By: Wildcat Confidante, Staff Reporter
Although some kids don’t want to touch a book from the time summer starts until school starts again in the fall, if you are a book lover like me, then summer is the perfect time to catch up on reading and blaze through your TBR pile that has been sitting next to your bed all year.
Of course, this also means having to find just the perfect books to read — and what better time to read a summer-themed book than when the season is in full swing.
For today’s edition of The Wildcat Confidante, I want to give you some summer book recommendations and highlight some book-related events happening in the Dallas area so you can keep your book obsession going strong all summer long.
For some (especially me), their favorite books are romance. Romances can be great for the summer, and lucky for you, I’ve got some great recommendations.
Second Chance Romance by Morgan Matson:
“A family’s last summer together is filled with joy and deep sadness due to their father’s terminal illness. Through months at their lake house, the middle sibling, Taylor, finds out she may still have a second chance at finding happiness and making amends with friends, family, and a possible love.” Says Guyer librarian Kimberley Krutka.
If lighthearted is more your speed, then I would suggest checking out The Summer I Turned Pretty Series by Jenny Han, which is the perfect teen romance for any Summer. This trilogy is available at Barnes & Noble or the Denton Public Library.
If romance isn’t your thing, perhaps something a little more mysterious would be better. Summer is also a great time to get lost in a good scandalous mystery. Here’s a recommendation from Guyer’s librarian Erin Marshall:
The Cousins by Karen M. McManus: This thriller mystery by the Author of One Of Us is Lying follows three cousins as they try to solve the mystery of their family all while attending their mysterious grandma’s summer resort.
Reading books is great, but reading can be much more than flipping pages. Many readers enjoy attending book fairs in their local area to meet authors, go to panels, and get books signed.
The Dallas and Denton area have many great options to choose from including
- Texas Author Con & Book Festival
when: July 19-20
Where: Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas 500 West Las Colinas Boulevard Irving, TX 75039.
- Trinity River Book Festival Run-To-Read
when: Sept. 13, 2025
where: Trinity River Pavilion 1, 2201 West 7 Street, Fort Worth, TX
And of course, this article wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t highlight some of the bookstores in the Denton area for you to browse all summer long.
Shopping for books secondhand can not only be great for the environment, but also great for readers who like to buy books without putting a dent in their wallet.
“ On the Denton square, there are two bookshops I LOVE! Patchouli Joe’s has great community events like author visits, release parties, and poetry readings! They also have free coffee sometimes! Recycled Books is a used bookstore on the square and you could browse the shelves for hours… or days!” Says Kimberly.
That’s all for today’s Wildcat Confidante. Hopefully, these recommendations have been helpful and will keep you booked all summer long.
Happy Reading!
Your Wildcat Confidante
