Every summer there seems to be a mountain of things to do, from laying at the pool, to going to the lake, to spending every waking minute with friends, but at some point we all need some downtime in our busy summers. One thing that we don’t usually think of as a summer activity is reading, and it can be a great way to wind down in the midst of our chaotic summer lives.

Summer reading that is for homework is obviously horrible, and no one ever likes the book. However, if you find a really interesting leisure reading book, it can be a great way to spend some time. Here are some great summer reading options:

“We Were Liars” by E. Lockhart is easily one of the weirdest books I have ever read, but that is what is so special about it. It is confusing and has a huge plot twist at the end, and it is one of my favorite books because it is unlike any other book I have read. This book would be a fun summer read because it evokes a ton of emotion and is so well and uniquely written that it is difficult to put down.

Another book that I recommend reading this summer is “The Art of Racing in the Rain” by Garth Stein. For all of the dog lovers out there, this one is a tearjerker and a must-read. It does not fall short of adventure and is full of love and compassion. As far as any great dog book goes, this one, narrated by the dog himself, is realistic and sad but a great novel that will make you appreciate the love of your pup much more.

“Zero Day” is an action-packed book that revolves around the lives of the President of the United States and his family, so it is a realistic fiction novel. Mystery comes into play and there are several different perspectives that the reader gets to see the story from, so it is interesting to see all sides of the plot and who is involved. This book is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Last but not least, I would highly recommend reading the old-time mystery novel by the one and only Agatha Christie, “And Then There Were None.” This book is an excellent choice for those who love mystery and throwback novels. It is constantly changing and it is a book that really requires thought and focus because something new happens on every page. This is another book that will keep readers on the edge of their seats and is very difficult to put down.

I know the last thing that kids want to do during the summer is read, but sometimes it can be a good way to wind down a night, or spend a hot or rainy day. If you’re bored this summer in all of that free time, make sure to take a little time this summer and find a good book to read.