For most of us, the idea of a summer read probably means something a little different than it did a couple months ago. With travel to far-flung locations largely off the table and the state of most metropolitan areas left uncertain, we’re looking for books that can transport us all on their own—from a Caribbean-set thriller to a brutal takedown of Silicon Valley’s elite; from a nostalgia-soaked story about coming of age in 1970s New York to a fantastical good-versus-evil tale that reimagines the city as it exists today. Want to know the rest of our top picks for summer 2020? Read on.

If you buy your books from Amazon, we're including both e-book options from the retailer, plus physical versions from other companies, since Amazon is currently prioritizing shipping essential goods.