School is out, the temperature is reaching toward the 90s – it’s officially time for summer reading. But, what to read? These summer reading lists should have more than enough suggestions to last you through the heat.

National Public Radio (NPR) picks its favorites for the season at Summer Books 2009. Here, you can find the Best Fiction for Every Kind of Summer Day. If you’re looking for something a little weightier, try this list called On the Hunt for Fabulous Fiction. Or, maybe you’re in the mood for suspense and intrigue? Check out For Summer Sleuths: Best Mystery, Crime Novels for some great suggestions. For readers who like to check out the latest cookbooks, NPR has you covered with The 10 Best Summer Cookbooks Of 2009.

Literary superstar Stephen King has picked seven favorites for the summer ahead on EW.com. I’m currently reading one of his picks on this list (Drood by Dan Simmons) and I heartily recommend this novel, as well.

Another great list is found at The Daily Beast where Sara Nelson, the former editor in chief of Publishers Weekly, picks The 13 Hottest Summer Reads.

Feeling more serious? The editors and writers over at SmartMoney got together and chose 12 Smart Books: Our Staff Summer-Reading Picks. The Wall Street Journal has published a Summer Book List with both fiction and nonfiction, as well.

And if you just want to know what new books will be hitting bookstores this summer, check out the USA Today 2009 Summer Books Calendar.

Yes, there’s more… If you’re a book list junkie like me, take a peek at Rebecca Blood’s summer reading list of lists. You’re sure to find a few books you like – and then head back to your local library to check them out for free!

Author

Angela Kille is a librarian at the Kansas City Public Library.