By Maia Penzer (COM’26) | Published June 2025

Are you looking for your next great summer read? Whether you’re craving a mystery to get lost in, a story that makes you think, or a little inspiration for your next adventure, these books by BU alumni have you covered. From late-night thrills to heartfelt journeys and everything in between, there’s something here for every kind of reader. So, find a comfy spot, pour yourself something cold, and get ready to dive in.

100 Nights of a Lifetime: The World’s Ultimate Adventures After Dark

By Stephanie Vermillion (COM’12)
In the mood for adventure? 100 Nights of a Lifetime by Stephanie Vermillion takes you around the world after dark. From snorkeling with manta rays in Hawaii to chasing the Northern Lights in Norway, this book offers plenty of travel inspiration, whether you’re planning your next trip or experiencing it all vicariously through Vermillion’s words.

The Ruins of Woodman’s Village

By Albert Waitt (GRS’99)
For those who love a mystery, Albert Waitt’s thriller set in 1980s Maine is a great pick. Against the backdrop of sandy beaches and a tight-knit coastal town, long-buried secrets begin to surface, unsettling the quiet of summer. It’s the perfect read for a breezy night by the water.

Cross My Heart

By Megan Collins (GRS’08)
If you’re looking for a summer read full of romance and suspense, Cross My Heart is the perfect pick. With its mix of love, mystery, and the tension of a heart transplant that may have connected two people destined to be together, it’s an addictive page-turner ideal for your beach bag.

Rental House

By Weike Wang (GRS’15)
Summer often sparks thoughts of home and belonging, making Weike Wang’s Rental House an ideal read for the season. Set against the backdrop of Cape Cod and the Catskills, this novel explores identity and family dynamics as a married couple navigates the complexities of their different backgrounds while spending time in charming vacation homes.

Boomtown Girl

By Shubha Sunder (GRS’12)
Transport yourself to modern India with Shubha Sunder’s vibrant collection of short stories. Set in the bustling, rapidly evolving city of Bangalore, these tales offer a glimpse into the lives of characters navigating a city shaped by globalization and economic change.

The Mesmerist

By Caroline Woods (GRS’08, Wheelock’09)
Caroline Woods’ The Mesmerist transports readers to the late 19th century, where a quiet arrival at the Bethany Home for Unwed Mothers stirs up more than just curiosity. When a new guest arrives, silent and withdrawn, the mysterious deaths surrounding the home seem like random tragedies. That is, until Faith’s eerie silence sparks whispers of dark magic. A perfect summer read, this tale of spiritualism and mesmerism will keep you hooked from start to finish.

15 Lies Women Are Told at Work

By Bonnie Hammer (CGS’69, COM’71, Wheelock’75, Hon.’17)
Summer is an ideal time for self-improvement, making Bonnie Hammer’s empowering guide must-read. 15 Lies Women Are Told at Work delivers honest, no-nonsense advice, offering the essential truths women need to thrive and the lies to disregard along the way. Packed with practical strategies for overcoming workplace challenges, this book serves as a source of inspiration for women looking to revitalize their careers.

A Murder in Hollywood

By Casey Sherman (COM’93)
True-crime fans will find their perfect summer read in Casey Sherman’s A Murder in Hollywood. This thrilling investigation into the infamous Lana Turner case is as captivating as a summer blockbuster—perfect for those lazy, sun-soaked days by the pool.

Please Come to Boston

By Gary Goldstein (COM’78)
A vivid account of life as BU student in the ’70s, Please Come to Boston follows freshman Nicky DeMarco as he navigates a love triangle between new friends Joe and Lori, and questions his sexuality. The trio’s teenage entanglements have unexpected consequences when 50 years later, Nicky and Joe return back to Boston where it all began.

Selected Poems

By Robert Pinsky, William Fairfield Warren Distinguished Professor, former Director of the Creative Writing Program
If you’ve got an appetite for poetry, Poet Laureate and BU Professor Robert Pinsky’s Selected Poems is sure to satisfy. In honor of his retirement after 36 years of teaching, indulge in this compilation that contains a variety of Pinsky’s best works and captures his passion for the craft.