Summer reading

Claire Doll
MSMU Class of 2024

(7/2025) Summertime is finally here, and we’ve been waiting forever. Long days stretching out the same way we stretch in the morning. Sunrises too early to catch, and sunsets wasting time as we sit on the back deck, watching. While spring is my favorite season, there’s something special about summer: blue skies, warm air, and of course, more time. If you’re a teacher or student, whether in kindergarten or college, or even if you tend to use your PTO in the heat-filled months, summer is the perfect time to wind down or adventure. Many spend their days swimming and hiking and traveling; or, if they’d rather take the days slower, they can watch movies, go out for coffee, and do one of my favorite things in the world: read.

Now that school is out for the summer, one of the most important ways for students to continue learning is to read. In fact, one of the most important ways for anyone to continue lifelong learning is to read. Reading expands the imagination, builds vocabulary, and draws the mind to a natural curiosity. Summer reading is vital for building that love of learning, even in the hot, drawn-out months. For someone like myself, reading comes easily to me. However, if you find yourself struggling to pick up a book—or even wondering what the purpose is—I promise it’s worth it. Here are some tips and tricks for anyone—not just students—to pick up books over the summer and turn some pages by the poolside, at the beach, or even just at home!

Join summer reading programs

Check out your local library for summer reading programs. These programs often incentivize reading by offering prizes, keeping track of goals, and providing specialized recommendations. When I was younger, in middle school, I volunteered at my library to help elementary school students sign up for the summer reading program. After filling out a form, students and their families would stuff their library bags with books to rack up the number of stories they’d read together. When I didn’t have to sign families up for the program, I was allowed to read at my desk. I spent those wonderful summers immersing myself in the pages of my books, encouraging others to participate in the summer reading program, and participating in the program, myself. When I returned to school that fall, I always felt prepared to jump back into my English and language arts courses.

Nowadays, I keep track of my books using bookmarks my library hands out. I’ve read nearly 30 books this year, and my goal is 50 (but I’m hoping to go through more!). Because school is out and my schedule is freed up, I plan on going to my local library and wandering through the shelves to add to my to-be-read list.

Check out your local library’s website, or go in person, to learn more about your summer reading program!

Find summer reads

If you go to any bookstore or library in the months of June, July, or August, you’re destined to find a hand-picked selection of summer reads. Novels that take place at the beach, or by the lake, or in the mountains—either romance, thriller, historical fiction, or more. These recommendations are chosen by bookstore employees or librarians to attract readers. Just like how we crave mystery novels as soon as the leaves turn in the fall, we also long for books that make us feel like we’re on the sandy shores of Nantucket or the crystal beaches in Italy.

Browsing bookstores and libraries is one of my favorite hobbies. To up your summer reading this year, head to a local bookstore or library to find summer-specific recommendations!

Bring a book on vacation

Summer is a time for travel. Whether you’re taking a weekend road trip or a weeks-long adventure, bringing books is a must. You’ll often find yourself on an hours-long plane ride without a source of entertainment, and unless you have access to Wi-Fi or downloaded movies in advance, you might be bored. Novels are a cheap and easy way to pass the time during travel. And, if you get carsick, you can definitely resort to audiobooks!

Additionally, however you decide to vacation, novels enhance your experience. Do you plan on relaxing by the ocean every day? Packing a summery read is the ultimate way to unwind. Do you plan on adventuring through cities, or hiking through mountains? You can listen to audiobooks or relax after your journeys with a light read. Every time I pack for the beach, I often bring four or more books—even if I’m going for a week. I spend my beach days reading, swimming, and reading some more while basking under the sun. I read more on vacation than I do any other time of the year!

Vacations are better when spent living in real time, rather than on a device. By reading books instead of watching TV or scrolling on your phone, you are treating your mind to a calming yet rich and stimulating experience.

Join (or start) a book club

Despite what many say, reading does not have to be a solitary activity. Book clubs are the perfect way to get to know others while immersing yourself in a hobby. They can be more structured—a club led by your local library or bookstore—or they can be spontaneous and flexible. Perhaps you and a group of friends want to read the same book hitting the shelves next week. Simply set a date, read the book, and get together to discuss the story. This was one of my favorite activities in college. I remember being part of the Mount St. Mary’s book club, but also choosing a book to read with my roommates and discussing over a plate of cookies. While my schedule in college was super busy, I always made time for reading. Likewise, while summer can mean a crammed schedule, reading is a necessary outlet and an opportunity to be with friends.

Book clubs are the perfect summer activity because this is when schedules open, allowing for more friends and family to get together. In addition, authors often release books in the summer because it is a highly anticipated time of the year. You can spend your afternoons by the poolside, at a local park, or even in your backyard discussing books. Don’t forget to bring refreshments as well!

To learn more about starting or joining book clubs, be sure to visit your local library or bookstore.

There are so many ways to indulge yourself in books this summer. Whether you’re just starting out as a reader and want to explore the benefits of reading, or if you’re an avid reader like me, summer is the perfect time to open the pages of a book and jump into another world while enjoying the one around you. I cannot think of a more relaxing and beneficial activity. I also cannot recommend this enough to my students—or, to anyone—as they prepare for their summer vacations. And once you begin with summer reading, you’ll learn to do it in the fall, then winter, then spring… and forever, hopefully!

Read other articles by Claire Doll