonn

Are you looking for a young adult book that’ll give you action, romance, suspense, fantasy, and magic? Then you shouldn’t miss the Legendborn by Tracy Deonn. It is the first of its series and centers around Bree Matthews, a 16-year-old girl who lost her mother in an accident. 

On her very first night on campus, Bree witnesses a magical attack, a demon feeding on human energies, and the “Legendborn” – a secret society of students who hunt such creatures. In an attempt to wipe away everything she saw, a mage ends up awakening Bree’s unique magic and memory. Turns out, there was more to her mom’s death than what was said. So in her quest for the truth, Bree enters the Legendborn as an initiate and becomes the Order’s sole black member. 

7. Somebody’s Daughter: A Memoir by Ashley C. Ford

Somebody’s Daughter is a deeply moving, powerful, and heartbreakingly beautiful memoir about a woman’s coming-of-age journey. It is the story of Ashley Ford’s recollection of her struggles growing up as a poor black girl with an incarcerated father. Yes, Somebody’s Daughter is heavy as it tackles very personal issues, including rape, race, poverty, and family ties. While it’s a bit difficult to read, you’ll find it completely honest and necessary. 

8. Seven Days in June by Tia Williams

Seven Days in June is about two writers who, in their teenage years, met and spent one crazy week filled with mad torrid love. After 15 years, they meet again and find themselves with a second chance at love. Will they finally take it? 

Tia Williams offers a romantic, hilarious, and sexy-as-hell story that you will certainly enjoy reading by the pool. It explores childhood trauma and how one’s dark experiences affect relationships. In terms of romance stories, this is definitely a win. 

9. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

A painful yet beautiful novel, it’s no wonder why Delia Owens’ Where the Crawdads Sing is listed in almost every recommendation list. This book is filled with mystery, drama, romance, and a coming-of-age story that will move you and leave you with a lasting impression. 

We have to say, Delia Owens’ writing is truly captivating. She draws you in through her character’s stories and makes you feel with them – the love, isolation, longing, pain, and joys. Certainly, the Where the Crawdads Sing is worth all the hype.

10. The Rose Code by Kate Quinn

The Rose Code is a great choice for those who love historical fiction. Set in 1940’s London, this is a story about three female code-breakers who were once closer than sisters but have been torn apart by misunderstanding, secrets, and betrayal. As chances have it and with their country’s security at risk, they are forced to work together and solve one last puzzle.