SHARK TANK APPROVED 
Summer is the perfect time to kick back and relax with a good book. Whether you’re headed to the beach or just enjoying a summer afternoon at home, we’ve got some recommendations for your summer reading list. And, of course, they’re all recommendations with redhead leads (or characters).
If you’re an active reader or not, you may be wondering why summer is often considered the best time to read a book. Here are some reasons and maybe they will convince you to read one of our favorite books this summer:
1. Leisure and Relaxation: Summer tends to be a more relaxed and leisurely time, with vacations, holidays, and longer daylight hours. It provides an opportunity to unwind and immerse oneself in a good book without the pressures of daily routines.
2. Outdoor Reading: The pleasant weather and warm temperatures make it enjoyable to read outdoors, whether at the beach, in a park, or on a cozy patio. It’s a perfect setting to connect with nature while getting lost in a captivating story. But, as redheads, make sure you’re wearing plenty of SPF.
3. Escape and Exploration: Reading can transport us to different worlds and cultures. During summer, when people often travel or take time off, books allow for virtual exploration and adventure without leaving the comfort of your reading spot.
4. Summer-Themed Books: Many authors release books with summer themes or settings during this time, adding to the seasonal ambiance and providing readers with stories that match the mood of the season.
5. Reading Challenges and Programs: Libraries, bookstores, and online platforms often host summer reading challenges and programs. Participating in these activities can motivate people to read more and engage in a shared reading experience with others.
6. Personal Growth: Summer can be a great time for personal growth and self-reflection. Reading books on various topics can help expand knowledge, spark creativity, and inspire new ideas.
7. Quality “Me Time”: Summer can offer more free time, and reading provides an opportunity for valuable “me time.” It allows individuals to disconnect from screens and immerse themselves in the written word.
Ultimately, summer’s combination of relaxation, outdoor opportunities, and a generally lighter schedule makes it an ideal time for people to dive into books, explore new worlds, and make the most of their reading experience.
Reading a book with a redhead character can be a meaningful experience for several reasons:
1. Representation: Seeing a character with the same physical features can create a sense of representation and validation, fostering a deeper connection to the story.
2. Empathy and Relatability: A redhead protagonist may encounter unique experiences or challenges related to their hair color, which can lead to a greater sense of empathy and relatability in the reader.
3. Celebration of Diversity: Embracing and celebrating characters with diverse physical attributes, such as red hair, contributes to a more inclusive literary world.
4. Shared Experiences: The character’s experiences and emotions might resonate with the reader, providing a sense of camaraderie and understanding.
5. Self-Discovery: Reading about a character with shared physical traits can inspire introspection and self-discovery, helping the reader embrace and appreciate their own identity.
6. Cultural and Historical Context: Some books explore the significance of hair color in certain cultures or historical periods, offering insights into how redheads have been perceived throughout history.
Overall, encountering a character with similar physical attributes in literature can enhance a redhead’s reading experience, promoting a deeper connection to the story and fostering a positive representation of redheads in the literary world.
Finally, here are our favorite reads with redhead leads (and love interests):
1. The Summer Girl by Elle Kennedy
Elle Kennedy’s newest book is both spicy and emotional. Aptly named The Summer Girl this book is the perfect beach read featuring redhead college student Cassie Soul. It’s the third book in the Avalon Bay series, but can also be enjoyed as a standalone.
2. Seven Rules for Breaking Hearts by Kristyn J. Miller
Another new book out just in time for summer is Kristyn J. Miller’s debut novel. This one features a summertime romance with a redhead love interest for all the ladies who love ginger men out there.
3 & 4. It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover | It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover
These books may not be your classic beach read for summer, but you’re going to want to catch up before the movie hits theaters early next year. It Ends With Us has been topping the best-selling book charts for several years. The prequel, It Starts With Us is another read for those who want more of the story. Both focus on the redhead protagonist, Lily Bloom.
5. Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez
As a Goodreads Choice Award Winner and Nominee for Best Romance of 2022, this book is a must-read for romance lovers. Redhead city girl Alexis and smoking hot Carpenter Daniel will have you flying through the pages.
6. Funny Feelings by Tarah Dewitt
If you like comedy and you like to read, this is the book for you. Redhead comedian Farley and her manager-turned-love interest Meyer, along with his adorable daughter Hazel will capture your hearts this summer.
7 & 8. Neanderthal Seeks Human by Penny Reid | Love Hacked by Penny Reid
These two books in the Knitting in the City series both featured redheads. Janie from Neanderthal Seeks Human (Knitting in the City #1) is a natural redhead, while Sanda from Love Hacked (Knitting in the City #3) is a redhead ‘by choice’.
9. Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert
Another must-read with a redhead love interest is this bestseller by Talia Hibbert. When a computer geek meets a redhead tattooed handyman who rides a motorcycle, things might get a little spicy.
10. Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
You may already be familiar with this book from its TV adaptation that came out earlier this year. Redhead Daisy Jones and her band are straight out of the 1970s in a must-read filled with music, love, and heartbreak.
Welcome to the Summer Reading Challenge for Redheads:
1. Read a book with a redhead protagonist to celebrate your unique hair color and connect with relatable characters.
2. Choose a book that takes place in a sunny location to embrace the summer vibes and inspire your wanderlust.
3. Read a classic novel that features themes of adventure or self-discovery to ignite your imagination.
4. Find a book written by a redhead author to support and celebrate fellow redheads in the literary world.
5. Pick a book with a vibrant cover or artwork that complements your fiery hair color.
6. Try a book from a genre you haven’t explored before to expand your reading horizons.
7. Read a book that involves a summer romance or friendship to get into the seasonal spirit.
8. Opt for a book with strong, empowering female characters to celebrate the strength and beauty of redheaded individuals.
9. Dive into a book about nature or the environment to connect with the earth’s beauty and stay grounded.
10. Share your favorite reads with fellow redheads and book lovers to spread the joy of reading this summer!
Enjoy the challenge and happy reading! If you need book recommendations or have any questions, feel free to DM, comment on social media or comment below.
Rock it like a Redhead!
RELATED POSTS
