Whether you’re lounging in your backyard or curled up on the couch, a staycation is the perfect excuse to lose yourself in a good book. The right read can whisk you away without you ever having to pack a bag.
If you’re looking to escape the ordinary without leaving home, here are some staycation-ready books that offer all the summer vibes, wanderlust, and escapism you need.
If you’re looking for a cozy escape:
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
This wholesome, found family story is perfect for cozy vibes.
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
This fun, cute fantasy about an orc opening a coffee shop is perfect for escaping the real world while still staying comfy in your own home.
If you want books that feel like vacation:
Beach Read by Emily Henry
This is a smart contemporary romance perfect for readers looking for summer, beachy feels.
Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes
This memoir set in the Italian countryside is perfect for readers who want to travel vicariously through the adventures of others.
If you like coming-of-age in the summer books:
This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub
This time travel story features father-daughter relationships, New York City summers, and encourages the reader to consider their own place in the world.
Beautiful World, Where are You by Sally Rooney
This emotional read explores the relationships and friendships of four young Irish people as they search for meaning in a bleak world.
If you like something with a little heat:
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
This sibling-focused family saga takes place in 1980s Malibu and dives into the drama that unfolds at their annual end-of-summer party.
Every Summer by Carley Fortune
This second-chance romance is full of nostalgia, with alternating timelines that remind the reader of teenage summers and the heartbreak that often follows them.
Whether you’re looking to laugh, cry, swoon, or simply escape for a few hours, there’s a story on this list that can take you there.
So pour yourself a cold drink, find the shadiest tree in the yard, and get lost in a book that brings summer right to you.
