9 Books to Get You Out of a Reading Slump This Summer

Reading slumps are difficult to overcome. It takes a specific narrative and an intriguing book to catch a reader's attention long enough to want to finish the story. As the summer season approaches and the winter gloom ends, it's time to search for the best books of 2025, including those that will keep you company at the pool or on the beach. 

No matter the genre, books nurture knowledge and creativity. They allow readers to escape into the world of make-believe and enter the lives of people who live just as or less complicated lives than ours. Escapism is the underlying theme of all books, whether they transport readers back in time or an outrageous storyline simplifies reality, people turn to books for answers about the complexities of life. Books offer diverse viewpoints that challenge readers to reflect on issues that impact everyday lives or simply feed our delusions. A book that opens the mind and makes a reader question everything is a perfect one. That's the type of book that deserves to be in your hand as you tan by the poolside or decide to lounge by the beautiful ocean water. 

L'OFFICIEL has searched for the books that are guaranteed to reinvigorate almost any reader. Don't be fooled by the colorful covers. This list of novels provides a deeper understanding of life. They tackle the complexities of female friendships, sexual empowerment, self-sacrifice, and the hope of finding love. These topics are a significant part of everyday life, and every reader can relate to them at one point or another. They enrich the mind, and summer is the perfect time to do so. 

Keep scrolling to see the list of the best books of 2025 that will get you out of your reading slump in time for summer. 

The book that had BookTok firmly in its grasp will get you out of a reading slump. Written by Taylor Jenkins Reid, it's a historical fiction novel that tells the story of legendary Hollywood star Evelyn Hugo, chronicling her life for a young journalist, Monique Grant. There are shocking revelations sprinkled perfectly throughout the book, and once you reach the final page, you realize you don't want it to end. 

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid, $15, Barnes & Noble

Summer 2025 is taking a trip by to the 1960s and the 1970s in Brooke Lea Foster's All the Summers In Between. The coming-of-age novel follows the complex friendship of Margot and Thea, whose friendship became strained after a devastating summer night. 

All the Summers In Between by Brooke Lea Foster, $18.99, Amazon

Social media influencer Tinx is making her fiction novel debut with Hotter in the Hamptons. Lola is a fashion it girl living her dream life in New York City. However, things take a turn after her career falls apart, and an exposé written by a culture critic sends her running to the Hamptons, only to run into the critic who ruined her life. You'll be raising your eyebrows in the best way possible as the story unfolds. 

Hotter in the Hamptons by Tinx, $25, Amazon

Set against the backdrop of the East End of Long Island, The Guest by Emma Cline revolves around Alex, a young sex worker, as she navigates the illustrious Long Island life after her rich boyfriend kicks her out of his beach house. To make ends meet, she cons her way around the wealthy with her ability to read people and meet their desires. It's an intriguing story that discusses themes of class, wealth, and identity. 

The Guest by Emma Cline, $11, Amazon

Reimagining the literary excellence that is Pride and Prejudice, Emily Harding and Audrey Bellezza have modernized the enemies-to-lovers tale and set it in the Hamptons. Lizzy Bennet dreams of leaving Long Island, but decides to set her ambitions aside to help save her family's bakery. A fateful June summer changes everything as she meets Will Darcy, an arrogant, rich boy, who turns her world on its axis. This is the perfect book for summer and a way to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the 2005 film adaptation starring Keira Knightley. 

Elizabeth of East Hampton by Emily Harding and Audrey Bellezza, $14, Amazon

In Curvy Girl Summer by Danielle Allen, Aaliyah is about to celebrate a milestone in her life: her 30th birthday. She's determined to celebrate it with a boyfriend, but after a failed blind date, she's ready to give up on the dating scene. However, Ahmad Williamson, the local bartender, convinces her to step out of her comfort zone and try online dating. As the two continue to get closer, Aaliyah finds herself becoming more and more attracted to Ahmad. You'll have to read the book for yourself to see whether they pursue a romantic relationship. Who are we to spoil an ending?

Curvy Girl Summer by Danielle Allen, $11, Amazon

One Golden Summer tells the story of Alice, a photographer, who used to spend summers at Barry's Bay with Nan, her grandmother. After Nan falls and breaks her hip, Alice rushes to her side and the two set out to return to the lake that made summers magical for them. The photographer reunites with Charlie Florek, and their summer love story begins. 

One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune, $11, Barnes & Noble

Can't Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan follows the story of Hendrix Barry, who's living every woman's dream: she runs a successful business, has an incredible friend group, and has a family that supports and loves her. Her life makes a drastic change when she has to take care of an aging parent, so her journey of finding love is also put on hold. That is, until she meets Maverick Bell, a tech tycoon. They challenge each other, but with things taking a turn in her personal life, Hendrix doesn't see this relationship lasting. Maverick, on the other hand, isn't willing to let her go without a fight. 

Can't Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan, $18, Barnes & Noble

Emily Henry returns with another love story with a mysterious twist. Great Big Beautiful Life is about two writers, Alice Scott and Hayden Anderson, who enter a competition to write a biography about Margaret Ives, a woman who has disappeared from the public eye. Margaret will choose who gets to write her life's story, but not before she assesses who is worthy of telling it. 

Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry, $24, Barnes & Noble