Summer Reading List
Of course you already may have read these books and they can also be read any time - but the beach and a good book is one of the best combinations going.
Here are some books in no particular order that I would recommend as good summer reading material. This is not meant as a comprehensive list and there are a number of other books I’d generally recommend but for beach books - this is a good start:
Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone by JK Rowling. I recommend the entire series of books but you have to start somewhere and it may as well be with the first book.
The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel. One of those books everyone should read.
Atomic Habits by James Clear. One of those books that everyone should take to heart. Your habits truly make you who you are.
Seven Brief Lessons on Physics by Carlo Rovelli. Excellent writing coupled with lessons on physics everyone who is interested in the subject should know.
The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara. I try to re-read this around July 4th every year so I can relive each day of the Battle of Gettysburg as it happened. Excellent writing and a good reminder of the importance of he battle which in many ways made our country what it is today.
A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway. My favorite Hemingway book and one that was not released until his death. Shows him and his world as it really was.
The Razor's Edge by W. Somerset Maugham. This book holds a special place in my heart but your mileage may differ.
Cannery Row by John Steinbeck. One of my favorite books to read at the beach in the summer. Actually bought my first copy in Monterey at a bookstore on Cannery Row.
The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien. Another of those series of books that everyone should read. But if you read the trilogy just once you may find yourself wanting to read it several times.
Dune by Frank Herbert. I've read the book many times but interestingly enough have never even tried reading any of the rest of the series.
Kim by Rudyard Kipling. Another of my favorites and I find myself with a ken to re-read it from time to time.
Noble House by James Clavell. Still say one of the best books ever written to gain insight into the Chinese mind.
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. Immediately re-read this book. Also re-read the second book and remain disappointed the third installment has yet to come out.
Foundation by Isaac Asimov. A classic of science fiction.
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card. A newer classic of science fiction.
The Plague by Albert Camus. The man doesn't get enough credit as a good writer.
Siddhartha by Herman Hesse. There should be at least one book by Hesse on this list.
Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker. Sleep is a big part of every day of your life. You should make the attempt to understand it.
Surely Your Joking Mr. Feynman by Richard Feynman. Sure physics was a big part of his life but he was so much more than that.
The Thin Man by Dashiell Hammett. I love the old movie but the book is even better.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. When you find yourself gifting a book to one of your kids because you enjoyed it so much there may be no higher praise.
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. Everyone who strives to create anything should read this book.