Stacked for Summer 2025

Stacked for Summer: My 2025 Reading Line-Up Inspired by Fantasy, Mysteries, and Library Challenges ☀️📚👑

Summer reading is my favorite kind of reading: unhurried, wide-ranging, and full of possibility. This year, I’ve curated a list that includes fantasy epics, professional development, beachy mysteries, and titles tailored to the Naperville Public Library’s Amazing Book Challenge. Each book fits a fun category—from “Bookish Books” to “Royal Reads” to “Showbiz Stories.”

So grab your sunglasses and your tote bag—here’s what I’m reading this summer:

🔮 Fantasy Escapes

• Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson
  I’m finally diving into this legendary series with its unique magic system, layered world-building, and thrilling revolution.

• Dragons of Autumn Twilight by Margaret Weis
  Another fantasy classic I’ve been curious about—perfect for a long weekend getaway.

✏️ Professional Development

• The Writing Revolution by Judith C. Hochman & Natalie Wexler
  A reread for me, but every time, I find new gems to use in the classroom to help students grow as writers.

🏖️ Cozy Mysteries & Beach Reads

• A Fatal Booking by Victoria Gilbert
  A coastal inn, a book club, and a mystery—what more could I want?

• Cheddar Off Dead by Julia Buckley
  A punny mystery that combines cheese, clues, and charm.

• Cookies and Scream by Virginia Lowell
  A cookie-cutter mystery that pairs perfectly with a sweet treat.

👑 Royal Reads (one of these)

• The Queen’s Secret by Karen Harper
  A historical novel about England’s WWII queen, full of quiet strength and royal intrigue.

• The Emperor and the Endless Palace by Justinian Huang
  A sweeping new novel with royal overtones and time-bending magic.

🌊 Under the Sea Adventures (one of these)

• A Letter to the Luminous Deep by Sylvie Cathrall
  Mysterious letters, marine science, and sibling secrets.

• The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi by S.A. Chakraborty
  A retired pirate pulled back into action? Sign me up!

🌸 Books in Bloom(one of these)

• Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
  A reflective, lyrical novel about memory, motherhood, and summer theater.

• Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
  Spooky and lush—like Rebecca meets The Secret Garden.

• The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson
  A powerful story of heritage, family, and the seeds we carry forward.

📚 Bookish Books

• The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson
  I’m fascinated by the Pack Horse Librarians of Kentucky.

• The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict
  The story of J.P. Morgan’s brilliant, secretive librarian.

• The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods
  A whimsical novel set in a mysterious bookshop.

• The Echo of Old Books by Barbara Davis
  For those of us who believe books have a soul.

🧩 Are You Game? (one of these)

• Board to Death by CJ Connor
  Cozy mystery meets board game café? I’m in.

• The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer
  A mysterious contest and a chance to change your life.

• The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers by Samuel Burr
  A novel full of riddles, heart, and legacy.

• Cards on the Table by Agatha Christie
  Dame Christie never disappoints—especially with Poirot at the table.

🕵️‍♀️ Dame Detectives

• The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
  This has been on my to-read list for years—and I’m finally opening it this summer.

👯‍♀️ It Takes Two

• The Personal Librarian (yes, again—it fits this category too!)

• City of Dark Magic by Magnus Flyte
  An eccentric blend of history, alchemy, and romance set in Prague.

🎬 Showbiz Stories

• The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
  I’ve heard rave reviews. Old Hollywood glamor, scandal, and secrets? Let’s go.

✨ Short & Sweet (one of these)

• The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green
  Insightful essays that explore humanity through objects, ideas, and feelings.

• Wow, No Thank You by Samantha Irby
  Laugh-out-loud essays with a bite of realness.

• Never Whistle at Night (Indigenous Dark Fiction Anthology)
  Short stories with eerie, cultural depth—perfect for summer nights.

I love that this list mixes deep, thoughtful reads with escapist adventures and cozy mysteries. Whether I’m reading by the lake or in a hammock with iced tea, I know this stack will keep me company all summer long.

What are you reading this summer?
Got a cozy mystery or “bookish book” recommendation? I’d love to hear it.

📖🌻 Until next chapter, I will be...

Still Reading Books