6 sizzling books to add to your summer reading list

As summer approaches, many of us are looking forward to relaxing and unwinding with a good book in hand. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, at the lake, or in your favorite park, Nathan Maharaj and Christine Estima have some fantastic recommendations to add to your summer reading list.

Nathan Maharaj, the director of content marketing at Rakuten Kobo, doesn’t believe in limiting his reading choices based on the season. He reads constantly and believes in reading what interests him at any given time. On the other hand, Christine Estima, a Montreal-born writer, associates summer reading with the location rather than the genre of the book. She enjoys lazing away the day in a park with a great book in hand.

The Next Chapter’s summer book panel, featuring Nathan Maharaj and Christine Estima, along with host Antonio Michael Downing, shared some of their top book picks for the summer season.

One of the recommended books is “Big Chief” by Jon Hickey, which explores the theme of belonging within a reservation’s political scene. The novel follows the story of Mitch Caddo, an aspiring young leader caught up in a re-election battle that forces him to confront his own identity and heritage.

Another intriguing pick is “Cher: Part One,” a memoir by the iconic artist Cher. In this book, Cher delves into her chaotic upbringing, her desire to become a performer, and her complex relationship with her mother, offering readers a glimpse into her personal life beyond the glitz and glamour.

For those who enjoy literary fiction and romance, “Slow Dance” by Rainbow Rowell is a must-read. The novel follows the reunion of high school friends Shiloh and Cary, exploring their honest and heartfelt love story as they reconnect after 14 years apart.

“The Café with No Name” by Robert Seethaler, translated by Katy Derbyshire, is another captivating read recommended by the panel. Set in Vienna in 1966, the novel follows the story of a man who opens a café, becoming a gathering place for a diverse cast of characters with their own stories of love, loss, and hope.

“Lake Burntshore” by Aaron Kreuter is a thought-provoking book that challenges readers to confront issues of colonialism and exploitation in a contemporary setting. The novel follows camp counselor Ruby as she navigates her feelings for an Israeli soldier while grappling with the camp’s impact on the nearby Black Spruce First Nation.

Lastly, “The Adult” by Bronwyn Fischer explores themes of insecurity, identity, and love through the story of Natalie, a young woman navigating her first year of university in Toronto. As she forms new relationships and embarks on a torrid love affair, Natalie learns more about herself and what it means to truly be an adult.

Whether you’re looking for a gripping memoir, a heartwarming romance, or a thought-provoking novel, these book recommendations from Nathan Maharaj and Christine Estima are sure to make your summer reading experience unforgettable. So grab a book, find a cozy spot, and dive into a new literary adventure this summer.