What’s on your summer reading list?

Sacred Heart University librarians share their picks and recommendations

For many people, a good book is as indispensable in the summer as sunscreen.

But what book to choose?

The librarians at Sacred Heart University’s Ryan Matura Library spend most of the year helping and supporting students with their research projects. But with summer seemingly offering more time to dive between the pages and soak up some stories, they’ve compiled a list of some popular reads that are worth checking out.

We hope that as you settle into that shady spot or sandy beach chair, you find the time to relax and enjoy whatever books you choose, bound or digitally delivered.

Summer Reading Recommendations from SHU Librarians

With multiple collections focused on recreational reading, the library is doing its part to encourage more reading, said Sarah Zimmermann, outreach & instruction librarian. Students can choose from over 700 new and popular books, including graphic novels. “I think it’s important to pick up a book simply for pleasure, as I believe literature opens up the world for people in ways that nothing else can,” she added.

Let’s start reading! Here are some picks (and reader notes) from the team at the Ryan Matura Library:

Sarah Zimmermann, outreach & instruction librarian

Beautyland, by Marie-Helene Bertino

This engaging coming-of-age tale is perfect for fans of aliens, sarcasm and 1980s office technologies like fax machines. The pitch-perfect humor and beautiful prose make this novel a true joy to read. Since this was the 2025 One Book, One Town selection for Fairfield, I had the great fortune to attend Marie-Helene Bertino’s author talk at the SHU Community Theatre.

You Like it Darker, by Stephen King

Brimming with King’s trademark dark humor and suspense, this excellent collection of 12 short stories will speak to fans of and newcomers to King’s writing. As crazy as it sounds, I have been reading Stephen King since I was 10 years old (shoutout to It), and the power and versatility of his prose never cease to amaze me.

Kristina D’Agostino, librarian for STEM and education

The Patron Saint of Second Chances, by Christine Simon

A clean, comedic read for your time on the beach. If you’re a fan of sitcom humor, you’ll love this book. What if you slip a little lie to the right person that a famous movie star is coming to film in your small Italian village, which is about to be condemned by the water commission? Sheer chaos.

The Wild Robot, by Peter Brown

Need an engaging audiobook for a long summer road trip with the family? Look no further than this middle grade children’s fiction book. It’s a wholesome read for all ages, especially for animal lovers. There are beautiful illustrations drawn by the author throughout the story in the physical book. The audiobook narration is outstanding, especially if you listen to the booktrack edition with sound effects. Fair warning; it ends on a cliffhanger. The second book in the series is worth reading to finish the story. In my opinion, skip the third book. The first book is the best.

Susannah Engstrom, circulation & interlibrary loan supervisor

The God of the Woods, by Liz Moore

A suspenseful read, with an intriguing setting and great characters.

Between Two Kingdoms, by Suleika Jaouad

This is a contemplative memoir about mortality and the line between sickness and health.

Sharaya Smith, manager of public and user services

Hearts in Atlantis, by Stephen King

A riveting coming of age tale—1960s nostalgia told in a multipart “sequential narrative.” Partially based in Connecticut. Absolutely gripping!

It’s Not You: Identifying and Healing from Narcissistic People, by Ramani Durvasula, Ph.D.

Ramani Durvasula brings her terrifically unique and approachable, straight-talk style to this helpful guide about healing from narcissistic abuse. Unlike other titles that I’ve read on the subject, this book goes out of its way to avoid victim blaming. The result is extremely validating.

Out of My Mind, by Sharon M. Draper

Touching. Refreshing. Intriguing. This middle grade novel forces readers to take on the perspective of a disabled child. The book is filled to the brim with struggle, surrounded by a supportive family wrapped up with a happy ending. It’s unforgettable!

The Punkhawala and the Prostitute, by Wesley Leon Aroozoo

A revisionist history of the beautiful island nation of Singapore. A harrowing tale of love, loss, adventure and obsession presented through a dual narrative. Masterfully blurs the lines of exactly what is happening and when.

Harriet Tubman: Live in Concert, by Bob the Drag Queen

A hilarious and deeply original story that welcomes the return of some of the world’s greatest heroes. Harriet Tubman wants to tell her story to a hip-hop beat and the struggling, queer (LGBTQ+) producer, Darnell Williams, is the perfect person to produce it. You’ve never heard freedom ring like this.

Emily Komornik, discovery & metadata services librarian

Project Hail Mary, by Andy Weir

This is sci-fi for non-sci-fi people!

Sharp Objects, by Gillian Flynn

A good book for thriller-lovers; it inspired the eponymous HBO miniseries.

Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup, by John Carreyrou

Written by the journalist who blew the whistle on Theranos founder and CEO Elizabeth Holmes. If a nonfiction book can be juicy, this is the one!

Checking it out

If you are a member of the SHU community (students, staff and faculty) and want to check out the collections at SHU’s library, staff members are there to help—whether you want to physically check out a book or access one as a downloadable e-book or audiobook through the Libby library reading app provided by OverDrive. For more information, visit the library website, call 203-371-7702 or visit during regular hours.