Introducing the 2025 Old Town Books Summer Reading Guides
We’re so excited to finally share our 2025 Summer Reading Guides! We’ve compiled more than 100 books for adults, teens and kids to take you on adventures all summer long.
To celebrate, we’re sharing six of our top picks from both guides.
If you’re not already on our email list, don’t forget to sign up now to access our 2025 Summer Reading Challenge and Adult Bingo card.
Adults
The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett
“Sixty-three year old struggling alcoholic PJ Halliday sets off across the country to woo "the one who got away" -- accompanied by a pair of orphans, his grown daughter, and a cat named Pancakes who has the ability to predict death. You will laugh, cry, and believe in the goodness of humanity again.” - Sarah
Along Came Amor by Alexis Daria
“After a one-night-stand turns into a no-strings-attached situation, people-pleaser Ava and billionaire hotelier Roman find out they are maid of honor and best man at a wedding together. This one is full of sexy getaways and family drama!” - Leah
When Sally Killed Harry by Lucy Roth
“Sally meets Harry, Harry cons Sally, Sally kills Harry, but is Sally the only one out for revenge?” - Cate
The Incandescent by Emily Tesh
“The brilliant story of a teacher at a magic school in the British countryside who will do whatever it takes to protect her students-- even if it kills her. Hearfelt, humor-filled, and rounded out with a swoony slow burn romance.” - Lane & Isa
Is a River Alive? by Robert Macfarlane
“A thought provoking exploration of the relationship between man and nature with such beautiful prose, eliciting an urgency for the protection of the planet while also challenging your view of the world.” - Kai
Change the Recipe by José Andrés
“José Andrés reflects on his career and the many lessons he has learned along the way, whether that is that it is better to have the wrong sized pot than no pot at all, or that it is often more valuable to help the existing helpers than to provide the assistance you think they need.” - Cate
Kids & Teens
Growing Home by Beth Ferry
“Rich in vocab, silly banter, heartfelt revelations, and one very grumpy goldfish, this will shine as a read aloud for the whole family!” - Melissa & Kai
Return to Sender by Vera Brosgol
“Secret wishes and a magical mailbox takes two kids on a whirlwind adventure full of limited edition shoes, a stolen airforce jet, a rare monkey, and pizza in this illustrated novel that explores the costs of always getting what you want.” - Kai
The Right Call by Tommy Greenwald
“A gripping, multi-format thriller about a 15-year-old pitcher prodigy who gets caught in the middle of an altercation-gone-wrong between his father and a ref.” - Melissa
Death in the Jungle by Candace Fleming
“Nonfiction Book of the Year: an exceptionally researched and compassionate look at what led to the mass deaths in the jungle outpost of the fringe group Peoples Temple.” - Melissa
Silverborn: The Mystery of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend
“This incredible series out of Australia gives Harry Potter a run for its money with its cursed protagonist, magic city, themes of belonging, and spine-tingling villain.” – Melissa
Nobody in Particular by Sophie Gonzales
“A sapphic, swoony Young Royals, in which a disgraced princess falls for a new student at their all-girls boarding school, then must conceal it at all costs.” - Melissa