Discover your next great adventure through the pages of these carefully curated recommendations
Clarke’s masterpiece was written alongside Kubrick’s film development. An innovative exploration of life’s meaning with space adventure, offering more explanation than the movie about what actually happened.
Science FictionThe inspiration for Blade Runner. In a bleak but beautiful future, Rick Deckard hunts humanoid androids called replicants while grappling with identity and mankind’s future.
Science FictionStart with Sphere and Jurassic Park, then explore The Andromeda Strain. A deadly alien virus breaks loose, mutating constantly while scientists race to unlock its secrets before it kills everyone on Earth.
Science FictionWhen Mark Watney gets stranded on Mars, he must figure out how to survive for years before rescue—if rescue comes at all. A thrilling tale of survival and ingenuity on the Red Planet.
Science FictionEarth gets destroyed in the first chapter! Wacky, terrible, and hilarious space shenanigans with unforgettable human, robot, and alien characters. Skip the movie—read the book!
Science FictionAwkward teen Meg becomes the hero of universes and her family in this beloved science fantasy. L’Engle created such a fresh character that it became a whole series.
YA FictionEasy to read but not easy to understand. Characters explore the strange Area X that’s slowly mutating them and their habitat. What they find is both gorgeous and terrifying.
YA FictionPublished in 1932, this dystopic vision predicts scarily accurate consequences of modernization, technology, and popular culture. It rings as true today as when it was written.
YA FictionAn oral history of a zombie apocalypse that reads like nonfiction. Survivors recount how it happened with painstaking precision—every memory more terrifying than the last.
YA FictionRowling tackles adult mystery with protagonist Cormoran Strike, as colorful and fascinating as any wizarding world character. Her trademark storytelling keeps you guessing until the last page.
Mystery & DramaA morally grey look at the illegal arms trade. Jonathan Pine goes undercover to catch brilliant, dangerous arms dealer Richard Roper. A romantic subplot makes this spy novel stand out.
Mystery & DramaUrsula Todd lives unconventional lives—every time she dies, she’s reborn, reliving major moments and getting the chance to remake history. The narrative structure is bizarre and striking.
Mystery & DramaJack Torrance and his family become caretakers of a hotel through a desolate Colorado winter. But the hotel has other, terrifying, supernatural plans. Different enough from Kubrick’s movie to surprise you.
Mystery & DramaThis is just the tip of the iceberg of entertaining literature for your summer. Whether you’re interested in how-to guides, historical nonfiction, or humor, there’s content waiting at your library or bookstore. Pick a passion and dive in!