Summer Reading 2025: 16 Books That Spark Joy

Whether it’s lying in the sand on a beach, an afternoon outside on a porch, a road trip with the windows down or a quiet moment before bed, summer is the time to lose yourself in a book. This summer, the sunshine doesn’t have to be the only thing to bring you joy; a good book can do just the same.

Members of the Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) community, including academic leaders, faculty members and alumni, have recommended books that brought them joy while reading. With selections spanning fantasy, historical fiction, self-help and more, there’s sure to be something for everyone.

"Feeding the Soul (Because It's My Business): Finding Our Way to Joy, Love and Freedom" by Tabitha Brown

"Feeding the Soul" by Tabitha Brown is a great choice for my summer reading because I like to use this time to focus on personal development. The book offers a mix of heartfelt stories, practical wisdom and uplifting messages that really encourage me to slow down, reflect and reconnect with myself.

Tabitha’s voice is so genuine and comforting. It feels like I’m getting advice from a close friend. It’s the kind of book that helps me reset and realign with what matters most, which is exactly what I look for in my summer reads. - Dr. Jolivette Wallace, Associate Dean of Business

"Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration" by Ed Catmull

Ed Catmull’s New York Times bestseller "Creativity, Inc." sparks true joy for me. Throughout my career, I’ve worked in creative capacities and been enamored by illustrations and animation. From early storyboarding to Flash animation to Adobe, I’ve embraced the opportunity to animate and bring images to life. Over 25 years ago, I received tickets to attend a special viewing of Pixar’s "An Ant’s Life," and although I was an adult at the time, I’m pretty sure that I was the happiest kid in the audience.

This insightful read shares the early challenges that Disney’s Pixar encountered, the lessons learned and the successes that came from identifying underlying problems, providing a voice to employees at all levels and giving credit to team members. The book delivers seven core principles for a creative workplace culture and includes Pixar’s toolbox of imaginative approaches, confirming that people are more important than ideas. In the famous words of Pixar’s Buzz Lightyear, I hope you’ll enjoy "Creativity, Inc." "to infinity and beyond." - Dr. Karen Wilkinson, Associate Dean of Communication

"The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho

"The Alchemist" sparks joy for me because it beautifully captures the balance between struggle and success. It reminds us that joy isn’t only found in the destination, but in the journey itself — in the lessons learned, the challenges overcome and the unexpected moments of clarity along the way.

As someone who loves storytelling, I’m drawn to its message that even in uncertainty, there is purpose, growth and quiet joy to be found at every stage of the path. - Haley-Grace McCormick '24, BA in Creative Writing & English Graduate

"Little, Big: or, The Fairies' Parliament" by John Crowley

I like big books, and I cannot lie! This is the perfect read to stretch over the summer, whether lounging poolside or soaking up rays at the beach.

"Little, Big" is an unforgettable fantasy, a contemporary fairy tale written in exquisite prose. Smoky Barnable, an aimless young man, finds more than he bargained for when he marries into the eccentric Drinkwater family. - Paul Witcover, Associate Dean of Online MFA

"Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Faeries" by Heather Fawcett

When I was in second grade, my teacher, Mrs. V, didn’t read from books after lunch like most teachers. Instead, she told us stories about a magical little elf named Little Blue Elf. Every day, her storytelling swept us away to a whimsical world through her words alone. Some weeks, she even hid a Little Blue Elf figure in the classroom to match his latest adventure — it was pure magic!

That special connection with elves and fairies has always stayed with me, which is exactly why I was drawn to this book. It whisked me away to a place where imagination felt as real as second grade. There’s a bit of romance, unexpected encounters and the main character is even a professor. The story brought so much joy — it felt like a little piece of that second-grade magic all over again. - Vickie McCullough, MEd Adjunct

"Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things" by Adam Grant

In his book, (Adam Grant) inspires others to overcome fear and turn their potential into actions through perseverance and grit. (He) uses stories from others' lives to depict perseverance... that the readers can relate to.

I used to listen to the book on the way to one of the most difficult jobs that I’ve had in my life. The author Adam Grant seemed like he knew the right words... to help me push through those difficult moments. He helped with looking within and reminded me that with grit and the right attitude I could push through it. - Jerron Trice '24, BS in Business Administration Graduate

"The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder" by David Grann

Who knew a shipwreck could bring so much joy? "The Wager" is one of those true stories that plays out like a blockbuster movie — packed with adventure, danger and fascinating moral dilemmas. As someone who’s spent decades in public safety and leadership, I found genuine joy in getting swept up in this tale of survival and human nature pushed to the edge.

It has all the ingredients for a perfect summer listen: high seas, high stakes and a deep dive into the choices people make when everything’s on the line. It’s not just entertaining — it’s exhilarating, thought-provoking and thoroughly enjoyable. A true-life swashbuckling adventure with mystery and enough twists and turns to keep you hooked — how could you go wrong? And as an audiobook, the vivid narration makes the story come alive and adds even more joy to the experience.

Ahoy, mateys — this one’s a wild ride you won’t want to miss! - Dr. Hector R. Garcia, Associate Dean of Social Sciences

"The Midnight Library" by Matt Haig

I find joy in reading "The Midnight Library" because it gets me thinking about life’s choices and possibilities. The novel’s imaginative premise, a library of infinite life possibilities, feeds the reader’s curiosity and wonder. The time travel arc, where the main character moves through different versions of her life, feeds a curiosity about all the different directions life can take.

As the main character works through regret and finds perspective, there’s a sense of hope that stays with the reader. I appreciate how Matt Haig keeps the story imaginative while still delivering meaningful takeaways. - Dr. Cheryl Frederick, Executive Director of STEM

"The Glass Bead Game" by Hermann Hesse

"The Glass Bead Game" depicts a future wherein all human knowledge — from mathematics to music, philosophy to poetry — can be woven together into elegant, meaningful patterns. The novel offers both a warning about ivory tower isolation and a hopeful message about the importance of interdisciplinary thinking and cooperation.

Hesse’s work resonates powerfully with contemporary debates about the role of expertise, education and moral responsibility in public life. The book cautiously celebrates the human capacity for rigorous thought and spiritual growth, suggesting that the highest forms of learning can be sources of profound joy and meaning. - Dr. Matthew Schandler, History Adjunct

"Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels" by India Holton

"Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels" is one of the funniest, most joyful books I’ve read in a while. It’s like "Downton Abbey" met "Pirates of the Caribbean" and threw a tea party in the middle of a sword fight.

With sky-flying pirate houses, absurd adventure and delightfully quirky characters, it’s pure, ridiculous fun. It had me laughing out loud and left me smiling long after I finished. - Dr. Kelsey Deters, Clinical Faculty of Undergraduate Nursing

"The House in the Cerulean Sea" by TJ Klune

"The House in the Cerulean Sea" is a gentle, magical story that reminds me it’s okay to slow down and embrace the wonder in the everyday. As a working mom of two toddlers who just was in grad school, it gave me space to breathe, laugh and believe in the beauty of chosen family.

Linus’s journey to rediscover joy, purpose and connection felt like a quiet hug at the end of a long day. It’s a hopeful, healing read that made me feel seen and reminded me that love and magic can be found in the most unexpected places. - Wreachell Duaqui-Nguyen '23 '25G, BS and MS in Data Analytics Graduate

"The Care and Repair of Antiques" by Paul Oakley

This book brings me genuine joy because it’s helped turn a personal passion into something hands-on and rewarding. "The Care and Repair of Antiques" has guided me through restoring everything from leather chairs to wooden furniture, and I’ve picked up treasures from antique shops and even Facebook Marketplace just to give them new life.

Beyond the practical tips, it’s deepened my appreciation for how things were built and the history behind each piece. There’s something really special about preserving that craftsmanship — it’s like giving the past a place in the present, one project at a time. - Carlene Estigoy '24, BA in Psychology Graduate

"The Games Gods Play" by Abigail Owen

If you’re into "The Hunger Games" but want a Greek mythology twist, you have to read "The Games Gods Play" by Abigail Owens. Honestly, I’m endlessly recommending this to anyone who’ll listen.

Imagine being dragged into a deadly contest where gods manipulate everything — and you’re stuck playing their dangerous game. The story’s packed with sharp sarcasm, high stakes and a dangerously tempting Hades who might just be more than a ruthless god. It kept me hooked from start to finish, and I think you’ll feel the same! - Ali Lamoureux '22, BS in Healthcare Administration Graduate

"A Woman of No Importance: The Untold Story of the American Spy Who Helped Win World War II" by Sonia Purnell

I heard the author, Sonia Purnell, being interviewed on NPR a few months ago. Her descriptions of American spy Virgina Hall and her unlikely success as an American spy for the British government in Nazi-occupied France were riveting.

A skilled diplomat with a prosthetic leg, Hall was continually underestimated by her colleagues and her adversaries, nonetheless accomplishing many astounding victories for the Resistance. This book sparks joy because she so clearly loved and excelled at her work, and it seems like a good time to be remembering why we fought against the Nazis. - Heather York, Social Sciences Adjunct

"The Briar Club" by Kate Quinn

"The Briar Club" is the kind of book you won’t want to put down or stop listening to (depending on your preference). It has a mix of mystery, drama and a group of women each with their own secrets all living under one roof in 1950s Washington, DC.

In my opinion, this book is a perfect mix of history and fiction, with some suspense and lots of heart. If you enjoy stories with strong female characters and a few twists, this one’s a perfect summer read for you! - Dr. Lyndsay Goss, Director of Continuing Professional Development in Nursing

"The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment" by Eckhart Tolle

I recommend "The Power of Now" to anyone seeking a peaceful way of living. Tolle emphasizes distinctions between the "mind" and "being,” encouraging "watching the thinker" to become aware of the now, rather than focusing on the past or future.

He explains how joy arises from within and becomes a natural state when you are fully present in the now, while happiness depends on external conditions. Drawing on wisdom teachings from Buddha, Jesus, Lao Tzu and others, the message feels universal.

I listened to the audiobook read by Tolle and am also reading a print copy to underline key passages. Not a light read, but it could lead you to enlightenment! - Dr. Lynn A. Baker, Associate Dean of General Education

Alexa Gustavsen ’21 is a content facilitator and writer at Southern New Hampshire University. Based in New Hampshire, she completed her bachelor's in creative writing and English on campus at NH. Currently, she is pursuing her master's in marketing online at the university. Connect with her on LinkedIn.