Hottest Summer Books of 2012
August 2, 2012
It’s summer and one of the best things about this season is reading great books while soaking in the sunshine and breathing in the fresh air (preferably by the pool or on the beach but, really, anywhere is great after months of being trapped inside by cold weather).
To honor this yearly literary indulgence, we’ve put together a list of books that you might enjoy. They range from red hot romance to stories of true crime so there’s a little bit of something for everyone.
Fifty Shades of Grey – E.L. James
Most women have heard of it, plan to read it, are currently reading it, or have added it to their “finished” pile. The phenomenon that began with Fifty Shades of Grey has captivated female readers all over the world and has set a record for the number of copies sold. College student, Anastasia Steele, takes the place of her roommate and interviews Christian Grey, a wealthy and mysterious businessman. Their chemistry is undeniable but will it lead to more than either of them bargained for? You have to read it to find out! What some may not realize is that the book is actually just the first in a trilogy so, if you’re looking for a little extra sizzle this summer, the Fifty Shades Trilogy might be perfect!
On the Island – Tracey Garvis Graves
On the Island became a huge hit and, after reading the plot, it is easy to understand why. Thirty-year-old Anna Emerson is an English teacher who has been commissioned to tutor sixteen-year-old T.J. Callahan, who is battling cancer that has gone into remission. While Anna and T.J. are en route to the Maldives where the teen’s parents want him to go to focus on catching up on the school he missed, their plane crashes and, after being stranded on an island together, they slowly fall in love.
Unbroken – Laura Hillenbrand
In a story of survival, Lieutenant Louis Zamperini finds himself clinging to a life raft after his Army Air Forces bomber crashes into the Pacific Ocean during World War II. A runner worthy of competing in the Berlin Olympic Games prior to joining the military, Zamperini must find a way to live as he drifts through an open ocean filled with sharks with no food or water to sustain him. Hillenbrand is also the author of Seabiscuit.
Presumed Guilty – Jose Baez
The story of the disappearance of toddler, Caylee Anthony, devastated people around the world. Her mother, Casey Anthony, was eventually arrested, tried and found not guilty of the crimes that led to her only child’s tragic death. The verdict was shocking, especially since all of the evidence seemed to suggest that Casey had some idea of what happened. Her lawyer, Jose Baez, has written this book to tell his side of the story in an attempt to shed light into what may have led the jury to let her walk free.
A Game of Thrones 4-Book Boxed Set – George R. R. Martin
The epic tales have been adapted and made into a hit HBO show which has led to a renewed interest in the books. Fans of the television series, who must wait until next year to find out what happens to their favorite characters, can read ahead and speculate about where the producers will take the storyline. Those who do not follow the show but who love fantasy fiction will enjoy the rich storytelling, intriguing plots and inventive creation of a world that may not truly exist but is very much like our own.
