Summer is the perfect time to slow down, soak up the sun, and get lost in a great book. Whether you're relaxing at the cottage, lounging in the park, or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon at home, the right story can turn any moment into a mini escape. Ottawa Public Library’s Great Summer Reads booklist is full of unforgettable characters and stories that linger long after the last page.
For French-language readers, Un avenir radieux by Pierre Lemaître delivers a sweeping, dramatic narrative, while Plage Laval by Rafaële Germain brings wit and warmth to stories of everyday life.
The booklist includes English literary fiction, gripping family sagas, dark humour, and bold personal reflections. From Fredrik Backman’s My Friends, a poignant novel about connection and memory, to Niko Stratis’s The Dad Rock That Made Me a Woman, a moving and funny coming-of-age memoir, the list offers something to match your summer mood.
You’ll also find The Alternatives by Caoilinn Hughes—a clever, original story about four siblings navigating life’s strange turns—and Detective Aunty by Uzma Jalaluddin, which combines mystery and cultural insight with heart and humour.
Whether you're heading to the beach, the backyard, or your favourite reading nook, this list is your passport to rich storytelling and thoughtful escapes. Several books are available in print, eBook, or audiobook formats—so you can choose the way you prefer to read. Check out the booklist: Great Summer Reads today!