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The 2026 Mrs. LazySpoon Summer Reading Challenge is officially here, and I can’t even believe I’m saying this…it’s year eight of doing this little tradition. Eight!

Every summer, from May long weekend to Canadian Thanksgiving, I challenge myself to read at least 10 books. Not because I have to, but because somewhere along the way, reading became one of those habits that grounds me. It’s my way of slowing down, unplugging, and choosing a good story over doom scrolling or a “just one more episode” situation.

And honestly, I can’t imagine the summer without a book in my hand. Longer evenings, slower mornings, and a little more space to get lost in a story…it’s kind of the perfect setup.

If you’ve been hanging around here for a while, you already know this, but my Facebook book club has turned into the coziest little corner of the internet. We swap reviews, share recommendations, and play a few games on Fun Fridays (when I remember to post). If you’re not in there yet, what are you waiting for? Come join us.

And whether you’re aiming for 10 books, 2 books, or just trying to finish the one that’s been on your nightstand since February, you are so welcome here. This isn’t about perfection or pressure. It’s about carving out a little more time for something that feels good.

Alright, I won’t keep you any longer. I know you’re already eyeing the list.

Here it is, the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge book list.

*The titles link to Amazon, where I am an affiliate partner and receive a small commission if you purchase through the link. This is at no additional cost to you, but a small way to keep this blog operational. I appreciate you being here and supporting this challenge and book list over the years. xo

2026 Summer Reading Challenge Book List

What I’ll Be Reading

I’m an absolute sucker for an actual book. I love wandering through bookstores, stacking books around my house, and being surrounded by stories waiting to be read and those I’ve already enjoyed. I’m also wildly impatient, which means I usually buy books instead of borrowing them because the second I hear about a good one, I want it immediately. That said, I have mad respect for people who faithfully use the library and patiently wait their turn for the latest release. You are stronger than me.

The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff

I’ve seen many positive reviews for The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff. Between family secrets, complicated relationships, heartbreak, and hope, I have a feeling this one will be both heavy and beautiful in the best way. I’m especially looking forward to seeing how the story explores forgiveness, love, and the ways families find their way back to each other over time. 

Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke

Readers have strong opinions about this one, which honestly makes me even more curious to read it. The mix of satire, thriller, influencer culture, and commentary on trad wives, feminism, religion, and social media feels incredibly timely, and probably a little too close to home for some readers. I’m looking forward to a book that sparks conversation and leaves me thinking long after I finish it. 

Theo of Golden by Allen Levi

This book might be one of the most loved books I’ve seen readers talking about this year, and honestly, it sounds really special. The whole idea of a stranger collecting people’s stories in exchange for their portraits feels thoughtful, heartwarming, and a little magical. I have a feeling this will be one of those slower, meaningful books that make you reflect on the stories people carry.

Liberty Street by Heather Marshall

Liberty Street immediately caught my attention when a Mrs. LazySpoon book club member recommended it because I absolutely loved Looking for Jane by the same author. Heather Marshall has such a powerful way of bringing hidden stories and forgotten women to life, and this one sounds just as compelling. Inspired by true events and set around a real women’s prison in the 1960s, I have a feeling this book will be emotional and eye-opening. 

Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth

This book seems to be everywhere right now, and the more I hear about it, the more intrigued I become. I love a story with unexpected twists, emotional depth, and a main character people can’t stop talking about. From what readers are saying, this one is equal parts entertaining, heartbreaking, and surprisingly moving. I’m really looking forward to meeting this “magnificent and madly wonderful” character and seeing where her story goes. 

One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune

Here is my token steamy beach read for this year’s list, and it sounds like the perfect summer escape. A lakeside setting, nostalgia, romance, and a story tied to one life-changing summer? Yes please. I have a feeling this one will be the kind of book I fly through in a couple of days while lounging in the sun. No anguish, terror, or war in this read…I hope!

Don’t Let Him In by Lisa Jewel

I love to throw a good thriller into my summer reading list, and Lisa Jewell rarely disappoints when it comes to twisty, addictive stories.  I’m hoping this one will be one of those “just one more chapter” books that keeps me up way too late. And, hey,  if you’ve already read this one, good news: her next thriller, It Could Have Been Her, comes out in June.

The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin

This novel has almost made my reading list a few times already, and after hearing a couple of readers say it’s one of the best books they’ve ever read, I figured it was finally time. From everything I’ve heard, this one is equal parts funny, heartwarming, and completely heartbreaking. Stories about unexpected friendships always get me. I’ll probably need a full box of Kleenex nearby while reading this one.

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

This book first landed on my radar while watching the Taylor Swift End of an Era documentary, and yes, I wrote the title down along with Taylor’s favourite Sancerre. But the second I looked up this book, I knew it was completely my kind of read. Family drama, a cold case, layered secrets, and a twisty thriller all rolled into one? Say less. I’ve read this one is nearly impossible to put down.

The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston

A book for my book club friends who appreciate something a little more light-hearted and a little less emotionally devastating every once in a while. From everything I’ve heard, this one is funny, heartwarming, clever, and full of the kind of characters you can’t help but root for. I’m looking forward to a charming, uplifting read that leaves me smiling when I finish the last page. 

What I’ll Be Listening To

I plan to commute to the lake on weekends and spend as much time as possible out for walks, so this is what I’ll have cued up on my playlist this summer.

You With the Sad Eyes by Christina Applegate

I’ve been intentionally saving this memoir for this summer’s audiobook list. Christina Applegate’s story is already familiar to so many of us, from Married with Children to her more recent health struggles and MS diagnosis, but I have a feeling hearing her tell her story in her own words will make this memoir feel especially personal and powerful. I’m expecting this one to be vulnerable, honest, emotional, and probably sprinkled with the humour she’s always been known for.

Poor by Katriona O’Sullivan

Memoirs are hands-down my favourite genre to listen to. This one is being described as a rags-to-riches story, but it sounds like it goes much deeper than that. I’m always drawn to stories that explore the messy, complicated reality behind resilience and success, and this memoir sounds moving, honest, funny, and incredibly inspiring.

If Only Love by Shelley Saywell

This was a last-minute addition that caught my eye when I picked up a few of the books on this year’s list. As I already mentioned, I enjoy listening to memoirs on audiobook, and this one sounds like a really powerful love story between a Canadian girl and an American boy.

Good Hang with Amy Poehler

This is my bonus pick for anyone looking to add a little more laughter to their summer. Honestly, everyone needs a good laugh right now, and this podcast rarely disappoints. Each week, Amy Poehler chats with celebrity guests about their careers, life, and random everyday things, and the conversations always feel easy, funny, and surprisingly relatable. There’s rarely an episode where I don’t laugh out loud at least once.

Whether you’re reaching for a twisty thriller, an emotional family saga, a heartwarming friendship story, or a light-hearted escape by the lake, I hope this list helps you find a few books to add to your summer stack. There’s something so special about slowing down with a good book on a patio, at the lake, or during a quiet summer morning.

As always, I’d love to hear what you’re reading this summer, so please join us in Mrs. LazySpoon’s Facebook book club!

Happy reading, friends!