Summer in Chile is synonymous with vacations, rest, and free time. Many people take advantage of this time to pick up more reading material and discover new titles. Whether at the beach, the pool, the countryside, or in the city, a good book can become the best travel companion.
In this article, we share a selection of recommended books to read during the summer in Chile 2026 , including novels, essays, poetry, and national and international authors.
Chilean books to rediscover national literature
Chilean literature has great examples that never go out of style and are perfect for accompanying a summer afternoon.
“The House of the Spirits” by Isabel Allende : A must-read novel that blends magical realism and family history.
“The Obscene Bird of Night” by José Donoso : For those looking for a more complex and challenging read.
“Love Poems” by Pablo Neruda : Always relevant, ideal for reading in calm moments.
“Manuel Rojas Selected Works” : Narrations that portray Chilean popular life.
These texts, in addition to being classics, offer a unique perspective on Chilean identity and culture.
Light novels for summer
On vacation, many people prefer entertaining, quick reads that hook you from the first chapter. Here are some recommendations:
“The Infinity in a Reed” by Irene Vallejo : A fascinating journey through the history of books.
“The Savage Detectives” by Roberto Bolaño : Although long, it is a novel that captivates with its literary and youthful world.
“Women Who Run with the Wolves” by Clarissa Pinkola Estés : A profound work but ideal for reading in stages.
“Sapiens” by Yuval Noah Harari : Perfect for those looking to understand the history of humanity in an accessible style.
Books to read on the beach or on a trip
A trip to northern Chile or a few days on the coast can be the perfect opportunity for a book that combines adventure and reflection.
“The Old Man and the Sea” by Ernest Hemingway : A short but intense work.
“The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini : A moving and gripping novel.
“Hopscotch” by Julio Cortázar : An experimental work that can be read in different sequences.
“One Hundred Years of Solitude” by Gabriel García Márquez : A universal classic that is always a good choice for rereading.
Children's and young adult books for the holidays
Summer is also a great opportunity to encourage reading among children and teens. Some suggestions:
“Papelucho” by Marcela Paz : A must-have Chilean classic.
“Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” by JK Rowling : Ideal for introducing young readers.
“Diary of a Wimpy Kid” by Jeff Kinney : Fun and close to the world of children.
“Percy Jackson & the Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan : Adventure and mythology for teenagers.
Tips for reading more during the summer
Establish a daily reading schedule, even if it's just 20 minutes.
Choose books that really appeal to you, not just bestsellers.
Always carry a book in your backpack or purse to take advantage of downtime.
Try audiobooks if you prefer to listen while you rest.