Written by AJ Morris

On a sandy beach, at a cute picnic, in the comfort of your bed—no matter where you are or what you’re doing, nothing beats a summer read. Summer and reading are synonymous in my book (no pun intended) because they have so much in common; they’re fun, relaxing, and filled with unlimited possibilities, all of which are much-needed, given what we’ve all gone through these past few years. This relaxing pastime also blends seamlessly into fall, going hand-in-hand with a warm latte and a cozy fire.

For me, reading has always been a way to both explore and escape from the world as I know it. A book is a calming presence that opens you up to new possibilities, stories, and perspectives; you can be seduced by an intense romance novel, brought to the edge of your seat by a mysterious thriller, or moved to either laughter or tears (or both) by a well-written memoir.

With summer winding down and fall coming in right around the corner, we’ve compiled a list of genre-spanning great reads—all by women authors—and we’ve even added in a few reading tips to help you end off the season on a bookish high note! 

FYI: Now is the perfect time to shop during Barnes & Noble’s 50% off book sale.

For Whirlwind Romantics:

For Dystopian Diehards:

For Those Looking to Learn:

For the Historical (Fiction) Buffs:

For Fans of Fantasy:

5 Tips for getting a good read:

1. Set aside a specific time for reading in your daily schedule

   (I prefer to read in the mornings after waking up). If your days tend to be busy, be sure to check out accessible reading options such as audiobooks and ebooks, which can come in handy for those who are always on-the-go.

2. Use your local library

   Book-buying can be an expensive habit to maintain (speaking from experience), so use your local library to the fullest! 

3. Pace yourself!

   Reading isn’t a rush to the finish and books aren’t about getting from cover to cover the quickest; they’re about the story that’s told on the way.

4. Keep track of your reading

   Apps and websites like Goodreads are great ways to log the books you’ve read, keep track of what you’d like to read next and build community around books.

5. Last but not least, READ WHAT YOU LIKE.

   There are millions of books out there, and something for everybody. Started something that you’re not feeling? Don’t feel pressured to finish it; put it aside, choose something else, and go from there. Reading should be an enjoyable experience, not a chore!