I’m not sure if it was the deluge of snow or the frigid cold that followed, but now warm weather vibes are all that I want. When I can’t get away from life here, I make sure to escape into a book that suits my mood. Evoking the spirit of summer and the warmth that sinks into your skin, these books will transport you to a world where you can feel the sun on your face with the excitement of long, lazy days filled with adventure, passion, and self-discovery.

Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey

Edward’s memoir takes readers on a journey through the arid landscapes of the American Southwest. As a seasonal ranger in Arches National Park, he immerses readers in the harsh yet stunning beauty of the desert, where the heat is unrelenting, and the isolation is profound. His prose, at times philosophical and at times rebellious, gives voice to a love for the land and a critique of human encroachment on its natural beauty. A perfect companion for those who crave the heat of the desert and the expansive freedom it offers.

One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle

This novel will transport you to the Amalfi Coast. It follows the story of Katy, who travels to Italy after the death of her mother, only to find her rediscovering herself in a place she has always longed to visit. The warm Mediterranean breeze, the aroma of fresh basil, and the joy of Italian food weave together in a heartwarming tale of loss, healing, and rediscovery. With lush descriptions of the seaside village and its vibrant culture, this book is a wonderful virtual escape.

The Lemon Grove by Helen Walsh

Set on the idyllic island of Mallorca, this is a story about love, temptation, and betrayal. The book follows a woman, Jenn, who is vacationing with her husband and teenage daughter when she becomes captivated by a younger man. The heat of the Mediterranean sun, the lush landscapes, and the sexual tension make this novel simmer with intensity. As it explores the darker sides of passion and the complexities of relationships, it gives the reader a taste of summer’s heat and all of the emotions it stirs up.

The Water Knife by Paolo Bacigalupi

Set in a not-so-distant future where water is as precious as gold, this novel dives deep into the desert heat of the American Southwest. With the Colorado River running dry, and cities in desperate need of water, this thriller offers a chilling look at a world where survival depends on securing access to dwindling resources. While the book’s premise is dystopian, it beautifully captures the oppressive heat and isolation of a desert on the brink of collapse. The stark reality of the setting makes the book feel like the hot, dry air is suffocating you as you turn each page.

Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter

Set between the picturesque Italian coast and the glitzy world of 1960s Hollywood, this is a book that brims with the warmth of summer, both physically and emotionally. It spans several decades, telling the story of a young Italian innkeeper and his encounter with an American actress whose life is a mixture of glamour and despair. The sweeping landscape of the Italian coast provides a backdrop to the unraveling lives of the characters, where the beauty of the setting contrasts with the complexities of their emotions. The sun, the sea, and the golden age of Hollywood all come alive in this novel.

The Beach by Alex Garland

Offering a seductive yet dangerous view of paradise in Thailand, this novel follows a group of travelers who discover a hidden beach community. What begins as an idyllic retreat quickly spirals into chaos, as the group’s utopian dream turns into a nightmare. The novel pulses with the heat and humidity of the tropics, where the lush jungle meets the blue of the sea, and the relentless heat creates a sense of claustrophobia and tension. 

Bonjour Tristesse by Françoise Sagan

Set on the French Riviera, where the warmth of the sun seems to mirror the complex emotions of the characters, this novel follows Cécile, a young woman spending the summer with her father, a carefree playboy. Their idyllic existence is disrupted when a woman named Anne enters their lives, creating tensions that lead to a tragic conclusion. 

Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury

Set in 1928, this novel follows the adventures of 12-year-old Douglas as he experiences the wonders and pains of growing up. Ray’s poetic prose weaves together the heat of summer with the nostalgia of childhood, offering a beautiful reflection on life, love, and loss. The warmth of the season is felt not just through the setting but through the emotions and memories that are brought to life on every page.

The Vacationers by Emma Straub

This novel is a great beach read, set against the backdrop of a luxurious summer holiday on the island of Mallorca. As a family gathers to celebrate the upcoming wedding of one of its members, tensions arise and secrets come to light. Emma’s portrayal of the sun-drenched Mediterranean atmosphere and her deft handling of family dynamics make this novel both a light, breezy read and a deeper exploration of relationships, love, and the complexity of family life. 

Summer by Ali Smith

True to its title, Summer is a novel that encapsulates the essence of the season, both literally and metaphorically. Set against the backdrop of a warm, contemporary world on the cusp of change, it explores themes of identity, family, and the passage of time. The sun-drenched days are a backdrop to the unfolding of the lives of the characters, who grapple with the uncertainty of the world around them. The writing, full of wit and wisdom, captures the warmth of summer while reflecting on the turbulence of the times.

Happy Reading!

Featured in the March 8, 2025 issue of The Independent