Top 10 holiday reads
Whether you want an easy read or something to sink your teeth into this summer, we’ve picked 10 books for you to enjoy.
From fantasy fiction to self-help memoirs, this collection is perfect for both paperback or Kindle kind of readers.
Happy: Finding Joy In Every Day And Letting Go Of Perfect by Fearne Cotton (2017)
TV personality and Radio DJ, Fearne Cotton, took some time out to write this self-love book. Drawing on her own experiences of the good and not so good parts of life, her insight will give you a different perspective on your day-to-day.
She offers great advice and practical ways of finding the ‘joy in every day’, as well as tricks and reminders to help you start and end each day well. So if life feels like it’s been moving too fast recently, this book will help slow things down for you while you’re relaxing on holiday.
Caraval by Stephanie Garber (2017)
This summer, take a trip to the magical world of Caraval. For sisters, Scarlett and Tella, Caraval is a mystical adventure and an escape from their ruthless father. Yet all is not what it seems. Scarlett must find her sister who has been kidnapped by the show’s organiser, Legend. Will she figure out the magic of Caraval before her sister disappears forever? You’ll have to read it to find out.
If you buy the paperback, you’ll also see that Garber’s debut novel is just as mesmerising on the outside as it is inside, with its stunning dust jacket and gold covers.
Deemed as the most uplifting book of 2017, A Boy Made of Blocks tells the story of a father’s relationship with his autistic son and their shared adventures in a virtual Lego-like world
Everyone's A Aliebn When Ur A Aliebn Too by Jomny Sun (2017)
If you’re a frequent Tweeter then you may have come across Jomny Sun. His funny and profound tweets have caught the attention of many – including Hamilton star, Lin-Manuel Miranda. This year, Sun has stepped away from his 140-character comfort zone and published his own book which is set to be released later this summer.
It tells the story of an ‘aliebn’ (also named Jomny) who comes to Earth to find who he truly is. As well as befriending random creatures, he learns about life, love, and loneliness. Sun’s cartoon drawings, sensitive storytelling and clever wit will grab your attention one page at a time.
Strange The Dreamer by Laini Taylor (2017)
If you love fantasy fiction, you may be familiar with the bestselling author of the Daughter of Smoke and Bone Trilogy, Laini Taylor. This year, Taylor has released another book to delve into: Strange the Dreamer.
This unputdownable novel is a story about the mythical world of Weep. War orphan and junior librarian, Lazlo, who has many questions and dreams about this lost city and the mysteries that lie within it… will you take the adventure with him?
A Boy Made Of Blocks by Keith Stewart (2016)
Deemed as the most uplifting book of 2017, A Boy Made of Blocks tells the story of a father’s relationship with his autistic son and their shared adventures in a virtual Lego-like world.
For Alex, spending time with his son, Sam, is filled with anxiety and uncertainty. Alex must find a way to connect with his son and find a way to cope with their situation in order to keep their family together.
The book is real, honest and insightful – a heartwarming read for any holiday.
Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon (2015)
If you’re searching for a sweet love story, look no further. Though this novel focuses on the life of Madeline, who suffers from a rare disease, it’s her love for new next door neighbour, Olly, that will keep you turning the page. Madeline hasn’t left her home in 18 years but that’s all about to change.
Everything, Everything is about the crazy, sometimes death-defying acts we do for love. What’s more, the novel is soon going to be adapted into a film – so get reading before it’s released onto the big screen!
Borne by Jeff VanderMeer (2017)
Firstly, this read has no relation to the CIA assassin ‘Bourne’! This is about a city of the future that is in fear of a gigantic flying bear that has been tortured by the biotech firm, Company.
The main character, Rachel, is a scavenger, who finds a creature entangled in the bears fur and names it Borne. Rachel soon unearths hidden secrets deep within the Company that will change everything – including herself and Borne.
Want a stimulating page-turner for your summer holiday? Then you’ll want to pack this into your suitcase.
We: A Manifesto For Women Everywhere by Gillian Anderson and Jennifer Nadel (2017)
From longtime friends journalist, Jennifer Nadel and actress, Gillian Anderson comes a book that's not only about self-help, but social theory. The concept is that instead of having it all, women can live happier lives by becoming free. Anderson and Nadel express that as sisters, we all have the power to create change, one woman at a time.
The book presents tools for a more fulfilling way of living. Will it inspire you this summer?
Aziz Ansari's guide to modern romance is a refreshing take on relationships from a male perspective.
Anything Is Possible by Elizabeth Strout (2017)
Author Elizabeth Strout won a Pulitzer for Olive Kitteridge in 2009. This year, Strout is set to release her new novel: Anything Is Possible. If you read My Name Is Lucy Barton, you’ll recognise some of the characters, as both books are linked with each other.
In Anything Is Possible, you’ll learn more about these rural town characters and how they’re coping with love and loss. You can expect to experience a whole range of emotions if you pick up this book.
Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari, Eric Klinenberg (2015)
Aziz Ansari's guide to modern romance is a refreshing take on relationships from a male perspective. The American actor presents a scientific study that you’ll actually enjoy reading on your time off.
With the help of relationship experts, Ansari has analysed dating habits and interviewed real people to understand how romance has changed since the age of the Internet. And as you’d expect from Ansari, you’ll be laughing from start to finish.