What better way to kick off a new summer chapter than by plunging into a new book?

On the Vineyard summer reading is more than just a pastime, it’s an experience. Well-read bookstore employees help guests make their perfect literary match. Book-signing events sprinkled throughout the season invite guests to engage their favorite authors. Perhaps best of all, this summer will welcome back a beloved book store on Main street Vineyard Haven after a year-long absence.

Under new ownership since last November, the Bunch of Grapes is scheduled to reopen in June, followed by a grand reopening celebration the weekend of July Fourth, one year after a devastating fire closed its doors and tore a hole in the heart of the Island’s main port town. “It’s somehow meaningful to have a grand opening the weekend we had to close last year,” said Bunch of Grapes owner Dawn Braasch.

Visitors can expect to see a few familiar faces at the Bunch of Grapes, which is temporarily located on Church street in Vineyard Haven. Katherine Fergason remains store manager, and is as enthusiastic as ever to share her top picks from this summer’s book selection.

Fantasy-frenzied teenagers anxious to fill the void left by the conclusion of the Twilight series might turn to Hunger Games, the first installment of a trilogy by Suzanne Collins. “I cannot help myself. This book is amazing. It’s a future post-apocalyptic society, and the main character is an incredibly strong female hero,” said Ms. Fergason. She warned that each chapter-ending cliffhanger will leave readers wanting more. Devour the thrilling tale before Sept. 1, the release date for the second book.

Bookstore employees are also enthusiastic about the release of the fifth and final installment of the Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series, called The Last Olympian.

“This is the conclusion of a phenomenal series. It’s really high adventure, it’s a page turner,” said Zoe Pechter, owner of Riley’s Reads, a children’s book store in Vineyard Haven.

“It’s about a kid who finds out he’s the son of one of the Greek Gods, and all of the myths are updated in these great ways,” agreed Ms. Fergason. She recommends starting with the first book in the series to stay abreast of the characters and story lines. The entire series could easily keep Percy Jackson newcomers occupied throughout the summer.

Teens who prefer historical fiction over magic and mythology may want to pick up The Other Half of Life, by Kim Ablon Whitney. “She’s a strong writer. It’s very well written,” said Ms. Pechter. The tale is a fictionalized account of the experiences of several Jewish passengers aboard an ocean liner fleeing Germany during World War II.

Local children’s book author Kate Feiffer has changed course a bit with her new book, The Problem with the Puddles.

“It’s a young reader book when so far she’s only done picture books. So this is kind of a departure for her,” said Ms. Fergason. The book, about two dogs’ adventures during a journey to reunite with his family, is one of three published by Ms. Feiffer this year. Which Puppy?, her book about the Obamas’s puppy, has gotten extra attention because it was illustrated by the author’s father, Pulitzer prize-winning artist Jules Feiffer. The third book, another picture book for children, is called My Mom Is Trying to Ruin My Life.

A diverse selection of themes and genres are available for adults as well. History buffs will be satisfied by John Hough Jr.’s new novel Seen the Glory: A Novel of the Battle of Gettysburg, which sets two fictional Vineyard brothers against the backdrop of the Civil War. “You can tell [Hough] has done a lot of research into the particulars. It is a serious historical novel,” said Karen Harris, a Bunch of Grapes bookstore employee. “His is fiction, but it’s just a fascinating account of the Civil War,” agreed Ms. Braasch. Mr. Hough will appear at a Bunch of Grapes book signing on July 17.

For nonfiction lovers, Edgartown Books manager Susan Mercier recommends Final Salute: A Story of Unfinished Lives, by Jim Sheeler. “It’s such an important book right now. He followed the Marines that bring the news to people in this country when their loved ones have been killed in action. It is incredibly written. No matter how you feel about the war, I think every American should read it,” Mrs. Mercier said.

And what about beach reads? Ms. Harris at the Bunch of Grapes suggests Breakfast for Buddha, by Roland Merullo. “It’s got a solid core, but it is great fun,” she said. Another pick is Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout. “Each chapter is a little like a short story, but they are interconnected. Olive Kitteridge, retired schoolteacher, bit of a curmudgeon, but a great lady. You get to know her through each chapter,” Ms. Harris said.

“The best summer read is a mystery that just kind of grabs you,” said Mrs. Mercier, who notes that Island writer Cynthia Riggs returns this summer with her newest Martha’s Vineyard murder installment Death and Honesty, with crime-solving 92-year-old Victoria Trumbull. “If as many murders actually occurred on the Vineyard as occur in books, no one would ever come here,” joked Ms. Fergason. Edgartown Books will host a mystery author lunch on August 6 at Atria Restaurant.

Aspiring chefs will love Morning Glory Farm and the Family That Feeds an Island, a cookbook by Tom Dunlop featuring photographs by Alison Shaw. Published by Vineyard Stories, the book includes 70 Island’s recipes. Edgartown Books will host a pre-parade event with Mr. Dunlop and Ms. Shaw at 4 p.m. on July Fourth.

One day earlier the Bunch of Grapes will host an event with journalist David Kinney, who will sign copies of The Big One, his new nonfiction book about the Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby. “He really kicks off our author events season,” said Ms. Braasch.

And as the reopening draws closer, Ms. Braasch admits to feeling some anxiety. “It’s totally different. But what I hope we haven’t lost is the depth and breadth of selection that we had before. We’re not just a little frivolous bookstore. There is a reason why William Styron called us the best little bookstore in America. We are known for the fact that you can find amazing books in our selection. And to replicate that, especially in a down economy, has been a challenge. But I want to keep that reputation,” said the new owner.

Though it has been stressful, she said remodeling had a positive side. “It was an opportunity to make it mine. What I tried to do was honor the building that the bookstore was in. The feeling I’ve tried to create is of an old library. The shelves are arranged in alcoves so you can sort of get lost in there and browse,” she said.

The Bunch of Grapes plans to schedule two book signing events each week, generally on Wednesday and Friday nights. Books and authors will be announced throughout the season.

Ms. Pechter’s summer event schedule will include plenty to occupy kids. “I have found it really hard having authors come to visit. The kids could care less. This year I’m going to focus more on event days,” she said. One such event will be a pajama party read-along featuring the Llama Llama children’s book series, including the latest, Llama Llama Misses Mama, by Anna Dewdney.

“We’ll probably also do a green recycling party. We did that last year. The kids brought in trash from the beach, and whoever brought the most trash won a book,” said Ms. Pechter.

As if that were not enough, the Martha’s Vineyard Book Festival will be held August 2 on the grounds of the Chilmark Community Center. The late summer event gives readers plenty of time to catch up on the latest work by their favorite authors before meeting them in person. “We have a diverse group of authors. We try to appeal to all different segments of the community,” said festival organizer Suellen Lazarus. She said the best thing about the free festival is that visitors discover new authors as they wait to hear old favorites speak.

This year’s lineup includes Islander Ward Just, speaking about Exiles in the Garden, a novel about a senator’s son who chooses to pursue a career as a photographer rather than as a politician.

Author Peter S. Canellos will discuss his biography Last Lion: The Fall and Rise of Ted Kennedy. Pulitzer prize winning journalist Alex S. Jones will discuss Losing the News: The Future of the News That Feeds Democracy. The book is due to be published in August, but advance copies will be available at the festival. Books at the festival are provided by Edgartown Books.

“It’s become a destination event. It’s a relaxed setting that allows people to spend the day with authors. It’s both cultural and fun. It’s the perfect summer event,” said Ms. Lazarus.

For more information on bookstore events, visit the Web sites rileysreads.com, bunchofgrapes.com and edgartownbooks.net. For more on the book festival visit mvbookfestival.com.