A new novel by Pablo Cartaya, A Hero’s Guide to Summer Vacation, follows 13-year-old Gonzalo on what he expects to be a boring cross-country road trip with his grandfather. But as the journey unfolds, both characters—young and old—end up learning unexpected lessons about each other and themselves. It’s a heartfelt story about family, growth, and the surprises life throws at you when you least expect them.

Editor’s Note: Stories like this remind us that even the most mundane-seeming moments—like a long car ride—can turn into something meaningful. With themes of intergenerational bonding and self-discovery, this book could resonate with readers who’ve ever felt disconnected from family or unsure about their place in the world. Plus, it’s a great summer read for anyone craving a mix of adventure and heart.

Jess Walter’s latest novel, So Far Gone, follows a grumpy environmental reporter who’s holed up in a remote Pacific Northwest cabin—think Walden but with more sarcasm. His solitary routine gets upended when he’s suddenly tasked with caring for his two grandkids. The story weaves together themes of redemption, family, and the messy beauty of second chances, all wrapped in Walter’s signature wit and keen eye for human flaws.

Editor’s Note: Walter’s work always resonates because it finds humor and heart in life’s chaos—this time, through an unlikely caretaker navigating parenthood (again) in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest. For readers who love character-driven stories with sharp writing and emotional depth, this is a must-read. It’s also a reminder that family, even when it crashes into your life uninvited, can be the thing that pulls you back from the edge.