The Book Review: Your Summer Reading Bucket List
By Jennifer Harlan
Published in the New York Times Books newsletter on July 29, 2025
Dear Readers,
A couple of months ago, the New York Times Books introduced the first-ever Summer Reading Bucket List challenge to enhance your reading adventures during the summer months. The challenge involved checking off at least five of the 10 categories, such as reading a book published in the last year or exploring a genre you don't typically read.
As August approaches, the newsletter aims to check in on your progress. The writer, Jennifer Harlan, shares her experiences, including reading books like "The Safekeep" by Yael van der Wouden and "Daughters of the Bamboo Grove" by Barbara Demick. She also delves into genres like psychological thrillers, romances, and historical novels in translation.
Highlighted Books and Authors:
- "The Safekeep" by Yael van der Wouden
- "Daughters of the Bamboo Grove" by Barbara Demick
- "The Catch" by Yrsa Daley-Ward
- "A Gentleman's Gentleman" by TJ Alexander
- "The Director" by Daniel Kehlmann
- "These Summer Storms" by Sarah MacLean
The newsletter encourages readers to share their progress and recommends sharing new discoveries or seeking personalized reading recommendations.
Book Recommendations:
Novels by Katie Kitamura, Susan Choi, and David Szalay have been longlisted for the Booker prize. The newsletter also features recent book reviews in fiction, essays, poetry, and more.
About NYTimes.com Store:
The store associated with this newsletter, nytimes.com, is a reputable online platform that offers a wide range of products, including books, magazines, and merchandise related to news, culture, and entertainment. The store is known for its curated selection of items that cater to diverse interests and preferences.
NYTimes.com Store provides a convenient shopping experience for book lovers, offering the latest releases, bestsellers, and critically acclaimed reads. Customers can explore various genres, fiction, non-fiction, and special editions through the store's user-friendly interface.
Additionally, the store ensures timely delivery and quality customer service, making it a preferred destination for readers looking to enrich their literary collection or find unique gifts for fellow book enthusiasts.
Overall, the NYTimes.com Store stands out as a trusted online retailer that aligns with the esteemed reputation of The New York Times, offering a seamless shopping experience for bibliophiles and individuals seeking high-quality products related to literature and cultural insights.