Top 9 Books to Read This Summer

Today's Top 9 Books to Read This Summer

Written By Rebecca Voigt

1. Maine, by J. Courtney Sullivan

A quintessential beach read, Maine follows three generations of women as they descend on the family beachfront property one summer. Sibling rivalry, alcoholism, social ambition, Catholic guilt and the fierce, irrational love that holds the women together make this funny, sad, and thoroughly engrossing summer read. $25.95 (Knopf Doubleday)

2. A Dance With Dragons, by George R.R. Martin

The first season of HBO's breakout hit A Game of Thrones just wrapped, and if you find yourself needing a Seven Kingdoms fix, you're in luck. A Dance With Dragons, the fifth book in the series upon which the show is based, hits shelves July 12. Oh, and do yourself a favor - if you haven't read the first four, this summer is the perfect time to do it. $35 (Random House)

3. State of Wonder, by Ann Patchett

Ann Patchett has done it again with this tale set deep in the heart of the Amazon. Research scientist Dr. Marina Singh is sent to find her mentor, who seems to have disappeared while working on a new drug. Marina finds more than she bargains for, including cannibals, poison arrows, snakes, and what lies on the other side of darkness. $26.99 (HaperCollins)

4. The Hypnotist, by Lars Kepler

A Stockholm detective trying to solve a brutal triple homicide with the help of a hypnotist with a dark past, and the only witness is a 15-year-old boy who was stabbed more than 100 times and left die - what's not to love about this thriller debut from Kepler? $27 (Farrar, Straus and Giroux)

5. The American Heiress, by Daisy Goodwin

In the mood for historical romance and drama a la Edith Wharton? The story of 1890s American heiress Cora Cash, who weds a wealthy English duke only to learn that money can't buy everything, Daisy Goodwin's debut novel will definitely satisfy. $25.99 (St. Martin's Press)

6. Robopocalypse, by Daniel H. WIlson

Despite it's awkward, totally literal title, Robopocalypse is a thrilling, action-filled epic that will grip you from the first page. While most people sit by unaware of the growing rebellion, the technology that runs the world unites to rise against humankind. Terrifying and entertaining, this is a must-read. $25 (Knopf Doubleday)

7. The End of Everything, by Megan Abbott

When 13-year-old Lizzie's next door neighbor and best friend, Evie, disappears, it is up to her to find the truth. As panic over the disappearance sweeps through their Midwestern community, Lizzie uncovers secrets and lies that make her wonder if she knew Evie at all. $23.99 (Reagan Arthur Books)

8. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, by Ransom Riggs

A creepy novel illustrated with haunting vintage photography, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children tells the story of Jacob, a teenage boy reeling after his grandfather is murdered. The mysteries of his grandfather's life and death begin to unravel as Jacob explores the ruins of the institution that gives the book its title. $17.99 (Quirk Publishing)

9. The Hunger Games Trilogy

If you don't know Katniss Everdeen yet, what's stopping you? With a film starring Oscar-nominee Jennifer Lawrence set to premiere in spring 2012, now is the perfect time to lose yourself in the dystopian world of Panem, where once a year children are forced to fight to the death for the country's viewing pleasure. $53.97 (Scholastic)