Summer Book Club: A List of Summer Book Recommendations

Over the course of the summer, I read many books. Out of those, I chose five books I truly enjoyed or want to recommend to others. Welcome to Ewing’s Voice Summer Book Club. It involves a comprehensive list of multiple book recommendations.

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder Trilogy

Holly Jackson took the world by storm in 2020 with her debut novel, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder. It became a New York Times Bestseller, cementing Jackson’s name among other authors. It follows Pippa Fitz-Amobi, a senior who decides to solve an already closed murder case for her capstone project. Five years ago, Andie Bell was murdered by her boyfriend Sal Singh. The police and everyone in town believes he did it. Except for Pip. But the real killer wants to keep their secrets hidden, and when Pip begins digging for answers, it could put her life in jeopardy.

It’s a murder mystery story that makes perfect sense but is not easy to predict. The second and third book are cohesive with the first, yet are so different and refreshing.

It’s for all the mystery and romance as a sub-plot lovers. This series is rated YA (Young Adult) but does have mature and triggering themes. It mentions rape, drugs, and the very gore details of murder. I would decide if you’re able to read this content before picking up the book.

Alone With You in the Ether

I feel as if this book encapsulates what it means to be human. It isn’t your typical love story. It deals with very heavy topics regarding mental health.

But I connected to it. Deeply. The writing style is very unique and feels true to the essence of the book.

The plot is character driven because the plot is the characters. Regan and Aldo felt real and complex. For that very reason, I also recommend you check the trigger warnings before reading this.

This book is art in its purest form.

This Woven Kingdom

This fantasy novel is set in an enriching world inspired by Persian mythology. The main character, Alizeh, is the heir to an ancient Jinn kingdom. While it is slow paced, I did not mind it. I was far too entranced by the storytelling, the setting, and the story’s premise.

I loved the writing style as well. The sequel isn’t out yet and I am very excited to see where this story goes.

Market of Monsters Trilogy

I first heard of this series when it became a WEBTOON. Afterwards, I bought the books because I was interested.

If you love a story with a tundra of morally gray characters, this book is for you. They are as morally gray as it gets. And with the way this society works, sometimes you’re unsure of who you’re rooting for. You’re essentially choosing between bad and worse.

Here’s its summary: “Nita doesn’t murder supernatural beings and sell their body parts on the internet—her mother does that. Nita just dissects the bodies after they’ve been “acquired.” But when her mom brings home a live specimen, Nita decides she wants out — dissecting living people is a step too far.

“But when she tries to save her mother’s victim, she ends up sold on the black market in his place — because Nita herself is a supernatural being. Now Nita is on the other side of the bars, and there is no line she won’t cross to escape and make sure no one can ever capture her again.

“Nita did a good deed, and it cost her everything. Now she’s going to do a lot of bad deeds to get it all back.”

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

An immortal girl cursed to be forgotten, and the one boy who remembers.

This novel is greatly more character driven than plot. It has long monologues to give readers introspect into the characters and is very slow paced until the end. While I don’t think everyone will enjoy this book because of these aspects, that doesn’t mean other people won’t.

It’s a good book with great writing by the author. You grow to love the characters and become involved with their personal stories.

I would describe it as an urban fantasy, but very low scale on the fantasy part. It feels as if its more in the background while the characters’ journeys in the real world is at the forefront.