There's something about summer that makes people want to pick up a good book. Whether it's a novel tucked into a beach bag, a memoir read poolside or a collection of essays enjoyed on a long-haul flight, the slower pace of the season offers the perfect excuse to finally work through that ever-growing reading list.

For Kristin White, owner of Long Story Short, summer is one of the busiest times of year. Not just because people are shopping for holiday reads, but because they're looking for stories that will stay with them long after summer ends.

While romance continues to dominate seasonal reading lists, Ms White says today's readers are becoming increasingly adventurous.

“If that's what people are looking for, I can always recommend authors like Emily Henry, Kennedy Ryan, Ali Hazelwood and Jasmine Guillory,” she says.

She's also seeing readers gravitate towards books that explore the complexities of modern life, particularly the world of social media and influencer culture.

“Books like Goddess Complex by Sanjena Sathian and Julie Chan is Dead by Liann Zhang are part of a growing trend of novels examining the darker side of online fame and self-image.”

And while the term “beach read” once suggested something light and predictable, Ms White says that category has evolved, too.

“Beach reads are as popular as ever and they've gotten a lot spicier. I recently read How to End a Love Story and Beach Read by Emily Henry and found myself thinking, 'Oh my … people are reading these in public?'”

For Ms White, though, the perfect summer book isn't defined by a particular genre.

“Regardless of the season, you want a book you can get lost in, one that makes you feel something: joy, sadness, envy, anger, glee or gratitude.”

She believes summer reading should be immersive, but also forgiving.

“You might be reading on the beach, by the pool, on a plane or with your kids making noise in the background. You need a book that will hold your attention, but one you can easily fall back into if you have to put it down for a while.”

Ms White also hopes more readers will use the summer months to discover local voices.

“I'd love to see people reading books by Bermudian authors!”

She recommends Daughter of Mother of Pearl, Mandy Suzanne Wong's latest collection of essays, published by Greywolf Press, which has received outstanding reviews.

Ms White also encourages readers to explore the work of Robert de La Chevotiere. Born in Dominica and educated at The Berkeley Institute, his writing explores Caribbean life and identity. His most recent books include Tall Is Her Body and The Twelfth House.

For those who haven't picked up a book in years, Ms White says the key is not to feel intimidated.

“I always recommend short stories, essays or poetry. They're short, impactful and you can feel accomplished without having to finish an entire novel.”

She also encourages readers to revisit the books they loved growing up.

“I reread Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH every couple of years. It was my favourite book when I was eight years old, and I discover something new each time.”

Looking ahead, Ms White is excited about several new releases arriving at Long Story Short, including Ruth Ozeki's The Typing Lady: And Other Fictions, Haili Blessinghame's They All Fall in Love at the End and Honorée Fanonne Jeffers' essay collection Misbehaving at the Crossroads.

Whether you're looking for romance, literary fiction, thought-provoking essays or something completely unexpected, she believes the best summer reads all have one thing in common: “They're the books that keep you turning the pages and stay with you long after you've finished the last chapter.”

Kristin White's Five Must-Reads This Summer

Summer Sisters — Judy Blume

A timeless coming-of-age novel exploring friendship, betrayal and class that remains just as relevant today.

Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois — Honorée Fanonne Jeffers

An epic, multigenerational family saga that's perfect for readers looking to immerse themselves in one unforgettable story over the course of the summer.

Heartbreak Years — Minda Honey

A witty and poignant essay collection about dating, love and self-discovery.

Redwood Court — DeLana Dameron

A beautifully written coming-of-age novel told through interconnected stories about growing up in the 1990s.

Popisho — Leone Ross

A bold work of Caribbean magical realism that's romantic, unexpected and unlike anything else on the shelf.