It's summer and if you're at all like me, you've grabbed every book that you've ever had an inkling to read and put it in your summer reading stack to digest, eventually.
Here are some great authors to focus on this summer:
1. F. Scott Fitzgerald
Even if you cringe at the sight of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s name because of some distant high school required reading trauma, I implore you to reconsider your gut reaction.
"The Great Gatsby" is a personal favorite of mine, and rereading its 180 pages always brings something new to its reader.
As one of the greatest American novels, it'll give you some literary street cred.
His novel "This Side of Paradise" was a top seller in the 1920s.
Fitzgerald's work is entertaining, not a huge commitment and combine to commemorate the Roaring 20s and the Dirty 30s.
Source: The Washington Post
Source: Pinterest
2. Khaled Hosseini
Khaled Hosseini has written one of the best works of literary merit in the past century called "The Kite Runner."
"The Kite Runner," "A Thousand Splendid Suns" and "The Mountains Echoed" are his three major novels. They are all available in paperback, hardback or on Audible.com.
"The Kite Runner" was chosen as one of the titles for 1st World Book Day held in U.S. (2012).
"A Thousand Splendid Suns" was Amazon’s #1 book of the year in 2007. Read more about the books and Khaled Hosseini here.
Source: GoodReads.Com
These three books are on the heavier end of the spectrum, and I advise caution if you're sensitive to disturbing subject matter.
However, I cannot recommend these books more highly.
They expose Western culture to some realities of the Middle East and awareness of these issues can only expand human sympathy and encourage empathy.
Source: Buzzfeed.com
3. George R.R. Martin
George R.R. Martin’s "Game of Thrones" book series is a fictional odyssey of the kingdoms of Westeros and the sex, murder and alliance that dominate the politics between the ruling families.
Source: EW.com
There are five books in the series, and they've inspired by a wildly popular TV series (read more about the series and watching it here).
We are currently awaiting George R.R. Martin’s sixth installment of the series.
Source: Twitter.com
4. Shakespeare
I'm always one to recommend the Bard, but listening to his work performed makes it much more accessible and portable.
His comedies and dramas alike are perfect for when you're sunbathing and want to close your eyes and just listen.
While you're getting that perfect bronze glow, you might as well become a little more cultured.
Dost thou dig it?
Source: Newpaltzshakespeare.wordpress.com
5. Ron Chernow’s Alexander Hamilton
Unless you've been residing under a rock for the past year, you've heard something about Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hit musical "Hamilton."
If you’re not already obsessed, read more about it and listen to the music here.
Now if you’re already in love with it and want to impress your friends, pick up all 700 pages of Ron Chernow’s bestseller "Alexander Hamilton."
Source: Jta.org
Since the musical’s rise to popularity in the past year, the book is #1 on Amazon’s bestseller list and has an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Source: PublicTheater.org
6. Dan Brown
If you’re looking for a quick and easy beach read, Dan Brown is the author for you!
His #1 New York Times bestselling novels are great to read on the beach or when you're curled up in a blanket.
Source: FamousAuthors.org
Most of his books explore the relationships between science and Christianity, mixed with a touch of murder mystery and adventure.
This is especially true for his series of Robert Langdon novels, which includes "The DaVinci Code," "The Lost Symbol," "Inferno" and "Angels and Demons."
Source: SoIfollowJulian.com
7. John Green
If you want to cry about a book and watch a Youtube video that makes you laugh, then you can have it all with John Green.
Source: USAToday.com
Green has penned 5 books, collaborated on a 6th and was one of Time Magazine’s Top 100 influential people this past year.
His young adult writings are deep as well as goofy, with adventure and spontaneity that follows prevalent themes throughout his writing.
He is also part of a popular Youtube channel called vlogbrothers.
John Green and his brother Hank Green tackle tough topics while relating to the same young adult audience that John Green targets in his literature.
Source: Prezi.com
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