When I think of the Fourth of July, I don't just think of fireworks. I think of road trips with the windows down, beach towels spread across the sand, backyard barbecues that somehow last until dark, and that one quiet moment when everyone else is busy and you can sneak away with a good book.
Summer has always felt like the perfect reading season. Maybe it's because the days are longer, or because vacations finally give us permission to slow down. There's something magical about reading outside with a cold drink in hand or staying up just a little later because you can't put your book down.
For this column, I picked a handful of books that I think are perfect companions for a Fourth of July weekend. Some are set around the holiday itself, while others simply capture the feeling of summer—warm days, unforgettable memories, family, friendship, and a little bit of adventure. Whether you're traveling, relaxing at home, or waiting for the fireworks to begin, I hope one of these finds a place in your bag.
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
If there were ever a novel made for the Fourth of July weekend, this would be it. Set over the course of one day leading up to an extravagant annual party in Malibu, the story follows siblings Nina, Jay, Hud, and Kit Riva as family secrets surface before the night ends in flames—literally.
What I love most about Taylor Jenkins Reid is how she writes families. Beneath the celebrity glamour, lavish parties, and beautiful California setting is a heartfelt story about siblings trying to carry the weight of their past while figuring out who they want to become. It has sunshine, surfing, fireworks, and enough emotional depth to make it much more than a summer beach read.
Jaws by Peter Benchley
I know this might seem like an unexpected recommendation, but hear me out. The story takes place just before the busy Fourth of July holiday, when tourists are flocking to the beaches of Amity Island. The timing couldn't be worse because a great white shark has decided to make those waters its hunting ground.
Even if you've watched the movie, the novel is worth reading. It's suspenseful, surprisingly character-driven, and a reminder that sometimes the most iconic summer stories aren't romances—they're the ones that make you think twice before going into the water.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Some books simply feel like summer, and The Great Gatsby has always been one of them. The extravagant parties, warm evenings, sparkling lights, and longing hidden beneath all the glamour perfectly capture that fleeting feeling of summer.
Every time I think about this novel, I'm reminded that classics become classics for a reason. If you've been meaning to revisit Gatsby—or finally read it for the first time—July is the perfect season to do it.
The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters
Not every summer read has to be lighthearted. The Berry Pickers begins during the berry-picking season in Maine and unfolds into a beautifully written story about loss, family, identity, and the lives forever changed by one little girl's disappearance.
This is one of those quiet novels that slowly works its way into your heart. If you're looking for a reflective read to balance out the excitement of the holiday weekend, I can't recommend this enough.
The Phoenix Pencil Company by Allison King
One of my favorite surprises this year has been The Phoenix Pencil Company. I picked it up without knowing much about it and completely fell under its spell. The story blends magical realism with historical fiction as Monica tries to understand her dying grandmother while discovering Yun's story through letters written during wartime. The magical pencils that preserve memories add an enchanting layer to an already emotional novel.
I love books that remind us that stories don't disappear as long as someone is willing to remember them. During a holiday that celebrates history and the generations that came before us, this felt like an especially meaningful recommendation. It's imaginative, heartbreaking, and one of those books I kept thinking about.
The Body by Stephen King
Most people know this story through the film Stand by Me, but the novella deserves just as much love. Following four boys on a summer adventure that changes them forever, it's less about the destination and more about friendship, growing up, and the memories that shape who we become.
Stephen King has a remarkable ability to capture childhood with honesty and heart. Reading this feels like looking through an old photo album, remembering what it was like when summers seemed endless and every adventure felt life-changing.
The older I get, the more I appreciate that summer reading isn't about checking books off a list. It's about finding stories that become part of the season itself. Years from now, you may not remember what you grilled on the Fourth of July or which fireworks show you watched, but you just might remember the book that kept you company that weekend.
If you're packing for a trip—or even if you're simply planning a quiet staycation—I hope you'll save room for at least one good book.
As always, I'd love to know what you're reading. If you have a favorite book that reminds you of summer or has become part of your own Fourth of July tradition, send me an email at ihorton@whatsupmag.com. My TBR is always growing, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
