☀️ Summer Reading 2026 ☀️ 11 Hot Book Recommendations for You!

Genre/Desc: Comfort Science Fiction, Thoughtful, Spiritual, Hopeful, Sweet.

1) Monk and Robot

by Becky Chambers

If you need something light, yet deep, thoughtful and hopeful, this may be for you.

This delightful “Cosy Sci-Fi” book is actually a multi award winning pair of novellas (A Psalm for the Wild-Built and A Prayer for the Crown-Shy). And what I loved most is that this book gave me hope for the future.

Centuries ago the robots of the moon, Panga, became conscious. Humans, who of course had been using them for all kinds of work allowed them to leave—and the robots walked off into the wilds.

Humans adapted. They downsized their expectations, took a gentler approach to their environment, and learned to live in a new way—with less.

Until a robot called Mosscap, emerges from the undergrowth to surprise a tea monk, wanting to know how the humans have been doing with out them. It asks, “What do you need?” and the two set out to discover the answer.

Awards: Hugo Award for Best Novella (2022), Nebula Award Nominee for Best Novella (2021), Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Science Fiction (2021), Mythopoeic Fantasy Award Nominee for Adult Literature (2024) and several more!

Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Comedy-Drama, Heartwarming, Hopeful, Grief and Loss

3) A Man Called Ove

by Fredrik Backman

This was described by our recommender as a sweet book about the kindness of neighbors.

Set in Sweden, Ove is a “curmudgeon” who dislikes most people, has strict routines, lots of principles and loses his temper easily. Is he bitter? How can he not be when he walks around smiling—even as he finds fault with everything and everyone around him?

But of course there’s a story behind his behaviour—and it turns out he’s stuck in grief… Until a friendly couple with two friendly children move in and accidentally flatten his mailbox. And now things start to turn around.

This has also been adapted into a movie with Tom Hanks.

Genre: Historical Fiction, Witches, Thriller, Thought-Provoking,

5) Hour of the Witch

by Chris Bohjalian

Set in Boston, USA in 1662, this book follows a young Puritan woman (Mary Deerfield) who despises the male hypocrisy in her community. She is trapped in a violent marriage and dares to seek a divorce. Of course suspicion, superstition and fear of witchcraft spreads through the community, and she finds herself fighting not only for her freedom—but for her life.

Rich in historical detail, this book is gripping and suspenseful and explores courage, resilience and the devastating consequences of fear and prejudice.

I would imagine this book is not for the faint of heart, especially as Bookshop describes this as: “A terrifying story of socially sanctioned brutality and the original American witch hunt.”

Awards and Accolades: Goodreads Nominee for Readers’ Favorite Historical Fiction (2021)

Genre: Nature, India, Short Stories, Memoir

7) My Favorite Nature Stories

by Ruskin Bond

Ruskin Bond is an icon among Indian writers. He loves nature, and in this beautiful collection of stories he shares encounters and experiences with the natural world around him. From cicadas to birdsong, seashells and more—if you love the natural world, you will love these writings.

Our recommender says Ruskin Bond is their all-time favorite author. He “is 92 years old, lives in North Delhi and has stayed back in India, long after we gained independence from the British. You will love the language, as he takes you on a journey inside India, its diversity and a lot more if you can read between the lines 🙂 … The best part of his writing is the philosophy and humor written taken from everyday life.”

Ruskin Bond is “one of the best-loved and most admired chroniclers of contemporary India.”

Genre: Psychology and Resilience

9) Resilient

Subheading: How to Grow an Unshakable Core of Calm, Strength, and Happiness

by Rick Hanson 

Rick Hanson PhD blends neuroscience, positive psychology and practical exercises to help you build lasting resilience from the inside out.

Rather than simply teaching you how to cope with challenges, he shares how to strengthen 12 essential “inner resources” that bring greater calm, confidence and well-being. With decades of research and clinical experience, this book offers simple, actionable practices to help navigate life’s ups and downs with greater ease and strength.

Or as our recommender said, a “wonderful book that approaches the life skill of being Resilient without complicating it too much.”

Genre: Economics, Poverty, Social Class, Society, America

11) Unreasonable Hospitality

Subheading: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect

by Will Guidara  (hardback only)

Our recommender says, “a national bestseller about creating loyalty, trust, and differentiation through generosity and thoughtful attention to people.”

This sounds like a perfect fit for Fierce Kindness!

Based around the story of how Will Guidara transformed Eleven Madison Park into the world’s top-ranked restaurant by making extraordinary hospitality his guiding principle. Through engaging stories and practical leadership lessons, he shows how going beyond people’s expectations can create unforgettable experiences for customers, colleagues—and your teams too. An inspiring read for anyone who wants to lead with generosity, build a remarkable culture and make a lasting impact—whatever their industry.

A New York Times Best Seller.