Content Warning: Sexual assault, abuse, death, murder
Circe is born from the divine: she’s the daughter of the Greek god of the sun, Helios, and a sea nymph named Perse. Even so, she’s an outsider, deemed not as beautiful or powerful as her family members, who ridicule her. When Circe comes to realize the power she has in herself, her witchcraft and proficiency in transformation, she’s banished to a lonely, isolating island. There, as she hones her power, Circe comes into contact with figures of myth, dangers both mortal and immortal, and gains wisdom as the years pass. Over time, she also finds love, a feeling that helps her envision a better life for herself, leading her to make the ultimate choice between divinity and mortality.
I read this book in high school after finishing The Song of Achilles and found myself in love with another one of Miller’s Greek mythology retellings. While this book isn’t the lightest book to read by the pool, especially considering the danger and magic in the story, the deserted island of Circe’s banishment, imprisoned by water on all sides, is the backdrop to her isolation, self-discovery, and change. I was blown away by the strength of Circe’s character in the story, and would recommend this book wholeheartedly.
Content Warning: Drug and alcohol use
At 17 years old, Codi has spent more time with her best friends watching Netflix than doing any of the “normal” teenage things. She feels like the world of parties, cool kids, kissing, and late nights is worlds away from people like her and her friends. Even so, it’s summer, and they decide to go to a party for the first time. At the party, Codi accidentally finds Ricky, a popular kid, kissing a boy, and is sworn to secrecy by him about the event. In exchange, he gives Codi a summer of experiences she’ll never forget, one of which is her meeting Lydia, a cute girl she starts to fall for. This summer feels like a dream—except for the fact that Codi hasn’t told her best friends, Maritza and JaKory, about what’s been going on.
Codi’s crazy summer full of new experiences, friendships, loves, and shenanigans sounds like a great read for young adults. While the main character is reserved, she comes out of her shell because of her loved ones, which I love to see with wallflower-like characters. There also appears to be really great LGBTQIA+ representation in this story that parallels Codi discovering (and accepting) who she is as a person. Overall, the novel seems like a lovely coming-of-age story!
Content warning: Grief, violence
Last summer, Cadence Sinclair was found on the beach of her wealthy family’s private island, Beechwood. This summer, suffering from amnesia that won’t go away, she returns to the island with one goal in mind: to find out what happened. However, those she trusts most are keeping secrets. Her group of childhood best friends, nicknamed the “Liars,” and the rest of the Sinclair family are withholding information regarding that fateful day, and Cadence wants to know why. Kept in the dark by her family’s lies and even by her first love, Gat, she is determined to find the tragic truth behind the mystery of her terrible accident—no matter what.
Though I haven’t read this book, I watched the adaptation of this series on Amazon Prime fairly recently. I went in not knowing anything about the story, the plot twist, or the truth of the accident, and found myself engaged with the rollercoaster the story turned out to be. While the novel and series have mixed reviews, I think if you are a fan of mystery, tight-knit friend groups, and suspense, this novel could be an entertaining read by the pool.
Content Warning: Child abuse, sexual abuse
When Caitlin Somers decided Victoria Leonard would be her best friend in the summer of 1977, it began the friendship of a lifetime, one that would still compel Vix years later. As a child, she was immersed in the world of Caitlin’s charming, privileged life, one where getaways meant going to the island of Martha’s Vineyard, a place of magic where they first became “sisters.” Even so, years have passed since their last summer together, and their friendship has faded due to time and damage. But when Caitlin implores Victoria to be her maid of honor at her Vineyard wedding, Vix is drawn back to her friend’s magnetism and agrees to go. Perhaps this time she’ll understand what happened between them last summer, as well as the force of their relationship.
Since I’m a big fan of books centered around complex female friendships, I’m excited to read this book this summer! I like the idea that the youthful childhood, involving years of complicated history regarding Vix and Caitlin’s connection, is being revisited by a mature woman, as that adds another layer of complexity to the reflection. Summer Sisters seems like a compelling read about girlhood and love, which I think is a perfect YA book for relaxing after a swim.
Whether the book has islands, teenage pool parties, beaches, or the essence of summer in the narrative, I think the varying recommendations I have here could appeal to a wide range of people looking for something to do with their free time at the pool!
Danielle Hartshorn, Pine Reads Review Writer and Editor