What to read (and sip) this summer
Summertime is officially upon us, which can only mean one thing: Reading has officially become an outdoor activity. Whether you’re planning a seaside vacation or simply sitting outside after dinner, you’ll need a cool drink to stave off the heat.
Lucky for you, we’ve put together the perfect title and drink pairings to see you through the summer months on the Libby app.
Man at the Helm
by Nina Stibbe
A classic Aperol Spritz is the perfect combination of bittersweet and bubbly, which makes it an ideal pairing for Nina Stibbe’s Man at the Helm. Described by reviewers as “real, odd, life-affirming, sharp, loving” and “charming and bittersweet, with a very English flavor,” this 2014 comedy based on the author’s childhood follows two sisters as they attempt to find their mother a new husband to right the ship of their homelife. If you’re looking for a read that will make you laugh out loud without pulling punches, this pairing is for you.
The High Life
by Anise Starre
Romance author Anise Starre’s latest, set to release in July, follows airline heiress Imani Davies as she attempts to escape an arranged engagement. While this one’s a lighter read, we’ve opted to pair it with the complex, classy Boulevardier so you can live the high life along with the main characters.
Foreign Fruit
by Katie Goh
Author Katie Goh’s curiosity about the origins of the orange led to this 2025 nonfiction odyssey, which won Scotland’s National Book Award for Debut Nonfiction. Since it covers the complicated history of one fruit across centuries and cultures, it’s only right to partner this brilliant debut with a drink that highlights the titular citrus: a mimosa.
The Old Man and the Sea
by Ernest Hemingway
A quote from Ernest Hemingway hangs in one of his favorite restaurants in Havana: “My mojito in La Bodeguita, my daiquiri in El Floridita.” Pair this timeless Hemingway classic about an old Cuban fisherman’s battle against a giant marlin with one of his favorite drinks – we promise not to be upset if you opt for the daiquiri instead.
The Exes
by Leodora Darlington
Pairing a thriller with red wine feels like a no-brainer, but summer calls for a bit of fruity fun to mix things up. Throw together your ideal sangria combo and then dive into this February debut about Natalie, a woman whose toxic exes have always ended up dead – and who’s hoping to prevent the same fate from befalling her husband. If only she could remember what happened to them…
*Title availability may vary.
Published Jun 19, 2026
Kate Frick
Kate Frick is a librarian for Sora, the student reading app. They love reading books to babies, going on long walks while listening to their favorite podcasts, and playing games of all shapes and sizes… and reading, of course!