Summer Reading List: Summer 2022 Book Recommendations – Geeks of Doom

Summertime brings lots of fun activities, one of which is reading! The warm weather and later daylight hours give us the opportunity to sit and read on the beach, by a lake, in your local park, at a resort, your own backyard, and many more places.

Below are some new releases that I personally am looking forward to reading this Summer. After the main list of new releases, Ive included a Read Before You Watch of some older titles getting a TV/Film adaptation (such as Neil Gaimans The Sandman coming to Netflix!), as well as some classic literature, like Dracula, which celebrates its 125 anniversary this year. Each listing has accompanying links to the print, ebook, and audiobook editions; the publishers synopsis; and my quick thoughts.

Continue on to check out my Summer 2022 Book Recommendations.

This Is Not the Real WorldThis is Not the Jess Show: Book 2Hardcover | Kindle EditionBy Anna CareyPublisher: Quirk BooksRelease Date: May 24, 2022

This is the follow-up to 2021s This Is Not the Jess Show (now out in paperback). I dont normally pick favorites, but Im gonna this time: This Is Not the Jess Show (Books 1 & 2) is my TOP PICK for Summer Reads 2022. Both books are quick, enjoyable reads that are perfect for Summertime, especially now with 1990s nostalgia happening in full force. These also make great Book Club selections for the season.

Nineties nostalgia takes a dark turn in this thrilling sequel to This Is Not the Jess Show, perfect for readers of We Were Liars and One of Us Is Lying.

Months after Jess escaped from the set of Stuck in the 90s, the nostalgic reality show she believed was her real life, the teen star is getting to know the outside world for the first time. But she cant outrun her fictional life foreveror the media empire that owns it.

After Like-Life Productions tracks her down and forces her boyfriend to return to the show, Jess teams up with an underground network fighting to uncover Like-Lifes schemes. To expose the truth, Jess must go back to the set and take Like-Life down from the inside . . . but getting revenge might just cost her everything.

Book Dimensions : 5.76 x 0.99 x 8.77 inches; 283 pages

Whisper Down The LaneHardcover | Paperback | Kindle Edition | AudiobookBy Clay McLeod ChapmanPublisher: Quirk BooksPaperback Release Date: April 5, 2022

As I mentioned in my review, in Whisper Down The Lane the author expertly taps into the hysteria of the famed Satanic Panic, creating a chilling, psychological thriller that keeps the reader guessing and worrying, wondering whats real. The paperback edition was released in April and contains a transcript of Lord of the Rings actor Elijah Woods Q&A with the author during the book release party.

A pulse-pounding, true-crime-based horror novel inspired by the McMartin preschool trial and Satanic Panic of the 80s.

Richard doesnt have a past. For him, there is only the present: a new marriage, a first chance at fatherhood, and a quiet life as an art teacher in Virginia. Then the body of a ritualistically murdered rabbit appears on his schools playground, along with a birthday card for him. But Richard hasnt celebrated his birthday since he was known as Sean.

304 pages; Book Dimensions: ?7.95 x 1.02 x 5.28 inches

The Kaiju Preservation Society Hardcover | Kindle Edition | AudiobookBy John ScalziPublisher: Tor BooksRelease Date: March 15, 20222

Alternate dimension, Kaiju, COVID-19 escapism yes, please!!! You cant go wrong with John Scalzi and Kaijus.

The Kaiju Preservation Society is John Scalzis first standalone adventure since the conclusion of his New York Times bestselling Interdependency trilogy.

When COVID-19 sweeps through New York City, Jamie Gray is stuck as a dead-end driver for food delivery apps. That is, until Jamie makes a delivery to an old acquaintance, Tom, who works at what he calls an animal rights organization. Toms team needs a last-minute grunt to handle things on their next field visit. Jamie, eager to do anything, immediately signs on.

What Tom doesnt tell Jamie is that the animals his team cares for are not here on Earth. Not our Earth, at least. In an alternate dimension, massive dinosaur-like creatures named Kaiju roam a warm, human-free world. Theyre the universes largest and most dangerous panda and theyre in trouble.

Its not just the Kaiju Preservation Society who have found their way to the alternate world. Others have, too. And their carelessness could cause millions back on our Earth to die.

272 pages; Book Dimensions : 5.38 x 0.71 x 8.25 inches

Sands of DuneHardcover | Kindle Edition | AudiobookBy Brian Herbert and Kevin J. AndersonPublisher: Tor BooksRelease Date: June 28, 2022

Did you love the 2021 epic scifi remake Dune, which won 6 Academy Awards? (I DID!!!) Well, Part 1 of Dune, that is. Part 2 is coming next year, so in the meantime, keep yourself immersed in Frank Herberts world with this new collection of Dune novellas by Herberts son Brian Herbert and his longtime collaborator Kevin J. Anderson.

Collected for the first time, these Dune novellas by bestselling authors Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson shine a light upon the darker corners of the Dune universe. Spanning space and time, Sands of Dune is essential reading for any fan of the series.

The world of Dune has shaped an entire generation of science fiction. From the sand blasted world of Arrakis, to the splendor of the imperial homeworld of Kaitain, readers have lived in a universe of treachery and wonder.

Now, these stories expand on the Dune universe, telling of the lost years of Gurney Halleck as he works with smugglers on Arrakis in a deadly gambit for revenge; inside the ranks of the Sardaukar as the child of a betrayed nobleman becomes one of the Emperors most ruthless fighters; a young firebrand Fremen woman, a guerrilla fighter against the ruthless Harkonnens, who will one day become Shadout Mapes.

176 pages; Book Dimensions: 6.75 x 0.85 x 18.25 inches

Stranger Things: Hawkins HorrorsA Collection of Terrifying TalesHardcover | Kindle Edition | AudiobookBy Matthew J. GilbertPublisher: Random House Books for Young ReadersRelease Date: May 3, 2022

One of the best parts of this Summer is the return of Stranger Things on Netflix! The second part of this fourth season is coming July 1, so check out this new tale from Hawkins to keep the Stranger Things fun continuing.

A collection of terrifying tales from the thrilling world of Netflixs hit series Stranger Things!

Prepare to visit the darkest and most chilling corners of Hawkins. Dustin, Lucas, Max, and their friends want to rent videos one night. But when a blackout changes their plans, they swap seven twisted tales based on their hometown. What secrets lurk in an old asylum? Does a mutant creature live at the bottom of Lovers Lake? Is a harmless teddy bear actually controlled by a supernatural force? These are just a few of the monstrous mysteries in this creepy collection that is sure to thrill fans of Stranger Things ages 8 to 12.

Welcome to the thrilling world of Netflixs hit series Stranger Things. Follow Eleven, Dustin, Max, Lucas, and their friends for mystery, suspense, and supernatural adventures in 1980s Hawkins.

208 pages; Book Dimensions: 6.06 x 0.76 x 8.5 inches

Stranger Things: The Official Coloring BookPaperbackBy NetflixPublisher: Ten Speed PressRelease Date: June 28, 2022

Yes, Im all hopped up on Stranger Things right now, so while were on the subject of the show, I have to highlight this official coloring book!!!! You can color in your favorite characters, as well as locations within Hawkins, the Upside Down, the newly introduced Creel House, and much more.

Color in your favorite characters and scenes from the hit Netflix show Stranger Things with this official, high-quality coloring book for all ages.

Nobody normal ever accomplished anything meaningful in this world.Jonathan Byers

From Hawkins to the Upside Down, explore the strange and spooky world of Stranger Things with this first-ever, official Netflix coloring book. Color in the Creel House, Steve and Robin serving up ice cream at Scoops Ahoy, or the terrifying Demogorgon in full attack mode.

Featuring 76 original illustrations and thick paper, this coloring book is the perfect way to relive the greatest moments from this hugely popular show.

80 pages; Book Dimensions: ?9.81 x 0.36 x 9.8 inches

Star Wars: BrotherhoodHardcover | Kindle Edition | AudiobookBy Mike ChenPublisher: Random House WorldsRelease Date: May 10, 2022

Take a trip back to the Clone Wars era when Obi-Wan and Anakin fought together instead of against each other as weve seen in the recent Disney+ streaming series Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker must stem the tide of the raging Clone Wars and forge a new bond as Jedi Knights in a high-stakes adventure set just after the events of Star Wars: Attack of the Clones.

The Clone Wars have begun. Battle lines are being drawn throughout the galaxy. With every world that joins the Separatists, the peace guarded by the Jedi Order is slipping through their fingers.

352 pages; Book Dimensions : 6.46 x 1.12 x 9.52 inches

Star Wars: The Thrawn Trilogy Boxed SetStar Wars Legends: Heir to the Empire, Dark Force Rising, The Last CommandPaperback | Kindle EditionBy Timothy ZahnPublisher: Random House WorldsRelease Date: May 31, 2022

Nothing can top Heir to the Empire when it comes to the Star Wars Expanded Universe, now known as Star Wars Legends. Now, the book and its two sequels from Timothy Zahn have been re-released in a 3-book box set.

Experience the #1 New York Times bestselling Star Wars Legends trilogy that introduced the menacing Grand Admiral Thrawnnow in a complete three-book set.

Following the events of Return of the Jedi: Star Wars: Episode VI, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Princess Leia find themselves once again at the center of rebellion.

Five years after the Death Star was destroyed and Darth Vader and the Emperor were defeated, the galaxy is struggling to heal the wounds of war, Leia and Han are married and expecting twins, and Luke has become the first in a long-awaited line of new Jedi Knights.

But thousands of light-years away, the last of the Emperors warlordsthe brilliant and deadly Grand Admiral Thrawnhas taken command of the shattered Imperial fleet, readied it for war, and pointed it at the fragile heart of the New Republic.

Meanwhile, Han and Lando Calrissian race against time to find proof of treason inside the highest Republic Councilonly to discover instead a ghostly fleet of warships that could bring doom to their friends and victory to their enemies.

Yet most dangerous of all is a new Dark Jedi, risen from the ashes of a shrouded past, consumed by bitterness, and scheming to corrupt Luke to the dark side.

1,504 pages; Book Dimensions: 5.87 x 3.43 x 8.5 inches

Possums Are Not Cute!And Other Myths about Natures Most Misunderstood CritterHardcover | Kindle EditionBy Ally BurguieresPublisher: Quirk BooksRelease Date: May 10, 2022

As I said in my review, Possums Are Not Cute! is undoubtedly both the most fun and informative book Ive read all year. Seriously adorable. Great to read on its own, and even better if you have a youngster to entertain.

Possums may steal your garbagebut with this book, theyll also steal your heart!

Possums are more than the ugly-cute icons of the internet. These so-called trash animals and pointy kitties are not only relatable avatars for anxious but resilient people everywhere, but natures secret clean-up crew.

Organized around common myths that have given possums a bad reputation, this fun and offbeat book reveals the truth about possums through dozens of adorable photos, informative illustrations, and fascinating facts. Did you know that

Possums protect people and pets from disease! A single possum can eat up to 4,000 ticks per week! Possums excel at interspecies friendships, often sleeping in other animals dens. Possums are shy creatures: when they play dead, they are actually fainting from anxiety!

Written by wildlife rehabber and possum advocate Ally Burguieres, known for her popular Instagram account @ItsMeSesame, this accessible and giftable guide explains why possums deserve our admiration and offers tips on how we can protect and advocate for these magical marsupials.

128 pages; Book Dimensions: 6.24 x 0.54 x 7.29 inches

Still Just a GeekAn Annotated MemoirHardcover | Kindle Edition | AudiobookBy Wil WheatonPublisher: William MorrowRelease Date: April 12, 2022

Actor Wil Wheaton, of Star Trek: The Next Generation fame, revisits and expands upon his 2004 book Just a Geek in this open and honest memoir.

Celebrated actor, personality, and all-around nerd, Wil Wheaton updates his memoir of collected blog posts with all new material and annotations as he reexamines one of the most interesting lives in Hollywood and fandomand now for the first time in audio, narrated by Wil himself!

From starring in Stand by Me to playing Wesley Crusher on Star Trek: The Next Generation to playing himself, in his second (third?) iconic role of Evil Wil Wheaton in The Big Bang Theory, to becoming a social media supernova, Wil Wheaton has charted a career course unlike anyone else, and has emerged as one of the most popular and well respected names in science fiction, fantasy and pop culture.

464 pages; Book Dimensions: 7.38 x 1.41 x 9.12 inches

Lycanthropy and Other Chronic Illnesses: A NovelHardcover | Paperback | Kindle Edition | AudiobookBy Kristen ONealPublisher: Quirk BooksOriginal Release Date: May 24, 2022Paperback Release Date: May 10, 2022

Chronic Illnesses, it says it right there in the title. As someone whos suffered from a serious chronic illness since childhood, this one definitely piques my interest. While illness on its own doesnt exactly scream FUN!, pairing it with werewolves certainly does. This is a YA selection and skimming the preview on Amazon, I can tell this will be a quick one to enjoy this Summer.

Teen Wolf meets Emergency Contact in this sharply observed, hilarious, and heartwarming debut young adult novel about friendship, chronic illness, and . . . werewolves.

Priya worked hard to pursue her premed dreams at Stanford, but the fallout from undiagnosed Lyme disease sends her back to her childhood home in New Jersey during her sophomore yearand leaves her wondering if shell ever be able to return to the way things were.

Thankfully she has her online pen pal, Brigid, and the rest of the members of oof ouch my bones, a virtual support group that meets on Discord to crack jokes and vent about their own chronic illnesses.

384 pages; Book Dimensions: 5.23 x 0.98 x 7.98 inches

Trouble With The CursedThe Hollows: Book 16Hardcover | Kindle Edition | AudiobookBy Kim HarrisonPublisher: Ace BooksRelease Date: June 14, 2022

Yes, this is the 16th book in Kim Harrisons Hollows series, so if youve been reading this urban fantasy series, youll want to continue with this one. If this is new to you, you can start back at the beginning with the highly entertaining Book 1 Dead Witch Walking (the Kindle ebook edition is on sale for only $3.99 now!).

Rachel Morgan must keep her friends closeand her enemies closerin the next Hollows novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Kim Harrison.

Rachel Morgan, witch-born demon, has one unspoken rule: take chances, but pay for them yourself. With it, she has turned enemies into allies, found her place with her demon kin, and stepped up as the subrosa of Cincinnatiresponsible for keeping the paranormal community at peace and in line.

Life is . . . good? Even better, her best friend, Ivy Tamwood, is returning home. Nothings simple, though, and Ivys not coming alone. The vampires ruling council insists she escort one of the long undead, hell-bent on proving that Rachel killed Cincys master vampire to take over the city. Which, of course, Rachel totally did not do. She only transformed her a little.

464 pages; Book Dimensions: 6.27 x 1.52 x 9.28 inches

The Ballad of Perilous GravesHardcover | Kindle Edition | AudiobookBy Alex JenningsPublisher: Hachette Book Group: RedhookRelease Date: June 21, 2022

The cover on this one is so cool it grabbed me right away; then I previewed the book on Amazon and theres a very cute map of this fantastical version of New Orleans and now I really want to read this debut novel from Alex Jennings.

Music is magic in this vibrant and imaginative debut novel set in a fantastical version of New Orleans where a battle for the citys soul brews between two young mages, a vengeful wraith, and one powerful song.

Nola is a city full of wonders. A place of sky trolleys and dead cabs, where haints dance the night away and Wise Women help keep the order. To those from Away, Nola might seem strange. To Perilous Graves, its simply home.

In a world of everyday miracles, Perry might not have a talent for magic, but he does know Nolas rhythm as intimately as his own heartbeat. So when the citys Great Magician starts appearing in odd places and essential songs are forgotten, Perry realizes trouble is afoot.

Nine songs of power have escaped from the piano that maintains the citys beat, and without them, Nola will fail. Unwilling to watch his home be destroyed, Perry will sacrifice everything to save it. But a storm is brewing, and the Haint of All Haints is awake. Nolas time might be coming to an end.

Put on your dancing shoes and enjoy this song for New Orleans, the city of music, magic, and dreams.

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Summer Reading List: Summer 2022 Book Recommendations - Geeks of Doom

Reviewed and Recommended by Erik Baquero