As spring semester comes to a close, summer offers something students don’t often get during the academic year – time to read purely for enjoyment. No assignments, no deadlines, just the freedom to explore stories that spark curiosity, imagination, and reflection.
Paradise Valley Community College’s Buxton Library is ready to help you make the most of your summer reading season, while also reminding the campus community of the many resources available year-round.
To get started, PVCC Librarian Paula Crossman has curated a thoughtful and engaging summer reading list, blending popular authors, new releases, and compelling voices across fiction and nonfiction.
Fiction picks:
- Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune, a heartfelt friends-to-lovers romance set against the coastal beauty of Vancouver Island, with subtle nods to Little Women. Fortune’s growing popularity—along with upcoming screen adaptations of her work—makes this a timely and satisfying read.
- Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke is a witty and suspenseful debut that follows a modern tradwife (traditional wife) influencer unexpectedly transported to the realities of the 1800s, where her idealized lifestyle quickly unravels.
- Ghost Town by Tom Perrotta, a character-driven story about returning home, identity, and rediscovery, is sure to resonate with fans of his previous works, such as Election and The Leftovers.
- American Fantasy by Emma Straub is a lighthearted yet reflective novel set on a boy band cruise, where nostalgia and self-discovery collide in unexpected ways.
- Midnight Train by Matt Haig is a poignant time-travel story about revisiting life’s happiest moments and the emotional complexities that come with them.
- Puck by Samantha Allen is a playful, modern twist on Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, filled with mischief, humor, and romance.
Nonfiction picks:
- Adult Braces: Driving Myself Sane by Lindy West, a candid and often hilarious memoir exploring self-image, success, and personal growth.
- Backtalker: An American Memoir by Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw is a powerful reflection from the scholar who introduced the concept of intersectionality, examining her life’s work and the experiences that shaped it.
- Big Fan: Two Friends, 82,490 Miles, and the Wild, Wonderful Sports We Love by Michael Schur and Joe Posnanski is a cross-country journey blending humor, friendship, and the cultural power of sports.
- I’m a Lot: Surviving Myself and All the People I’ve Been by Alison Leiby is a collection of essays embracing imperfection and authenticity in a world that often demands more.
- I Am Not a Robot: My Year Using AI to Do (Almost) Everything by Joanna Stern is an intriguing exploration of what happens when technology becomes deeply integrated into everyday life.
Vital Resource Hub
Beyond the pages of a good book, Buxton Library continues to be a vital resource hub for PVCC students, faculty, and staff. Need access to course materials? The library offers two-hour textbook checkouts and can email up to three chapters of a textbook for free, helping students stay on track without added expense.
For academic support, Buxton also provides:
- Online tutorials to guide research and library navigation
- Comprehensive citation help for APA, MLA, and other formats
- Access to A–Z databases filled with scholarly articles and research tools (be sure to sign in with your student account for full access)
- 24/7 Ask a Librarian support for help whenever you need it
Looking to relax or explore new interests this summer? The library also offers:
- Streaming services including Swank, Kanopy, and Alexander Street (AVON), featuring films, documentaries, theatre performances, and PBS content
- Culture Passes for free or discounted admission to museums and cultural attractions
- A Seed Library for those interested in gardening and sustainability
- Board games, puzzles, and educational toys available for checkout
Students interested in building a reading habit or simply enjoying a quiet hour can also participate in Buxton Library’s summer book clubs:
Shhhare & Read: Silent Book Club
Bring your own book and enjoy dedicated reading time in a peaceful, shared space.
- June 3, July 1, August 5, 12 p.m.
TL;DR Short Story Club
Short on time? This group focuses on stories 10 pages or less. RSVP to receive the reading in advance. RSVP to receive the story one week in advance.
- June 4, July 2, August 6, 12 p.m.
Both clubs meet in the Buxton Library Classroom and are open to anyone looking to stay connected through reading this summer. Whether you’re diving into a novel, exploring new ideas, or taking advantage of the many academic and recreational resources available, Buxton Library is here to support your journey.