---
title: "Our Favorite Books for Summer 2026"
id: "50271"
type: "post"
slug: "summer-2026-reading"
published_at: "2026-05-21T10:20:33+00:00"
modified_at: "2026-05-22T11:12:50+00:00"
url: "https://www.buyapowa.com/blog/summer-2026-reading/"
markdown_url: "https://www.buyapowa.com/blog/summer-2026-reading.md"
excerpt: "When the Buyapowa team isn’t obsessing about all things referral and rewards, there’s nothing we like better than to relax with a good book. And that’s whether it’s fiction or comedy, or even more serious stuff like biographies or marketing..."
taxonomy_category:
  - "Latest News"
  - "Uncategorised"
taxonomy_post_tag:
  - "Books"
taxonomy_translation_priority:
  - "Optional"
---

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# Our Favorite Books for Summer 2026

Last Modified: 22/05/2026  
**5 min read**

[https://www.buyapowa.com/blog/author/gideon-lask/](https://www.buyapowa.com/blog/author/gideon-lask/)

**Author:**  
[Gideon Lask](https://www.buyapowa.com/blog/author/gideon-lask/)
- CEO of Buyapowa

When the Buyapowa team isn’t obsessing about all things referral and rewards, there’s nothing we like better than to relax with a good book. And that’s whether it’s fiction or comedy, or even more serious stuff like biographies or marketing and business psychology. Because, not only can a great book help you escape a little into your imagination, it can inspire you and refresh your mind and help recharge you to return to work full of energy and great ideas.

And now as we approach the summer period, when you think about arranging you holidays, here’s a list of the books that made our team think or dream in 2026. Hopefully you can find something that’s perfect for you in amongst our list to help you relax on your holidays.

1. **“Flashlight” by Susan Choi** *A deftly written novel that lingers long after you close it. Poetic, haunting, deeply human.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=flashlight+susan+choi&crid=2TMTH972ANHT)
2. **“The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny” by Kiran Desai** *A story spanning continents and generations about love, identity and home. Warm, rich, resonant.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=%22The+Loneliness+of+Sonia+and+Sunny%22+by+Kiran+Desai)
3. **“The Land in Winter” by Andrew Miller** *Atmospheric historical fiction that draws you into another time and place. Brooding, immersive, thoughtful.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Land+in+Winter%22+by+Andrew+Miller)
4. **“Flesh” by David Szalay** *Bold, experimental storytelling that challenges and rewards. Unsettling, inventive, powerful.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Flesh%22+by+David+Szalay)
5. **“Audition” by Katie Kitamura** *A sharp contemporary novel that stays with you. Cool, precise, quietly powerful.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=audition+Katie+Kitamura&crid=QHB88JW2XVVP)
6. **“The Rest of Our Lives” by Benjamin Markovits** *Layered character work and a rich narrative. Thoughtful, moving, absorbing.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Rest+of+Our+Lives+Benjamin+Markovits&crid=DKGE266IP8FF)
7. **“The Revolutionists” by Jason Burke** *A gritty, vital non-fiction look at turbulent history and its echoes today. Sharp and illuminating.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Revolutionists%22+by+Jason+Burke)
8. **“How to End a Story: Collected Diaries” by Helen Garner** *Intimate reflections and raw honesty from a master writer. Intimate, reflective, true.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=How+to+End+a+Story%3A+Collected+Diaries%22+by+Helen+Garner)
9. **“Embers of the Hands” by Eleanor Barraclough** *History told with clarity and humanity. Rich, enlightening, vivid.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Embers+of+the+Hands%22+by+Eleanor+Barraclough&crid=3HDUZSYLXBRKT)
10. **“The Boundless Deep” by Richard Holmes** *A brilliant blend of biography, science and culture. Engaging, intelligent, expansive.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=%22The+Boundless+Deep%22+by+Richard+Holmes&crid=W2IUG8014FWB)
11. **“Lone Wolf” by Adam Weymouth** *Contemporary non-fiction unpacking modern Europe with sharp insight. Clear-eyed and thoughtful.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=%22Lone+Wolf%22+by+Adam+Weymouth&crid=1RDWD1E85BH2M)
12. **“The Eagle and the Hart” by Helen Castor** *Scholarly depth and vivid storytelling. Epic, dramatic, learned.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=%22The+Eagle+and+the+Hart%22+by+Helen+Castor&crid=290OC8FW8LPR5)
13. **“The Safekeep” by Yael van der Wouden** *Historical fiction with emotional weight and subtle power. Atmospheric, poignant, elegant.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=%22The+Safekeep%22+by+Yael+van+der+Wouden)
14. **“The Heart in Winter” by Kevin Barry** *Lyrical, immersive fiction capturing time, place, and feeling. Melancholic, beautiful, engrossing.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Heart+in+Winter%22+by+kevin+barry)
15. **“The Book of Days” by Francesca Kay** *A sweeping historical novel that transports and lingers. Evocative and rich.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=%22The+Book+of+Days%22+by+Francesca+Kay)
16. **“A Little Trickerie” by Rosanna Pike** *Light, witty and fun — a refreshing break that still feels crafted. Playful and clever.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=A+Little+Trickerie%22+by+Rosanna+Pike%3C&i=stripbooks-intl-ship)
17. **“Fundamentally” by Nussaibah Younis** *Brave contemporary fiction with a distinct, powerful voice. Bold, fresh, striking.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=%22Fundamentally%22+by+Nussaibah+Younis)
18. **“The In Crowd” by Charlotte Vassell** *A tense, sharp thriller that keeps you hooked throughout.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+In+Crowd%22+by+Charlotte+Vassell)
19. **“The Book of Secrets” by Anna Mazzola** *A layered, thoughtful mystery weaving history and emotion. Elegant and haunting.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Book+of+Secrets%22+by+Anna+Mazzola)
20. **“Onyx Storm” by Rebecca Yarros** *Imaginative fantasy with dramatic scope — escapism at its best. Epic and vivid.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=%22Onyx+Storm%22+by+Rebecca+Yarros&crid=3F4MDYSH9Z1B7)
21. **“Sunrise on the Reaping” by Suzanne Collins** *A brutal, gripping return to dystopia with real emotional punch.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=%22Sunrise+on+the+Reaping%22+by+Suzanne+Collins)
22. **“The First Gentleman” by Bill Clinton & James Patterson** *A fast-paced political thriller full of intrigue and tension.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+First+Gentleman%22+by+Bill+Clinton+%26+James+Patterson&crid=24FJMABZQE2DG)
23. **“The Impossible Fortune” by Richard Osman** *Clever, warm, entertaining — classic Osman charm.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=%22The+Impossible+Fortune%22+by+Richard+Osman&crid=1D4DJZTQI85Y4)
24. **“Cursed Daughters” by Oyinkan Braithwaite** *Energetic, edgy storytelling with cultural wit and bite.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=%22Cursed+Daughters%22+by+Oyinkan+Braithwaite&crid=Y181TBRI99M6)
25. **“A Guardian and a Thief” by Megha Majumdar** *Socially aware, emotionally direct fiction that stays with you. Relevant and thoughtful.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=%22A+Guardian+and+a+Thief%22+by+Megha+Majumdar)
26. **“Great Big Beautiful Life” by Emily Henry** *A heartfelt, absorbing story of ambition, love and secrets.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=%22Great+Big+Beautiful+Life%22+by+Emily+Henry&crid=1ZR51T5VI4MVZ)
27. **“Matriarch: A Memoir” by Tina Knowles** *A warm, moving memoir about family, identity and strength.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=%22Matriarch%3A+A+Memoir%22+by+Tina+Knowles&crid=TTCB93ANVBP0)
28. **“A Long Game: Notes on Writing Fiction” by Elizabeth McCracken** *Insightful, wise writing advice for creators and curious readers alike.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=%22A+Long+Game%3A+Notes+on+Writing+Fiction%22+by+Elizabeth+McCracken)
29. **“Mother Mary Comes to Me” by Arundhati Roy** *Bold, lyrical, thought-provoking non-fiction from a major voice.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=%22Mother+Mary+Comes+to+Me%22+by+Arundhati+Roy%3C&crid=375XVSEVN8LQJ)
30. **“A Marriage at Sea” by Sophie Elmhirst** *An unbelievable true story of endurance, love and survival. Harrowing and deeply human.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=A+Marriage+at+Sea%22+by+Sophie+Elmhirst)
31. **“The Thinking Machine” by Stephen Witt** *A gripping exploration of tech, power and the future. Smart and revealing.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=%22The+Thinking+Machine%22+by+Stephen+Witt&crid=3A14JL1D3A05Y)
32. **“Abundance” by Ezra Klein & Derek Thompson** *Big-picture thinking about progress, hope and what comes next.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=%22Abundance%22+by+Ezra+Klein+%26+Derek+Thompson)
33. **“How Progress Ends” by Carl Benedikt Frey** *A provocative, analytical look at technology, society and the future.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=%22How+Progress+Ends%22+by+Carl+Benedikt+Frey)
34. **“Strong Ground” by Brené Brown** *On leadership, resilience and human values. Empowering and grounded.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=%22Strong+Ground%22+by+Bren%C3%A9+Brown)
35. **“House of Huawei” by Eva Dou** *A revealing dive into business, power and geopolitics. Challenging and important.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=House+of+Huawei%22+by+Eva+Dou&crid=23C5XSKEWLA4J)
36. **“Chokepoints” by Edward Fishman** *Essential non-fiction making sense of global power and economics.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Chokepoints%22+by+Edward+Fishman&crid=NI33JAP4I097)
37. **“The Mysterious Case of the Victorian Female Detective” by Sara Lodge** *Surprising history meets engrossing mystery. Elegant and immersive.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Mysterious+Case+of+the+Victorian+Female+Detective%22+by+Sara+Lodge&crid=3QTGHUQ2WLCDJ)
38. **“The Scapegoat” by Lucy Hughes-Hallet** *Ambition, intrigue and history in a sweeping biography. Vivid and compelling.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Scapegoat%22+by+Lucy+Hughes-Hallet&crid=1U14HUMTTHLIN)
39. **“Catland” by Kathryn Hughes** *Fascinating, original social history told through the unexpected.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Catland%22+by+Kathryn+Hughes&crid=1370CM4WH9FCD)
40. **“The Greek Revolution and the Violent Birth of Nationalism” by Yanni Kotsonis etc.***A gripping historical account of identity, conflict and nationhood.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Greek+Revolution+and+the+Violent+Birth+of+Nationalism&crid=30R58JYFQLVAW)
41. **“How Things Are Made” by Tim Minshall** *A bright, surprising tour of the everyday world and how it’s built.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=How+Things+Are+Made%22+by+Tim+Minshall)
42. **“The House on Buzzards Bay” by Dwyer Murphy** *A dark, atmospheric gothic thriller full of tension and secrets.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+House+on+Buzzards+Bay%22+by+Dwyer+Murphy&crid=162M9D694N31M)
43. **“Endling” by Maria Reva** *Bold fiction exploring war, displacement and human resilience.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=%22Endling%22+by+Maria+Reva&crid=MYZUZSOT2Z5L)
44. **“Dream State” by Eric Puchner** *A contemporary family saga full of emotion, realism and depth.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=%22Dream+State%22+by+Eric+Puchner&crid=2SP7BYES5NO4I)
45. **“Every One Still Here” by Liadan Ní Chuinn** *Hard-hitting stories that feel raw, urgent and full of heart.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=%22Every+One+Still+Here%22+by+Liadan+N%C3%AD+Chuinn&crid=6O0HJN626NNX)
46. **“The Names” by Florence Knapp** *A lively debut capturing youthful angst and identity with clarity.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=%22The+Names%22+by+Florence+Knapp)
47. **“Shadow Ticket” by Thomas Pynchon** *Dense, ambitious, richly textured — classic late-period Pynchon.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=%22Shadow+Ticket%22+by+Thomas+Pynchon&crid=3C6S9N2C1LY0B)
48. **“What We Can Know” by Ian McEwan** *A meditative, haunting novel about memory, apocalypse and humanity.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=%22What+We+Can+Know%22+by+Ian+McEwan&crid=215FIQTI4AAC)
49. **“Dream Count” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie** *Multilayered, vivid fiction exploring women’s lives across continents.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=%22Dream+Count%22+by+Chimamanda+Ngozi+Adichie&crid=1A51FYM2GBFBY)
50. **“Helm” by Sarah Hall** *Climate-themed literary fiction that’s poetic, urgent and resonant.* [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=%22Helm%22+by+Sarah+Hall&crid=3PHDL1YFD9SWU)

That’s our list. No rankings, no grand claims—just some great reads for this summer. Some made us think, some made us feel, and a few just gave us a much-needed escape. If you pick one up and love it as much as we did, we’d love to hear about it. And if there’s a book you think we should read next, [let us know](https://www.buyapowa.com/about-us/)
—we’re always looking for our next favorite. Happy reading.

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