Summer is the perfect time to slow down, recharge and dive into a story that fits exactly how you’re feeling — whether that’s lighthearted, adventurous, emotional or inspiring. Here’s your ultimate guide to summer reading based on your mood:

For the beach: Light, fun and feel-good

If you’re looking for something breezy to toss in your beach bag, “The Summer I Turned Pretty” by Jenny Han is a perfect pick. It’s packed with first loves, family summers and all the bittersweet feelings of growing up. For something equally heartfelt but nonfiction, try “Everything I Know About Love” by Dolly Alderton — a hilarious and relatable memoir about friendship, heartbreak and learning to love yourself in your 20s.

For self-growth and reflection

Summer break can be the perfect time for a little self-reflection. “Greenlights” by Matthew McConaughey offers wild stories, life lessons and motivational moments from the actor’s own journey. If you’re looking for something quieter but just as meaningful, “Tuesdays with Morrie” by Mitch Albom reminds readers what truly matters in life, told through final lessons between a beloved professor and his former student — a moving story that leaves you thinking about change.

For when you want a good cry

Sometimes you just need a story that hits you right in the heart. “Crying in H Mart” by Michelle Zauner is a heartbreaking and beautifully written memoir about grief, family and identity, exploring the deep ties between food and memory. For something a bit more magical, “Before the Coffee Gets Cold” by Toshikazu Kawaguchi tells the bittersweet stories of customers who travel through time in a tiny Tokyo cafe.

For pure escapism and adventure

When you’re ready to leave the world behind, “Fourth Wing” is the fantasy adventure everyone is buzzing about, complete with dragons, deadly training schools and forbidden romance. For those who want a longer, beautifully crafted epic, “The Name of the Wind” by Patrick Rothfuss follows the life story of a gifted boy destined for legend, told with stunning world-building and lyrical prose.

No matter your summer mood — whether you want something light, emotional, magical or chilling — there’s a perfect book waiting to match it. Take a chance on something new, and you might just find your next favorite story.

Happy reading!