Go Touch Grass - A Summer Reading List for the Hammock

Summer is the perfect time to dive into the limitless realms of books. Whether you’re lounging on a beach, swinging in a hammock, or up in a comfortable tree, a novel can transport you in a way more modern entertainment can’t, all while not giving away your position if you’re trying to stay unbothered. Here are some of the best books to read over the summer, each offering a unique escape into the extraordinary.

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Checkout our Violent but True Bedtime Stories here!

Shameless plug, but check out our blood-soaked bedtime stories! All based on the most violent, but true, accounts of bravery we could find! Keep an eye out for the new releases.

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Project Hail Mary – Andy Weir

From the author that wrote “The Martian” a gripping science fiction novel that follows Dr. Ryland Grace, a lone astronaut who awakens on a spaceship with two long dead crewmen and no memory of his mission. As he regains his memories, he discovers he’s humanity’s last hope to save Earth from an impending catastrophe caused by a mysterious organism depleting the sun’s energy. The novel combines hard science, humor, and suspense as Grace faces seemingly insurmountable challenges in space. With a relatable protagonist and a made for film pacing, this is a solid choice, and is being made into a film in 2026.

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The Three-Body Problem

Liu Cixin’s The Three-Body Problem is a groundbreaking novel that brings Chinese science fiction to a global audience. The story begins during China’s Cultural Revolution and spans into the future, where humanity faces an impending alien invasion. The novel delves into physics, astronomy, and the nature of humanity itself. Its blend of hard science and philosophical questions makes it a thought-provoking read that doesn’t expect you to be Stephen Hawking to understand it but doesn’t talk down to you either. For those who like true crime, a bonus here is a fair amount of lore behind the production of the recent Netflix series, as it was intended to be a movie before a murder took place…

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The Way of Kings - Brandon Sanderson

The first book in Brandon Sanderson’s epic fantasy series “The Stormlight Archive,” introduces readers to the storm-ravaged world of Roshar. The narrative follows three main characters: Kaladin, a former soldier turned slave who discovers his latent powers; Shallan, a scholar with a hidden agenda; and Dalinar, a high prince struggling with visions that may hold the key to their world's survival. As war rages and ancient threats resurface, these characters’ paths intertwine, revealing a complex web of magic, politics, and prophecy. Sanderson’s masterful storytelling creates a deeply immersive experience, setting the stage for an epic saga that explores themes of leadership, honor, and the nature of power. This sprawling storyline has contained single volumes longer than the entirety of Lord of the Rings, and Sanderson does not often waste the attention that it requires. With several more entries on the way, the sooner you start the sooner you can catch up… Unless you read the rest of the universe’s stories, in which case you will never catch up.

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Foundation - Isaac Asimov

The first novel in Isaac Asimov’s seminal science fiction series explores the rise and fall of civilizations across a vast galactic empire. Mathematician Hari Seldon develops “psychohistory,” a scientific method to predict the future on a large scale. Foreseeing the imminent collapse of the Galactic Empire, Seldon creates the Foundation, a group of scientists and engineers tasked with preserving knowledge and shortening the impending dark age. As the empire crumbles, the Foundation faces numerous challenges, including political intrigue, warlords, and religious cults. Asimov’s intricate plot and visionary concepts highlight the interplay between science, politics, and human nature. “Foundation” is a thought-provoking and influential work that examines the cyclical nature of history and the enduring quest for knowledge, making it a cornerstone of the science fiction genre. Not to be confused with the Apple TV series, which is based on Foundation but diverges into its own story very early on.

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This summer, let your imagination out for a walk with these incredible books. From the darkness near Tau Ceti to the far-flung future at the edges of known space, these novels offer unforgettable journeys into the unknown. Whether you’re a regular reader or just someone who dabbles, these books promise adventure, intrigue, and plenty of thought-provoking moments. So, find a spot under a tree, plop a cooler nearby, and enjoy another reality for a while.

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