There are no two ways about it: I love to read. If you're like me, you'll probably be on the hunt for some new reading material for the summer. Or, maybe you're not that into reading but you want something to take on holiday with you, but don't know where to start. Either way, look no further! I've compiled a list of some of my favourite books, all of which I cannot recommend enough, to get you through these next few months. None of them are too taxing, making them perfect for reading by the pool, or on a long plane journey, or any other time, really! Enjoy, and happy reading!
This is an absolutely brilliant book! Written from the perspective of Death, it follows the journey of a young girl living in Nazi Germany during WWII, and her life with the foster parents to whom she has been assigned. A touching tale of love and loss, with a big ol' bit of history thrown in (don't worry, it definitely doesn't feel like you're reading a History text book), this is definitely my favourite book.
Unless you've been living in deepest Peru for the last few months, you'll not only have heard of this book, but have heard pretty much everyone sing it's praises- and quite rightly! This is one of those books that you pick up, and never want to put down. Hazel is a bright young girl living with a terminal form of cancer, who must cart around an oxygen tank at all times; Augustus is a charismatic young boy in remission, whom Hazel meets at a cancer support group and is immediately drawn to. This book will have you laughing and crying, often both at the same time, and will leave you truly touched by John Green's beautiful interpretation of young love.
Warning: you will cry, at some point or another. If reading in public, sunglasses are essential for hiding your puffy eyes.
Admittedly, I haven't actually finished this book yet, but it's too good not to include here! The way that it's written is really interesting, as while it is from the perspective of a 15 year old girl, she includes a great deal of letters, emails, articles, etc. that all act as puzzle pieces, encouraging the reader to piece them all together as they go along. A really great read.
Okay, admittedly this isn't exactly a 'light summer read', but it is bloody brilliant. It's pretty dark and twisted, exploring the pressures and expectations of motherhood through the relationship between Kevin and his mother, Eva, who narrates the story through a series of letters to her husband. Bonus point: this book will leave you guessing right up until the very end, and everyone loves a plot twist! It's also worth giving Lionel Shriver's piece about what she expected from the book and it's reception (in my copy it's written at the back, rather than as a foreword).
The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald
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Jay Gatsby has it all- a stunning mansion overlooking the bay, extravagant parties every weekend filled with New York's elite, and a team of dedicated servants to clean up after them! The one thing he doesn't have is Daisy Buchanan. As Nick grows closer to Gatsby, he uncovers that he isn't all that he appears... Much like many of Fitzgerald's stories, Gatsby really captures the glamour and beauty of the 20s, as well the corruption that often lay beneath. I imagine many of you have seen the film, but while it captures everything that I imagined of the glamorously lavish lifestyles of Gatsby and the Buchanans, it really doesn't even compare to the book.
I hope you've enjoyed my mini-reviews of a few of my favourite books. Have you read any great books lately? Let me know in the comments, I'm always looking for new ones! Thanks for reading :)
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