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As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, there’s no better time to lounge by the pool or beach with a captivating novel in hand.
This summer, treat yourself to a literary escape with our curated list of seven best-selling novels that promise to keep you enthralled from the first page to the last.
These books span various genres and themes, ensuring there’s something for every reader’s taste.
So grab your sunscreen, sunglasses, and an ice-cold beverage, and prepare to be swept away by these mesmerizing reads.
1. The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
Embark on a poignant journey of resilience and hope with The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah.
Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl era, the novel follows the story of Elsa Martinelli, a woman forced to make a difficult choice between fighting for her family’s survival on their failing Texas farm or seeking a better life in the promising land of California. Rich with historical detail and unforgettable characters, The Four Winds is a sweeping saga that explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
- Genre: Historical Fiction
- Publication Year: 2021
- Author: Kristin Hannah, the acclaimed author of The Nightingale and The Great Alone
2. The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race by Walter Isaacson
Delve into the fascinating world of scientific innovation with The Code Breaker.
This meticulously researched biography chronicles the life and groundbreaking achievements of Jennifer Doudna, a biochemist who played a pivotal role in the development of CRISPR gene-editing technology. The book not only paints an intimate portrait of Doudna’s personal and professional journey but also examines the broader ethical implications of this revolutionary tool that has the potential to reshape our very understanding of life itself.
- Genre: Biography, Science and Technology
- Publication Year: 2021
- Author: Walter Isaacson, a celebrated biographer known for his works on Steve Jobs, Albert Einstein, and Leonardo da Vinci
3. No One Is Talking About This by Patricia Lockwood
Experience the chaotic and surreal landscape of internet culture in No One Is Talking About This by Patricia Lockwood.
The novel’s protagonist, a woman who has gained fame through her viral social media posts, grapples with the disorienting collision of her online and offline lives when a family crisis forces her to confront the limits of her digital existence. With its unique blend of humor, insight, and emotional depth, No One Is Talking About This offers a timely exploration of the ways in which the virtual world shapes our reality.
- Genre: Literary Fiction, Contemporary
- Publication Year: 2021
- Author: Patricia Lockwood, a poet and essayist whose previous works include Priestdaddy and Motherland Fatherland Homelandsexuals
4. Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
Embark on an interstellar adventure with Project Hail Mary, the latest offering from Andy Weir, the bestselling author of The Martian.
When astronaut Ryland Grace awakens aboard a spaceship with no memory of his mission or crew, he finds himself in a race against time to save Earth from an extinction-level threat. With its thrilling blend of science, suspense, and humor, Project Hail Mary is an exhilarating space odyssey that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
- Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure
- Publication Year: 2021
- Author: Andy Weir, the acclaimed author of The Martian and Artemis
5. Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
Immerse yourself in the thought-provoking world of Klara and the Sun, a mesmerizing novel by Nobel Prize-winning author Kazuo Ishiguro.
Seen through the eyes of an Artificial Friend named Klara, the narrative explores themes of love, loneliness, and what it means to be truly alive. As Klara observes and learns from the world around her, readers are invited to ponder the ethical complexities of creating artificial intelligence capable of experiencing human emotions. With its delicate and poetic prose, Klara and the Sun is a captivating meditation on the nature of consciousness and the human condition.
- Genre: Literary Fiction, Science Fiction
- Publication Year: 2021
- Author: Kazuo Ishiguro, the esteemed author of Never Let Me Go and The Remains of the Day
6. The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse
Get your heart racing with The Sanatorium, a chilling debut thriller by Sarah Pearse.
Set in an isolated Swiss Alps sanatorium-turned-hotel, the story unravels as detective Elin Warner investigates the disappearance of her estranged brother’s fiancée during their stay. As the body count rises and a snowstorm cuts off all access to the hotel, Elin must confront her own demons while unearthing the dark secrets of the sanatorium’s past. Combining atmospheric prose with a gripping plot, The Sanatorium is a spine-tingling tale that will have readers sleeping with the lights on.
- Genre: Thriller, Mystery
- Publication Year: 2021
- Author: Sarah Pearse, a debut novelist whose work has been compared to that of Ruth Ware and Lucy Foley
7. The Push by Ashley Audrain
Experience a haunting exploration of motherhood and family dynamics in The Push by Ashley Audrain.
Told from the perspective of Blythe Connor, a woman grappling with the challenges of motherhood and her fraught relationship with her daughter, the novel delves into the unsettling notion that some bonds are not meant to be, despite society’s expectations. As Blythe’s life unravels, readers are left to question the nature of love, trust, and the lengths one will go to protect their family. Disturbing, thought-provoking, and utterly engrossing, The Push is a psychological thriller that will stay with readers long after the final page is turned.
- Genre: Psychological Thriller, Domestic Fiction
- Publication Year: 2021
- Author: Ashley Audrain, a former publicity director of Penguin Books Canada making her literary debut
In conclusion, these seven best-selling novels offer readers a diverse range of captivating stories and immersive worlds to explore this summer. Whether you’re seeking heart-pounding suspense, thought-provoking literary fiction, or enthralling historical sagas, this carefully curated list promises to deliver unforgettable reading experiences. So grab one (or more) of these unputdownable books, find your perfect reading spot, and let the magic of storytelling transport you to new realms and adventures. Happy reading!
