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We'll be adding new lists from our critics throughout the summer.
Indie Booksellers Target Summer's Best Reads()
May 30, 2011 Some of the best summers are those filled with journeys, reunions and good food — three themes that factor prominently in the books recommended by our independent booksellers.
Three Critics Pick The Best Books For Summer()
June 25, 2011 NPR's Lynn Neary taps three book critics — Laura Miller, Ron Charles and Rigoberto Gonzalez — to get their picks for the best summer reading.
Nancy Pearl Presents 10 Terrific Summer Reads()
June 23, 2011 The librarian extraordinaire sorts through the piles of books in her office and comes up with 10 captivating tales. With strong narrative voices and wonderfully drawn characters, these books will make you stop and savor the story.
Hooray For YA: Teen Novels For Readers Of All Ages()
August 9, 2011 A good novel doesn't just transcend the boundaries of its target market — it knows nothing about target markets. Julianna Baggott recommends five "young adult" novels that will appeal to readers of all ages.
Summer's Biggest, Juiciest Nonfiction Adventures()
July 6, 2011 Any one of these five sizzling new nonfiction books could be the next Hollywood blockbuster. Our advice? Read them all before the Hollywood execs do.
Crime Fiction Picks Serve Up Summertime Suspense()
June 1, 2011 Craving some cold-blooded thrills this summer? These detective novels offer twists and turns to help you beat the heat.
Dive Into Fiction: Five Picks From Alan Cheuse()
June 23, 2011 Immerse yourself in these satisfying summer selections, from "new" India to post-"dot com" San Francisco to the streets of Brooklyn. Plus: a reissue of Kurt Vonnegut's novels and mysterious short fiction from E.L. Doctorow.
They Came, They Saw, They Cooked: 5 Food Memoirs()
July 29, 2011 Is there anything fresh to be found in a food memoir? Reviewer Susan Jane Gilman says yes — and to prove it, she recommends five excellent books that will quench your desire for amazing food and adventure this summer.
Heady, Not Heavy: 5 Smart, Playful Summer Books()
August 17, 2011 For those readers looking to exercise their brains while lounging by the pool, this summer has some great reading options. These five engaging books are witty, smart and, best of all, a lot of fun.
Insane Science: 5 New Books That Explain The Brain()
June 7, 2011 From religion to pornography and die-hard optimists to remorseless sociopaths, reading about neuroscience can be a lot more fun than dodging volleyballs on a beach. Here are five brainy picks that are sure to make for some sizzling summer reads.
Laugh Yourself Cool: 5 Funny Books To Beat The Heat()
July 13, 2011 Dan Kois picks five hilarious new books to lift you out of the summer swelter. Go ahead: Laugh, giggle or guffaw until you sweat!
Back To Basics: 2011's Simple, Summery Cookbooks()
June 5, 2011 This season's standouts praise America's culinary traditions from coast to coast — and everywhere in between. Authors of these plainspoken and charming cookbooks craft memorable recipes around just a few well-chosen flavors: meals for every day that are anything but.
Books Preview: Spotting Summer's High Fliers()
May 31, 2011 The season of pleasure reading is upon us, and the publishing world has readied a handful of thrilling titles to be released just in time for the summer heat. After surveying the crop, here are our picks for fun reading in the sun.
Game On! 5 Winning Summer Sports Books()
July 20, 2011 The best sports writing drags readers out of their armchairs and onto the field. Here are five books that do just that — with a few detours into the locker room along the way.
Summer Books 2011: The Complete List()
June 2, 2011 See the titles critics are buzzing about. Get all of NPR's summer book recommendations in one place!
Summer Books 2011
Your Picks: Top 100 Science-Fiction, Fantasy Books()
August 11, 2011 More than 5,000 of you nominated. More than 60,000 of you voted. And now the results are in. Explore the winners of NPR's Top 100 Science-Fiction and Fantasy survey — an intriguing mix of classic and contemporary titles.
