'Unplug' with Lemuria's Summer Reading List
Jackson's beloved Lemuria Books has once again done the hard work of narrowing down summer reading to the books that truly matter.
From signed literary fiction to adventurous middle grade picks, their booksellers have curated a list worth clearing your schedule for.
Adult Picks from Lemuria's Booksellers
Julia McCall's Pick
What Came West by Josh Weil (Signed copies are available)
"What Came West" is a beautifully written story about a man's search for a place to belong. Silas's story shows what nature can do for us and our impact on it, in not only Silas's search for a place, but also everyone's search for more. What happens to the West and ourselves as we struggle to settle and continue to take? What is lost from the move west? This is such a relevant message as we continue to struggle to connect with each other and continue to see the effects of our push west.
Stephanie Ellis' Pick
Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke
Natalie is a popular "tradwife" influencer who makes manicured posts of her rugged do-it-all-yourself farm life on social media, while her reality of nannies and production staff stays hidden away. However, the complexities of her journey to online fame paint a picture of a woman trying to survive. When she wakes up one morning in 1885, Natalie gets a bitter taste of the realities of the life she pretends to live. "Yesteryear" is a sharp and biting exploration of the rise of modern "tradwife" content and the ways women are expected to perform, both online and in their personal realities.
Caleb Bedford's Pick
A Violent Masterpiece by Jordan Harper
"A Violent Masterpiece" speaks to the times we're living in... It's gritty and far-fetched, but it's also real as hell.
Madeline Cox's Pick
Whistler by Ann Patchett (Signed copies are available)
A tender and unconventional tale of finding someone you don't remember losing, and in finding them, you find yourself. Ann Patchett has truly mastered the craft of putting human emotion to paper in a way that feels remarkably personal. A gut punch on each page! The perfect summer read for those who feel deeply and enjoy an emotionally intelligent roller coaster!
Sarah Gregg's Pick
The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett (Signed copies are available)
"The Calamity Club" is THE book of the summer with its vivid characters, luscious setting, and a plot that moves as quick as a summer storm. Follow 11-year-old Meg and 24-year-old Birdie through 1933 Oxford, Mississippi as their brief encounter at the Orphanage sets in motion a revelatory series of decisions made by women at the end of their ropes. Funny, emotional, and deeply human, these women and girls are not to be underestimated when it comes to protecting themselves and the ones they love.
Summer Reading for Kids and Teens
Youth Books Chosen by Jene' Barranco
Children's Picture Book
Bear for a Day by Corey R. Tabor, Caldecott Award-winning artist (Signed copies available — First Edition Club Pick for June 2026)
If you were a bear for a day, what would YOU do? Discover one playful answer in this funny, surprising story about creativity, friendship, and using your imagination. The book itself is printed like a school composition book, as if this was a real creative writing assignment! Creative illustrations from the perspective of the bear's vantage point.
Middle Grade Fiction
Pocket Bear by Katherine Applegate, Newbery Medalist
Born during the middle of WWI, Pocket was designed to be a mere 3½ inches tall, perfectly sized to fit into the pocket of a soldier's jacket. That way, glancing at his pocket, a soldier would see an endearing token of love from someone back home, and, hopefully, a good luck charm. Now, 100 years later, Pocket is the unofficial leader of the Second Chances Home for the Tossed and Treasured, where stuffed animals are refurbished and given a new opportunity to be loved. Pocket Bear is a tale of bravery, loyalty, kindness, and second chances.
Ms. Pennypickle's Puzzle Quest by Chris Grabenstein, New York Times Bestselling Author
From the New York Times Bestselling Author of the "Mr. Lemoncello" series comes a race across the country full of rousing riddles and laugh-out-loud humor as two brothers try to solve the million-dollar puzzle of an eccentric genius! "Willy Wonka" meets "The Amazing Race" on a road trip filled with hijinks, heart, and lots of laughs! A hilarious and fast-paced scavenger hunt where the ultimate prize is family.
Middle Grade Historical Fiction
The Dark Skies Mystery by Deron R. Hicks
An unlikely hero, 12-year-old Henry Hamilton isn't a soldier — he's a journalist. It's 1942, and the United States is at war. While most of the kids in Henry's class dream of being soldiers and shipping off overseas, Henry wants to contribute in a different way: he dreams of being a reporter. His search for a story becomes a mission to save his hometown. In this high-stakes mystery, Henry stumbles upon a conspiracy of enemy spies and saboteurs — his dream of being a reporter becomes a dangerous reality. When his city organizes an air raid program as part of its civilian defense efforts, he might find the scoop he's been hoping for. But as he tracks down his leads, he discovers a story far more dangerous and important than he could have imagined.
Young Adult Fiction
The Escape Room by Marissa Meyer and Tamara Moss, Bestselling Authors (Signed copies are available)
An unforgettable murder mystery set in an escape room-themed game show where contestants must win the game, survive its deadly stakes, and solve the biggest mystery of all. If you are looking for a perfect puzzle of a book, full of twists, turns, and characters you'll fall in love with, grab this book! A thrilling "whodunit" that moves at a page-turning pace!
For more information about Lemuria and this book list, call 601-366-7619 or visit lemuriabooks.com.
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4465 I-55 North
Jackson, 39206
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Lemuria Books4465 I-55 North
Jackson, 39206