Summertime and the reading is easy: Top five summer reads

While the calendar may state that summer does not begin until June 21st, Memorial Day weekend always seems to be the unofficial kick-off for summer activities. The weather is beautiful, just begging you to spend some time outside soaking up the sun. And what better way to enjoy the rays than with your nose buried in a book? 

Book nerds everywhere, rejoice.

We have the top five summer reads for you, perfect for a lazy day by the pool or curled up on your couch, basking in the hum of your air conditioner.

Summer Sisters by Judy Blume
An obvious choice. Many do not know that aside from her amazing children's books, Blume also has a small catalogue of adult reads. Summer Sisters is the coming of age story of Caitlin Somers and Victoria Leonard, two young girls from very different backgrounds who spend every summer together. As each summer unfolds, we seem them progress from young girls to young women. We watch as they hit puberty, discover their sexualty, and fall in love. Their friendship falters when Victoria goes off to college, only to be reunited when Caitln calls to tell her that she is marrying Victoria's first love, Bru. The heartbreak and self-discovery that follows is gripping.

It is an easy and nostalgic read, you will find yourself recalling what you were like as a gawky pre-teen, what you felt when you first kissed a boy, and how your own childhood friendships somehow shaped the person you are today.

The Lust Lizard of Melancholy Cove by Christopher Moore
The resident psychiatrist of Pine Cove, Californa, Val Riordan, has been issuing prescriptions willy-nilly without making the effort to treat her patient's underlying issues. When Val has a moment of guilt and decides to stop prescribing medication and instead give all of her patients placebos. While the residents of Pine Cove are reeling from their lack of mood-enhancing drugs, a sea beast emerges from the Pacific and comes ashore, giving off pheremones that make the inhabitants crazy with lust.

Moore is a master of the ridiculous. His brand of off-beat humor and odd characters will keep you laughing and on the edge of your seat. His other works, Island of the Sequined Love Nun, Fluke Or I know Why the Winged Whale Sings, and Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff are also excellent summer reads.

No One Belongs Here More Than You by Miranda July
Filmmaker Miranda July's book of short stories is simulataneously poignant and fun, sexy and sad. She takes us on a journey through 16 moments, some so ordinary you wonder why someone bothered to write them down -  until you're hit with the potency of her writing. Other moments cause you to laugh out loud, or become uncomfortable with second-hand embarrassment for the characters. It is an evocative read that will keep you entertained and have you questioning your own self-doubt.

Love Will Tear Us Apart by Sarah Rainone
A Nick Hornby-esque story of six childhood friends reunited for a wedding. The story - peppered with nostalgic musical references (anything from Nirvana to Madonna to hip hop)  - takes us through their tumultuous friendships; from awkward children to insecure adulthood. Rainone is a wonderfully lyrical writer, who shows us how music not only reminds us of our past, but can also fuel our connections. It is at time nostalgic and sad, but with an undercurrent of dark humor that makes it incredibly enjoyable.

And with a title named after a Joy Division song, it has to be good.

A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers
Now, this is not technically fiction. However, this memoir by Dave Eggers is so amazing that often you forget you are reading about the life and times of a real person. It details the struggles and triumphs Dave faced when he lost both of his parents to cancer and had to raise his younger brother, Toph, by himself. Dave struggles with being a parent and fulfilling his own needs as a young man; between pursuing his own projects (heading up and indie magazine in San Francisco) and giving his brother the stable environment he needs to be a well-adjusted kid.

The story is often heartbreaking but always hilarious. Dave has a way of writing that has you asking yourself, "is he inside of my head? I could have sworn I've had that exact same thought." It is very real and very touching and will often cause you to laugh out loud.

If you need more suggestions, Steven King has also released his top picks for this summer.

What do you think? Have you read any of our picks? Anything you would add to this list? Comment below and let us know!