Is reading not your thing? Don’t bother reading this article. For those of you who continue, I hope to successfully capture you in the world of literature and highlight several books I recommend for the long, hot days of the summer.  There really is nothing like sipping a cold drink, sitting in the shade, and immersing yourself into a different world. For you bookies, check out the following summer reads:

State of Wonder, by Ann Patchett

After receiving a letter stating her colleague has died on a research expedition to the Amazon, Dr. Marina Singh fills his place. Teaming with the critical Dr. Swenson, Marina embarks on a journey to discover the progress of a developing drug through the Lakashi tribe. Filled with pregnant old women, cannibals, and a giant anaconda, State of Wonderis a rare treat uncommonly found.

People of the Book, by Geraldine Brooks

Everyone needs a good mind boggler. People of the Book follows the track of a Jewish Haggadah through history. Flipping between present day historian, Hanna Heath, and the exciting adventures the Haggadah has lived through, Geraldine Brooks certainly knows how to make you flip pages.

The Snow Child, by Eowyn Ivey

I know what you’re thinking. A book about the winter in the summer? …well, yeah. Actually set through the course of multiple years, The Snow Child follows the complex relationship between recently married Jack and Mable, who recently moved to the Alaskan wilderness. After a heavy snowfall, a girl who calls herself Faina appears on their doorstep. Almost perceived as an “adult fairy tale”, Snow Child isn’t one of those deeply analytical books where you need to think about everything that is happening. Rather, it brings back the idea that everyone just needs a good story.

Hopefully that’ll kick off your summer reading schedule! These books are great for any time—and trust me, when you start one, you will not want to put it down.