The List: Our 23 Picks for a Good Summer Read

With not much spare time in our busy days, we like to spend those precious moments kicking back and relaxing with a great summer read. Our editors, writers and savvy storytellers share the books they like to escape into.

Who picked it: Sarah, Founder and Publisher at Savvy HQ Why she likes it: Because Jobs' intense personality and the ups and downs of his life are explored through hundreds of interviews and nothing was off limits. And while this 'Cinderella story' business tale is full of lessons about innovation, leadership and values, the insights about Jobs as a family man and a devoted son are most fascinating.

Who picked it: Susan, Savvy Storyteller from avagracescloset.blogspot.com Why she likes it: Because it's the romantic read that everyone needs to have in their summer. It takes you and two star-crossed lovers from the beautiful backdrop of the Italian Alps to the grandeur of Carnegie Hill and the lakes of northern Minnesota. It's a riveting historical epic of love and family, war and loss, risk and destiny.

Who picked it: Michelle, SavvyScribe, Vancouver Why she likes it: Because you get a feel for the art of that era when this painting is literally brought to life. This fictional piece takes a look inside one of Renoir's most famous paintings and readers meet all the individual characters that make up the piece.

Who picked it: Leslie, Sales & Production Coordinator at Savvy HQ Why she likes it: Because you can't put it down. A sailor, trying to escape his past, steals the identity of a dying officer, only to discover his own past might not be so bad in comparison. With no way to prove his true identity, he's stuck in a life worse off than before.

Who picked it: Susannah, Savvy Storyteller from creativemamaonadime.com Why she likes it: Because you get your summer travel fix without having to leave the comfort of your deck chair. Travel to Iran in this book that goes beyond the stereotypes portrayed in the news.

Who picked it: Minnow, Editor & Chief Curator at Savvy HQ Why she likes it: Because you can relate if you've ever asked, 'How did I get here?' Alice comes to on the floor of a gym, only to realize she's 39 not 29, has three kids and is getting divorced. She now has to reconstruct the events of a lost decade.

Who picked it: Nancy, SavvyScribe, Vancouver Why she likes it: Because it plays homage to the classic western but with a unique twist. Discover the underworld of the 1850s frontier through humour, grit and two brothers who are bound by blood and their duties to serve the Commodore.

Who picked it: Kelli, Savvy Storyteller from kellidaisy.com Why she likes it: Because it's hot, erotic and a story that makes you blush. No need to explain this trilogy—the tale has obsessed women around the world and if you haven't heard of it, you need to get out more!

Who picked it: Angela, Director of Business Development at Savvy HQ Why she likes it: Because beyond the smoke and mirrors of this story, it all boils down to a tale about star-crossed love. Two magicians must compete using their powers of illusion—little do they know, it's a fight to the death.

Who picked it: Nancy, SavvyScribe, Vancouver Why she likes it: Because it explores the scary, yet very real idea of self-destruction and the human craving for redemption. With many interlocking narratives and entangled characters, it will be hard not to get sucked in.

Who picked it: Jan, Food Editor at Savvy HQ Why she likes it: Because you get to go back into the world of Pride and Prejudice. Combine that classic with a murder-mystery and you've got a masterpiece filled with beloved characters, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth, and a captivating storyline.

Who picked it: Nancy, SavvyScribe, Vancouver Why she likes it: Because you learn just how precious time is and the importance of discovering the pasts of loved ones while you still can. In this story, the daughter of a Vietnam War veteran devotes herself to learning her father's past after seeing him begin to slip into senility.

Who picked it: Candace, Savvy Storyteller from lifeinpleasantville.com Why she likes it: Because this dystopian thriller makes you appreciate the world we live in. Follow 16 year-old Beatrice as she tries to make her own mark on this world.

Who picked it: Jan, Food Editor at Savvy HQ Why she likes it: Because you get your Downton Abbey fix while it's on hiatus. Aristocracy, family and a mysterious death told through flashbacks by a woman who witnessed everything but kept it all a secret—until now.

Who picked it: Tracie, Savvy Storyteller from helpwevegotkids.com Why she likes it: Because cycling is all the rage right now and it's the perfect read with the 2012 London Olympics right around the corner. Two women, world-class cyclists who have grown up competing, must fight it out for the one remaining spot on their Olympic team.

Who picked it: Amy, Savvy Storyteller from amyboughner.ca Why she likes it: Because you can't forget this story once you've read it. From the AIDS epidemic to everything that's changed in our sexual lives over the past fifty years, this book addresses what still needs to change.

Who picked it: Jan, Food Editor at Savvy HQ Why she likes it: Because the idea that the most mortifying moments of our lives are what define us is hilarious and troubling all at the same time. The author takes you through her life, from upbringing, to awkward high school days, to her relationship with her husband.

Who picked it: Kelli, Savvy Storyteller from kellidaisy.com Why she likes it: Because this takes it a few steps further than the Twilight phenomenon. Vampires fight it out while vying for the king's throne.

Who picked it: Michelle, SavvyScribe, Vancouver Why she likes it: Because you get inspired by one of the strongest female characters in Canadian fiction, who pushes her way through a world hostile to her colour and gender.

Who picked it: Erin, Savvy Storyteller from workingmotherchronicles.com Why she likes it: Because everyone has wondered, at some point or another, what man's best friend is thinking. This story tells it like it is from the point of view of a dog.

Who picked it: Rebecca, Savvy Storyteller from bitofmomsense.com Why she likes it: Because it's the ultimate paranormal soap opera. Sookie Stackhouse has a thing for vampires. This mind-reading waitress has to watch her back—and her neck.

Who picked it: Michelle, SavvyScribe, Vancouver Why she likes it: Because you get to see how four women can shape a nation's future. This novel explores the relationships of women married to powerful men, and what it's like to share your husband with a country.

Who picked it: Jan, Food Editor at Savvy HQ Why she likes it: Because it's an inspiring story about a woman who felt she lost everything and built herself back up. This powerful and honest memoir explores the author's eleven-hundred-mile solo hike and how she overcame obstacles to pull through in the end.

Kids need a good summer read too! We reached out to our writers, editors and savvy storytellers to learn what their favourite kids' books are for a range of ages. Your kids will definitely get lost in these 20 Kids' Books to Spark Their Love of Reading.