Summer reading preferences are always subjective, but some of the best books for this time of year are reflective of the things we strongly associate with the season: hot weather, sultry heatwaves, glistening beaches, beautiful holiday destinations, and globe-trotting travel.
Summer reading
Whether you’re heading off on holiday, planning a long weekend, or just looking for something to read in the sun, discover the best summer books. We've got the perfect selection of page-turning thrillers, feel-good romance, short stories, paperbacks, book club favourites and more, so you can find your next great read.
Find your kind of summer read
From funny books and new romance to short stories and paperbacks, browse our summer reading guides.
The home of crime and thriller reads
Looking for page-turners? Explore summer thrillers and fast-paced reads on Dead Good.
Best books to pack this summer
Don't forget your book bag
Make room for your summer reads with a Penguin tote – perfect for paperbacks, poolside reads and everything in between.
Travel through books this summer
Sun-soaked coastlines, bustling cities, breath-taking landscapes and more: explore stories set in some of the world’s most beautiful destinations.
Summer reading bundles
Discover hand-picked bundles of perfect summer reads for just £20 over on the Penguin Shop.
More summer reading inspiration
Summer food and cookery
Discover seasonal recipes, picnic ideas and summer entertaining inspiration on The Happy Foodie.
FAQs
What makes a good summer read?
What genres are popular in summer?
Many readers opt for romance and rom-coms or crime and thriller novels, for the ultimate summer escape in the form of an addictive, often glamorous, story.
What fiction book is recommended for long summer evenings?
For long summer evenings in 2026, we recommend anything that's set against an idyllic backdrop. Three Summers by Karen Swan transports you to the glistening coast of Puglia, while Sunstruck by William Rayfet Hunter begins with a trip to a beautiful holiday home in France. And in the Booker-shortlisted The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden, tensions rise along with the mercury as one woman's peaceful country life is disrupted by an unwanted guest. For classics that are perfect for summer, discover our dedicated Little Clothbound Classics collection for the season.
What non-fiction new releases are good for holiday reading?
Holidays are the perfect time to sink your teeth into that meaty non-fiction book you've been meaning to start. Love history? We recommend reading Dad's Army by Sinclair McKay to learn the true story of Britain's Home Guard in World War II. And if you're looking for an uplifting read, Lion Heart by Cam Whitnall or Starchild by Maggie Aderin are two of the must-read memoirs of 2026.