By Stephanie Monahan

Maine by J. Courtney Sullivan
If you can’t be lounging at a beach house in Maine this summer, you can at least live vicariously through the family in this book. Though each character has her own complicated feelings about the house, Maine and family, each returns for another summer together. You will probably find someone to relate to ~ the youngest daughter, who’s keeping a secret; the black sheep, who never seemed to fit in; the in-law, who sees everything from a different perspective; or the head of the household, who’s trying to keep it all together.

Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls by David Sedaris
Reading Sedaris feels like listening to your funniest friend tell stories you don’t ever want to end, and his newest essay collection doesn’t disappoint. He takes everyday annoyances (conversations with customer service reps), family dynamics (a father he can’t quite impress) and political issues (same-sex marriage) and manages to view them from an angle you wouldn’t expect. But the bottom line is simply this: He’s hilarious.

The Moon & More by Sarah Dessen
It is the summer before college, and Emaline is stuck between two worlds. There’s the comfort of her familiar beach town, stable family and boyfriend that make staying in place seem right. Then, there’s the pull of bigger dreams, leading her in the opposite direction. This is Dessen’s 10th young adult book, and while it is a familiar formula ~ a teen girl learns about life and love over the course of a summer ~ the formula works.

Superman: The Unauthorized Biography by Glen Weldon
For all of the comic book hero enthusiasts, this volume follows the life and evolution of Superman throughout his 75-year history. Weldon is a comic book geek, and his love for the genre and focus on details really shines through, making this comprehensive but not at all dull.

Someday, Someday, Maybe by Lauren Graham
Yes, this novel is written by an actress, but don’t let that deter you from giving it a try. Graham uses her real life as inspiration: Struggling actress Franny Banks is about to give up on her dream. She hasn’t been able to land that breakthrough part, and the rest of her life is equally disappointing. Franny’s voice is engaging, and navigating New York City in the 1990s with her is a fun way to spend a sunny afternoon.