You’ve heard me mention it all over this blog and my Instagram, but there’s nothing I love more than sitting outside in the sun with a good book. Ever since I finished school in May I’ve been devouring books. I love a peaceful afternoon just spent getting into a good book. I thought it might be fun to share some of my favorite books, ones that I’ve read or ones that I’m currently reading so that we can do a little book club this summer. So here’s what’s on my list/what I’d recommend this summer!
Look Here by Ana Kinsella
This is the book I’m currently reading and I’m obsessed. When I went back to London at the beginning of the summer holiday, the window of Daunt Books was filled with copies of this book, so obviously I had to pick up a copy and read the blurb. This book is described as a portrait of London; it paints a picture of city life by describing the joy in the little moments, chance encounters, and small coincidences. This is just the kind of stuff I love and these kinds of observations are so heartwarming. I haven’t finished it yet, but I’d highly recommend it!
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
I love a good romance and this one is my new favorite. I picked it up at the airport on my flight back from college and finished it within a few days. I like this book because the narrator, Nora, who is a literary agent, spends her life editing books with the typical romance plotlines. She’s constantly reiterating that she’s not going to fall into those tropes, but of course… it’s a romance novel and she does. The story also follows the story of Nora and her sister and their loss, which adds a layer of depth to this book.
The Vanishing Half by Britt Bennett
I read this book last summer and I loved it, it’s still one that I find myself thinking about. It’s the kind of book that covers so much and is completely unpredictable; definitely not the kind of book where you know the couple will get together and they’ll all live happily ever after. It’s about twin sisters who separated when they were teenagers and now lead completely different lives based on who they surrounded themselves with. This is a very reflective read which I’d recommend for something more serious.
The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary
This is another great romance with a fun twist! It follows the lives of Tiffy and Leon, roommates who have never actually met. Leon works the night shift and has the apartment while Tiffy is at work and vice versa. They get to know each other by leaving little notes around the house and carrying on conversations on scribbled post-its. It’s a really cute and heartwarming book, and Beth O’Leary is one of my all-time favorite authors!
Gravel Heart by Abdulrazak Gurnah
I just picked up this book today and I’m so excited to read it because it’s set in Zanzibar and written by a Zanzibarian author, and in case you didn’t know, that’s where my family is from! I’ve never read a book about people or set in the place where I’m from so I’m really excited about this. The story follows the life of Salim after the Zanzibar Revolution and follows his journey to London as an immigrant. I’m expecting this to be an emotional and moving read – I’ll keep you updated!
So, there you have it, 5 books that I’d recommend for this summer or am currently reading! What are you reading this summer, let me know in the comments!
