When it’s pool season, nothing feels better than laying out by the pool with a new summertime read. If you‘re familiar with our Poolside Series, you’ve seen our lists from years past of our favorite poolside reads. To refresh your reading list, we’ve compiled some of our favorite summer reads for 2017, including options for adults, teens, and children. All you need is one of these reads, a pool chair, and a Blue Haven Tulsa pool for the perfect summer reading experience!
Adults
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
The novel on which the popular 2017 Hulu series is based, The Handmaid’s Tale is a long-loved eerie story told in a futuristic society about a Handmaid named Offred functioning in a world with very different social norms. If you’re a fan of the series, this thriller is a must-read this summer.
Into the Water by Paula Hawkins
This #1 New York Times Bestseller mystery novel, written by the author of the acclaimed novel, The Girl on the Train, features an orphaned teenage girl who falls into the care of her mysterious aunt among the sudden deaths of two women. Into the Water is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
I Can’t Make This Up: Life Lessons by Kevin Hart
For a more lighthearted summer read, this memoir by comedian Kevin Hart is sure to give you a few poolside laughs with stories of his life, trials, and successes, plus a lot of jokes along the way.
Teens
Once and for All by Sarah Dessen
The New York Times Bestselling Author of many young adult novels, such as The Truth About Forever, is at it again with this summer read. Once and for All is about Louna, a wedding planner who no longer believes in happily-ever-after, and her life is about to change dramatically.
Words in Deep Blue by Cath Crowley
A beautiful teen love story about lost and found love, this novel is all about second chances. Rachel runs into an old crush after the death of her brother and finds healing along the way – learning to cope with how uncontrollable life can be.
Lord of Shadows by Cassandra Clare
The second installment of the Dark Artifices Series, this fantasy novel continues the adventures of Emma Carstairs and the Shadowhunters. This series is the spin-off series of Cassandra Clare’s The Mortal Instruments series, which was made into a movie and television series on Freeform.
Children
The Not in Here Story by Tracey Zeeck and David Bizzaro
Written and illustrated by Oklahomans, this children’s book tells a heartwarming tale about adoption that is easy for children to understand. The story follows two parents who search across the world for the child of their dreams, but it turns out they didn’t have to look far after all.
She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton
This children’s book, written by Bill and Hillary Clinton’s daughter, features stories from history about women who did not take “no” for an answer. This story highlights 13 women who changed the world and have made American life what it is today that are easy and fun for children to understand.
Broken Pride by Erin Hunter
A new series written by the bestselling author of the Warriors series, Broken Pride is about animals in the African wild and their adventures told from the perspective of three different kinds of wild animals.
These new and noteworthy titles are sure to keep you entertained by the pool this summer. For more fun poolside activities, refer to our Poolside: The Complete Series guide this summer!