Our 8 Fave Summer TBRs (Towels + Beach Reads, That Is)

Our 8 fave summer TBRs (Towels + Beach Reads, that is)

Three women in swimsuits lie on beach towels on white sand, each absorbed in their ultimate summer reads. Viewed from above, they form a sunlit row—one wears a hat—enjoying the perfect day for summer reading by the shore.

Never Though I’d End Up Here

Illustrated book cover shows a girl and a boy leaning out of a moving train, looking at green fields and mountains. The sky is bright, the mood adventurous—perfect for your ultimate summer reading or to add to your summer TBR.

A rectangular towel with a pattern of pink hibiscus flowers and green fern leaves on a light blue background—perfect for relaxing with your ultimate summer reading or lounging beside your summer TBR pile.

By Ann Liang
SCHOLASTIC PRESS, $20

It all started with Leah’s disastrous wedding toast. After totally bombing (because let’s be real, her Mandarin is high-key rusty), Leah’s parents ship her off on a two-week travel program to China. She’s ready to chill and reconnect with her roots— until her irritating (and annoyingly cute) rival Cyrus shows up.

Towel: Soha Living, $30

The Lost Queen

A person in a yellow robe and hat stands before a glowing white palace, surrounded by colorful, swirling patterns—an enchanting scene perfect for your Ultimate Summer TBR. “The Lost Queen” by Aimee Phan appears prominently.

A lavender and white towel with vertical stripes and a central pattern of circular floral and geometric designs—perfect for lounging poolside with your ultimate summer books or working through your summer TBR.

By Aimee Phan
PENGUIN YOUNG READERS GROUP, $20

People have always thought Jolie was strange. Blame last year’s very public meltdown and her fortune-telling grandfather. Things change when she has a vision and saves the most popular girl in school. Now the two are telepathically linked, and the fate of the entire world is in their hands.

Towel: Delilah Home, $60

Beyond The Board

Blue beach towel with a seashell and seaweed pattern, featuring various shells, coral, and ocean plants framed by wavy blue borders—perfect for lounging during your summer reading or tackling your ultimate summer reads by the shore.

By Maya Gabeira
AMULET BOOKS, $20

Meet Maya Gabeira, the real-life record-breaking surfing legend. At just 17, she left her home in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with nothing but a backpack and an unstoppable dream to ride the world’s biggest waves. But it wasn’t until a near-fatal wipeout that Maya discovered what courage really means.

Towel: The Big One, $19

Of Earthly Delights

A rectangular towel with a vibrant floral pattern featuring orange, white, and pink flowers with green leaves on a black background. Perfect for lounging during your ultimate summer reading session. One corner is slightly folded over.

By Goldy Moldavsky
HENRY HOLT AND CO., $20

When Rose first lays eyes on Hart, the spark is instant. Spending the summer together in the lovely, slightly eerie garden on his family’s estate should be a dream come true. Something feels off, though— and Rose can’t shake the sense that her one and only is hiding a dark, dangerous secret.

Towel: Slowtide, $45

You Started It

A rectangular towel featuring a purple background with an all-over pattern of irregular, scattered pink spots—perfect for lounging with your summer TBR or ultimate TBR by the pool.

By Jackie Khalilieh
TUNDRA BOOKS, $20

Kicking off an epic senior year with a surprise breakup is *definitely* not the vibe—just ask Jamie. As if that isn’t bad enough, her ex, Ben, is already cozying up to someone new. Determined to win him back and check off her bucket list, Jamie is willing to try just about anything, including faking a relationship with a TikTok-famous dancer.

Towel: Bimba Y Lola, $95

The Thrashers

By Julie Soto
WEDNESDAY BOOKS, $20

Only the best of the best can join the Thrashers, New Helvetia High’s elite crew. Jodi is thrilled when her childhood best friend (and secret crush), Zack, pulls her in. But Jodi’s excitement quickly turns to dread when a classmate drops dead on prom night—and the victim’s diary points straight to the Thrashers as prime suspects.

Towel: Knockaround, $33

Summer Girls

Rectangular rug with a yellow background and orange borders, featuring five abstract sunburst designs in orange with pink centers—perfect for lounging with your ultimate summer reads. The rug has white fringe on the shorter ends.

By Jennifer Dugan
PENGUIN YOUNG READERS GROUP, $20

Cass can’t stand the entitled rich kids who invade her beach town every summer. Exhibit A: Birdie, a spoiled troublemaker sent to the shore as punishment for wrecking her BF’s fancy car. When the two unexpectedly grow closer, Cass is forced to rethink her rules about falling for the “summer girls.”

Towel: Sand Cloud, $33

Heir of Storms

A rectangular blue and white towel with abstract designs—swirling lines, clouds, raindrops, a geometric sun, and lightning bolts. White fringe decorates the shorter edges. Perfect for lounging with your ultimate summer reading or tackling your summer TBR.

By Lauryn Hamilton Murray
ROARING BOOK PRESS, $21

Since her birth—and the deadly storm it unleashed—Blaze has been in hiding. As a Rain Singer born into a fire-wielding family, she’s always had to suppress her unique powers. But when she and her twin are called to compete in a brutal race for the throne, those hidden abilities might just be the key to her victory…and her survival.

Towel: Cognitive Surplus, $56

Hey, girl! Just to let you know, this piece was originally featured in our June/July 2025 issue. Read our print mag for *free* today when you click HERE!

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