If you loved

Books like That Summer

A bittersweet, sun-drenched exploration of the summer when childhood ends and the messy reality of growing up begins. These 12 books are the closest matches in mood, pace and themes, with what each one shares with That Summer.

sun-drenched
bittersweet
transitional
wistful

01
The truth about forever
Sarah Dessen
A sun-soaked summer of chaotic catering gigs, found family, and learning to let go of the need to be perfect.
Shares:
- sun-drenched
- bittersweet
- earnest
- nostalgic
02
Once and for all
Sarah Dessen
A sun-drenched, bittersweet summer romance that explores the messy collision of wedding-day perfection and real-world grief.
Shares:
- sun-drenched
- bittersweet
- earnest
- nostalgic
03
Second Chance Summer
Morgan Matson
A bittersweet, sun-drenched summer of rekindled love and inevitable goodbyes.
Shares:
- sun-drenched
- bittersweet
- earnest
- nostalgic
04
Did I mention I love you?
Estelle Maskame
A sun-drenched, high-angst summer romance fueled by forbidden attraction and teenage rebellion.
Shares:
- sun-drenched
- earnest
05
The last song
Nicholas Sparks
A sun-soaked coastal romance that slowly transforms into a profound, tear-jerking meditation on family and forgiveness.
Shares:
- sun-drenched
- bittersweet
- earnest
- nostalgic
06
Always and Forever, Lara Jean
Jenny Han
A warm, bittersweet embrace of a story that captures the terrifying, beautiful precipice between childhood and whatever comes next.
Shares:
- bittersweet
- earnest
- nostalgic
07
It's Not Summer Without You
Jenny Han
A sun-faded, bittersweet exploration of what happens when the golden haze of childhood summers is pierced by real-world grief.
Shares:
- bittersweet
- earnest
- nostalgic
- reflective
08
A summer's lease
Marilyn Sachs · 1979
A quiet, emotionally honest portrait of a prickly aspiring writer learning that talent isn't a substitute for empathy.
Shares:
- bittersweet
- earnest
- nostalgic
- reflective
09
The unexpected everything
Morgan Matson
A breezy, big-hearted contemporary read about the messy, beautiful chaos that ensues when perfectly laid plans fall apart.
Shares:
- earnest
- wry
10
This raging light
Estelle Laure
A raw, lyrical exploration of a girl holding her fractured world together, illuminated by the sudden, complicated spark of first love.
Shares:
- earnest
11
The sky is everywhere
Jandy Nelson
A vibrant, messy, and deeply poetic exploration of how a heart can simultaneously break from grief and burst with new love.
Shares:
- sun-drenched
- bittersweet
- earnest
12
The fill-in boyfriend
Kasie West
A sweet, trope-driven high school romance where a desperate prom-night lie blossoms into a genuine, swoon-worthy connection.
Shares:
- earnest
- nostalgic

Back to That Summer