50 Shades of Summer Reading

By SheSpeaksTeam Jun 20, 2012

Are you dreaming of a cool iced drink by the pool or is it the lure of a brightly colored beach towel next to a shimmering ocean that has you daydreaming? Well the chances are your image of summer relaxation also includes a book or two. Do you still enjoy the feel of paper books for your summer page-turner or will you be downloading your reading to a nook, kindle or ipad.

Many women have already read this year's stealthy British blockbuster 50 Shades of Grey, and conversation has now turned to the sequel 50 Shades Darker and the actors that will play the lead characters in the movie. But if you are looking for a book that will stimulate you in a different way, you are probably in need of some quick recommendations.

Save yourself the last minute grab-a-book in the airport, check out our starter list for the new releases below and add your own suggestions and recommendations in the comments.

If you have read 50 Shades of Grey...Who would you cast in the leading roles of Ana and Christian?

SPRING FEVER, by Mary Kay Andrews

This is an easy summer read that begins years after a divorce and introduces some strong characters that are not focused on the predictable exes drama but instead the simple realisation of life and relationships. The book does a great job of bringing you close to their 'reality' in a near and readable story. Spring Fever was written byMary Kay Andrews who also wrote Summer Rentals.

GONE GIRL, by Gillian Flynn

This story is dark and enveloping. The characters and the situation are rich and inviting and then the plot takes some wonderful twists where the details of a 5 year marriage suddenly become less and less clear and the plan to find a missing wife reveals some disturbing truths and an unpredictable ending.

KISS THE DEAD, by Laurell K. Hamilton

A female U.S. Marshal tracks down a teenage girl that is abducted by vampires. Her unexpected discovery when she finds the girl is a group of unwilling vampires who don't wish to live the vampire life and serve a master. The dynamic of the U.S. Marshal and the vampire community creates a great read for those who like Vampire stories.

FIFTY SHADES DARKER, by E. L. James

The romance of Ana and Christian is continued through the eyes of Ana. The story is still playful and details the characters in a carefully woven plot and sub plots that bring readers up close and maybe uncomfortable in revealing how Ana and Christian move through their lives together.

UNBROKEN, by Laura Hillenbrand

From the author of Seabiscuit this is a true and heroic account of a young athlete who worked hard to be a runner in the Berlin Olympics. But Zamperini's destiny changed with World War II when he was forced to keep himself and a pilot alive on a raft for an incredible number of days only to be captured and sent to Japanese War Camp where his fame became a tool for propoganda and Zamperini became a focus for unthinkable tortures. An amazing and inspiring story, well written.

Please share the books that keep you reading this summer!

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Comments

by designer2008 | NAVARRE, FL

Jun 21, 2012

On on the second installment of the 50 shades trilogy, as a matter of fact, will finish it today, ad begin the third. I am enjoying the read, however, it is far from the best writing I have seen. I find a lot of the descriptives to be quite redundent. Not sure who I would cast in the movie version, would have to give that some thought. I had not heare the Jennifer Love-Hewit rumor, but I actually think she would make a good Ana.

by elph71 | TALLAHASSEE, FL

Jun 21, 2012

I love to read, thanks for the recommendations. I'm trying to finish The Passage in time to get Justin Cronin's followup novel that comes out in October. It's a doorstop of a book and not a breezy read. For a breezier good time I think I'll turn to A Little Night Magic by Lucy March.

by sassygirl66 | Montgomery, IL

Jun 21, 2012

I also read alot, I will be reading all three books in the 50 shades of grey trilogy. But right now i am reading The Hunger Games Books!!! Then maybe start on some of the reccommended books that are listed!!

by babsywabs | Notre Dame, IN

Jun 21, 2012

The book that everyone is raving about, 50 Shades of Gray, holds absolutely no interest to me. I may be "judging a book by it's cover" so to speak, but it is not "my style". I am currently reading a fascinating book, by one of my favorite authors: "The Given Day", by Dennis Lehane (who also wrote "Mystic RIver".) This book is about two families in 1918 era Boston, and is brilliantly written. It's quite long, and I'm almost halfway through, but so far I would highly recommend it.

by jonibean | Doylestown, PA

Jun 21, 2012

I have already finished the first of the series, Fifty Shades of Gray, and have just started Fifty Shades Darker. They are very sensual books, that may turn people off, but there is a love story there - it's deep and I am enjoying the read. I would think that Robert Pattison would be a good fit for Christian - he has played dark roles and just has the look. As for Ana -- I just don't know.

by cammih | SILOAM SPGS, AR

Jun 21, 2012

I just read "Faith Bass Darlings Last Garage Sale" and really enjoyed it!! Great surprising read by a new author.

by pattywishinmi | ISHPEMING, MI

Jun 21, 2012

I have to add that while reading this book I had flashbacks to "Pretty Woman" there was some similarities to Edward and Vivian. At least that's what it reminded me of.

by justoneforcoupons | MANCHESTER, NH

Jun 21, 2012

I haven't read 50 Shades of Gray yet. I have heard so many people talk about this book and it has sparked an interest. Will put it on my reading list. Right now I am reading the Chosen Series by Denise Grover Swank. I love the series. I am also reading the Kindle edition of Twenty-Eight and a Half Wishes also by Denise Grover Swank.

by hugsnkisses | Montclair, CA

Jun 21, 2012

Thanks for the recommendations, haven't read 50 shades, just finished the hunger games series, was looking for the next book, I will definitely take a look at the books on your list was considering 50 shades but been a little hesitant because my twin daughters tend to pick up on whatever it is I'm reading...hadn't considered downloading it to my iPad, guess I'm old school like that ;)

by SpeakingForYou | JONESBORO, AR

Jun 21, 2012

I love to read from my Kindle. My favorite authors are Harlan Coben and Nicholas Sparks. They are two very different authors, but both are great! I am more into the mystery/thriller/suspense type of books like Harlan Coben's, but always enjoy NIcholas Sparks' books, too.

by basilandcatnip | GARLAND, TX

Jun 20, 2012

Picked 50 Shades up today, on Chapter 9, wanted to see what all the hoopla was about. Just finished 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami, enjoyable read so I picked up a few of his earlier books.

by sharman421 | TALLAHASSEE, FL

Jun 20, 2012

OH if only Amy Tan, Richard Russo, and Anne Tyler could write faster than I read. I have now read everything they have written and I am waiting. In the meantime, I am going back to some old classics: Anna Karenina by Tolstoy is a good summer read. And anything my John Irving and Isaac Bashevis Singer. Wonderful writers!

by NAvery1 | MOUNT MORRIS, MI

Jun 20, 2012

Unbroken sounds really good, hoping to read that next. Right now I am reading The Beach Trees by Karen White

by Teachpetch | Akron, NY

Jun 20, 2012

We are leaving for our summer trip next week. I have 50 Shades Freed (already read the first two books) and Gone Girl packed to take with me. The 50 Shades trilogy is not "classic literature"-but it is not meant to be, and Ms. James certainly has a vivid imagination. I have read great reviews for Gone Girl. I am currently reading The Queen's Vow-and I recommend it highly. It does not go on sale on 6/29- I got an Advanced Reader's copy from Random House.

by justrelaxing | BAXTER, MN

Jun 20, 2012

I read 50 shades , really like the ending and will purchase the next book, i heard someone suggest Alexander Skarsgaard from true blood, would be a great role for Christian !