As summer approaches, many people are looking forward to spending long, lazy afternoons immersed in captivating books. With the sun shining and a cool breeze in the air, there’s no better time to escape into the pages of a good story. To help readers curate their summer reading list, It’s Been a Minute’s annual summer books episode recently featured celebrated romance authors Bolu Babalola and Emily Henry, who shared their top recommendations for the season.
Babalola and Henry discussed a diverse selection of books that cater to a wide range of tastes, from sweet and spicy romances to thrilling adventures and intriguing mysteries. Some of the books highlighted in the episode include “Sweet Heat” by Bolu Babalola, “Great Big Beautiful Life” by Emily Henry, “Anna Karenina” by Leo Tolstoy, and “The Count of Monte Cristo” by Alexandre Dumas.
In addition to these classics, the authors also recommended more contemporary titles such as “Lush” by Rochelle Dowden-Lord, “Casanova LLC” by Julia Whalen, “The Wickedest” by Caleb Femi, “The Four Winds” by Kristin Hannah, and “Matriarch” by Tina Knowles. Each book offers a unique and engaging story that is perfect for long summer days spent lounging in the sun.
For those who prefer audiobooks, The Guardian recently compiled a list of the 10 best audiobooks for summer, providing an alternative way to enjoy captivating stories. From a gossipy portrait of Hollywood power couple Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton to a real-life pirate of the Caribbean, there is something for every listener to enjoy. With UK audiobook revenue on the rise, it’s clear that more and more readers are turning to audiobooks as a convenient and immersive way to experience literature.
Whether you prefer the feel of a physical book in your hands or the convenience of an audiobook playing in the background, there are plenty of options to choose from this summer. So grab a book, find a cozy spot to relax, and let yourself be transported to far-off lands, thrilling adventures, and captivating romances. After all, there’s no better way to spend a summer day than getting lost in a good story.
References:
– NPR: https://www.npr.org/2025/06/18/1263527148/its-been-a-minute-summer-book-recommendations-2025
– The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/jun/18/the-10-best-audiobooks-for-summer
