By Laura McCarthy.
Still holding onto summer? Top reading picks for seasonal readers.
If you’re anything like me, you enjoy reading books which suit the season. You want a book which you can read in the garden on hot August days or one you can take camping. There’s nothing better than a trip to the beach, accompanied by a book; the sight of waves excitedly springing to the shore and the warmth of the sun on your back as you become submerged in a story. To help you make the most of what’s left of the season, I’ve put together some picks which cover a variety of genres.
Summerween spooks: Lost In The Garden by Adam S. Leslie
Horror readers will love the dream-like, haunting nature of this novel which follows three girls on their journey to find those who never came back from the sinister town of Almanby. Whilst the book is nearly 500 pages long, I found that I didn’t notice the length, as though I – like some of the characters – was caught in some kind of trance. With a backdrop of an eternal summer in the glorious English countryside, this charming folk horror is a great read.
Brat summer for the girls: Gentlemen Prefer Blondes by Anita Loos
When I first started reading this novella, the messy, imperfect writing style took me off guard. Soon, however, I found myself powering through this little book. The narrative follows Lorelei and her friend Dorothy as they lead a life of glamour and luxury, regularly visiting the Ritz, encouraging gentlemen to buy them diamonds, and travelling across the world. This is a very funny book, the writing style only emphasising the humour. A really enjoyable, light, easy read which is perfect for the summer.
Award winning wonder: Hullabaloo in the Guava Orchard by Kiran Desai
Set during Indian summer time, this delightful and charming story follows Sampath Chawla, who seems to get everything wrong. That is until he accidentally becomes a figure of philosophical reverence when he abandons the chains of society to explore a more completive lifestyle… up a tree. Rooted in Indian culture, Desai’s novel uses an amusing and sometimes satirical tone to explore the figure of the “guru”.
Non-fic pick: So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed by Jon Ronson
Despite being published in 2015, Ronson’s bestseller is as relevant as ever. Journalist Jon Ronson investigates the nature of public shaming in a world where the internet has the power to destroy lives, meeting with those who have been demonised by the public. I found this a particularly poignant read considering what I’ve seen online over the summer. During the Paris Olympics, masses of online persecutors felt entitled to shame champion boxer Imane Khelif as well as Australia’s Raygun. Now, I have seen tidal wives of scandalising news about Blake Lively, with past interviews being brought up again to shame her. Having read Ronson’s book, I will certainly think before I post about such things online.
Summer of sport: My Life As A Skateboarder, Junkie, Inmate, Pastor by Christian Hosoi
Since I’m already on the topic of the Olympics and life stories, let’s talk about Hosoi’s autobiography. Those of you who have found or re-established your love for skateboarding following the Olympics, will certainly find this an interesting read. Hosoi is an extremely talented skateboarder, known as more of a “bad boy” than his main competitor Tony Hawk, back in the day. He skated with flair and style, inventing moves such as the Christ-Air. His life wasn’t always smooth skating, though. In his autobiography, much like carving a bowl at the skatepark Hosoi takes readers through the highest of highs and the most intense crashes of his life.
Strange science fiction: Our Wives Under The Sea by Julia Armfield
I first thought to recommend The Martian by Andy Weir for the Mars setting with its red, desert-like surface and brilliant, accurate implementation of actual science (and you certainly should go read that!). But then I thought of this little gem because when I think of summer, I think of the sea. In this short novel, we follow Miri as she searches for answers about what happened to her wife, Leah. Leah is a marine biologist who has just returned from a deep sea mission which lasted much longer than expected and now… she is different. This is unsettling, emotionally investing, and hypnotic.
Fantasy find: The Forever Sea by Joshua Phillip Johnson
In this epic fantasy, characters travel on an endless “sea” of glorious, green grass in boats propelled by magical hearthfire. Protagonist Kindred Greyreach searches for answers when she learns that her grandmother, the powerful captain known as The Marchess, disappeared into the depths. Equal parts mysterious and magical, this is a must read for the summer.
Fantastical graphic novels: Lightfall by Tim Probert and The Tea Dragon Festival by K. O’Neill
I am cheating a little here by including two books but, since graphic novels are so quick to read, I thought you’d let me get away with it. The golden colouring of Probert’s graphic novel bursts with summer joy, each page a vibrant explosion of fun and adventure; there is no better way to explore a fantasy world than through picture form. When the world of Irpa is under threat, two unusual heroes rise to the challenge.
The Tea Dragon Festival is part of the Tea Dragon series, which starts with The Tea Dragon Society. I chose this one in the series as I don’t think you need to follow all the books in order to enjoy the celebratory tone of this particular story and the ethereal visuals of luscious landscapes, filled with bright colours and plants. In this, our protagonist is Rinn, who has grown up alongside tea dragons (these are petite fantasy creatures which grow leaves on their bodies to make tea), meets an actual dragon for the first time.
Impactful literary fiction: Sunset by Jessie Cave
Two sisters, Ruth and Hannah, go on their usual summer holiday but, this time, things go wrong. This powerful and heartbreaking book, sprinkled with Cave’s characteristic sense of humour, follows the aftermath of tragedy in the most beautiful, relatable way. Since I have an older sister who I am very close to, this book really connected with me and I found myself in floods of tears. Those with siblings will forever hold their brothers and sisters a little bit closer after reading this brilliant debut novel from Jessie Cave.
Coming of age: Submarine by Joe Dunthorne
As you follow the quirky Oliver Tate through adolescence, you will find yourself both laughing and cringing at his woes. Oliver battles through the complexities of dating a pyromaniac girlfriend, trying to lose his virginity, and putting his family back together, all whilst he has to tackle his GCSEs. Move over, Catcher In The Rye, because Dunthorne captures the troubled and hilarious voice of a teenage boy brilliantly. With Oliver’s diary entries spanning from May through to summer, this is a good choice for seasonal readers who enjoy coming of age tales.
Romance for romantics: Frenchman’s Creek by Daphne Du Maurier
Nothing says summer to me like pirates do! Written by Du Maurier, best known for her brilliant Gothic novel Rebecca, this romance tells the tale of Lady Dona and a French pirate. As Dona yearns for freedom and adventure, she finds the answer to her desires in the company of Jean-Benoit, an outlaw who whisks her away on dangerous adventures. He is both sensitive and exciting, a far cry from what her everyday life has become. If you’re looking for a fun, flirty adventure, this is the pick for you.
Cultural classics: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
I know, I know, who hasn’t read this classic by this point? Whether you’re rereading it or picking it up for the first time, The Great Gatsby promises pure summer: from energetic parties; to Gatsby’s romantic gesture to Daisy, surrounded by an abundance of flowers; to the increasingly heat which reflects heated tensions in the climax. Just read it, already.
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