Summer Travel Reads

Here, our first installment of summer travel reads: five great recently released (or soon-to-be released) companions for wherever your plans take you.

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
When an email falls into the wrong hands, high schooler and not-openly gay, Simon Spier, must figure a way out of the closet without losing his friends or the object of his affections before being forced out. A funny, modern coming out story that will make for a light, relaxing read.

The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters
The author has been short-listed three times for the prestigious Man Booker Prize and her latest historical drama, The Paying Guests, reinforces why. It is 1922 London and an impoverished widow and her daughter, Frances, are forced to take in lodgers. When a young couple, Lilian and Leonard Barber, arrive, Frances's passions will be stirred in some unexpected ways. This beautifully told, historic crime drama is sure to be a page-turner.

Mislaid by Nell Zink
Set in 1966, Freshmen Peggy becomes enchanted with Stillwater College poet and professor, Lee, resulting in an unplanned pregnancy and marriage. The only problem: she's a lesbian and he's gay. This is an incredibly funny first novel from a very talented author.

Hard to Be Good by Laura Kaye
The description on Harper Collins site reads: "Two damaged men. One dangerous mission. One healing love. These are the men of Hard Ink." Really: what more do you need to know? This is exactly everything you need in a good beach read.

Still Life Las Vegas by James Sie
Recent high school graduate and artist-in-the-making, Walter Stahl, has lived on the wrong side of Vegas with his dad ever since his mother's disappearance years ago. When he meets a brother and sister team on the strip - and falls in love with the brother - his world opens up, including clues about his the fate of his mother. Another great debut novel; the only frustrating part will be having to wait until August to get it.