Big-Ass (Belated) 2014 Summer Reading List

I started writing this post in May. Oops.

I always like to put together a highly-aspirational list of the books I'd like to read over the summer. My schedule is a bit more flexible, in theory, and so I hope for chunks of time to read. I don't really think there's a particular type of book that makes a "summer read," though I know for a lot of folks that's not the case. 

My list of 20 books (I'm so not getting to all of these--let me know if you've read any of them so I can prioritize) and my comments are below.

Click on the book cover image for more info.

Bittersweet by Miranda Beverly-Whittemore - I've heard this is a good one for folks who liked Dangerous Girls, which I did. (Out Now)

The Fever Megan Abbott - I've read enough wildly differing reviews of The Fever that it's piqued my interest. (Out Now)

Like No Other by Una LaMarche - This novel about a Hasidic girl and African American boy, both from Brooklyn, who find themselves trapped in an elevator, changing both of their lives, has received a ton of positive buzz. The premise certainly intrigues me. (Out in July)

Wildflower by Alecia Whitaker - What can I say? I'm a sucker for books about girls with big musical dreams. (Out Now)

How to Tell Toledo from the Night Sky by Lydia Netzer - I've heard good things about this novel from a new-to-me author, including Trish Doller and Jen of Pop Goes the Reader. And I just love that cover! (Out Now)

Dangerous Boys by Abigail Haas - I really loved the aforementioned Dangerous Girls by Abigail Haas and I'm looking forward to her next thriller as well. Racquel, Official Dangerous Girls Superfan, has already read it and has good things to say. (Out in Aug.)

Half Bad by Sally Green - Trinity recommended this when she was visiting earlier this month and she seems to have similar taste to me, so I thought I'd give it a whirl. (Out Now)

Glory by Maureen McGowan - I'm debating holding out for the audiobook release of this final installment in this fast-paced, entertaining series, since I listened to the first two. But I really want to know what happens to Glory and the crew!

New Guinea Moon by Kate Constable - The aforementioned Trinity gave me several lovely Australian books and this is the one I'm most excited about--it's historical and extremely relevant to my grad school research from a million years ago.

The Beginning of After by Jennifer Castle - I loved Jennifer's You Look Different in Real Life and have been meaning to read her other book for ages. I will get to it this summer!

The Suffragette Scandal by Courtney Milan - Talk about effective marketing--I am not much of a historical romance reader (sorry!) but Courtney's teasers for her newest book that she posted on Tumblr totally sold me. (Out Now)

Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean - I read a couple of Sarah MacLean books earlier this year and really liked them. I'm going to start with some of her earlier books. (Out Now)

Lovely, Dark & Deep by Amy McNamara - I bought this book on a whim several months ago. I know nothing about it except that the cover is stunning in person. (Out Now)

Me Before You by JoJo Moyes - Penguin sent me a review copy of this book before it came out and I was super-excited about it and then all the early reviews talked about how sad it was and I got scared. I will try to be brave... soon. (Out Now)

Just Call My Name by Holly Goldberg Sloan - The first book in this duology, I'll Be There, is one of my favorites--there's something just magical about it. I have a review copy of this one and I'm saving it for when I have an afternoon to read it straight through. (Out in Aug.)

Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins - I have had this book preordered since it was announced I don't know how long ago. I feel like I'm in the minority here, but I really like the new look for these books. (Out in Aug.)

Dirt Bikes, Drones & Other Ways to Fly by Conrad Wesselhoeft - I grabbed this book at the library recently and am so intrigued by it, especially since it's set in rural New Mexico. (Out Now)

After Summer by Nick Earls - I bought this Aussie book last year and then lost it (!) in my bookshelf. I just found it when I was rearranging some furniture and I am looking forward to finally reading it. (Out Now)

Sinner by Maggie Stiefvater - Y'all I read this last night and it was spectacular. Maggie continues to kick ass x1000. (Out Now)

The Bridge from Me to You by Lisa Schroeder - Yep, another one I read already, but it's too good to not mention. I loved this heartwarming small-town story--it's just the fix for you FNL fans. (Out in July.)

All right--there you have it! Twenty books that are on my radar for the rest of the summer's reading. What are your picks? 

Disclosure: I received review copies of several of these books, including The Bridge from Me to You, which is dedicated to Laura and I.