As travel begins to return and with many of us making the most of staycations, it feels like summer is finally getting underway! One thing every getaway needs – whether you’re heading to the beach, pool or park is a good book. The perfect pages to help you escape and unwind after the past few months of turbulence.
With this in mind, this week we’re rounding up five of the best books to indulge in for the season. Here are the stories we can’t wait to discover…
Exciting Times by Naoise Dolan
This debut novel centres around Ava, a 22-year-old Irish expat living in Hong Kong caught in a thorny love triangle. Torn between two very different people, we follow Ava as she has to choose between emotionally guarded banker Julian and affectionate and ambitious lawyer, Edith. As she contemplates whether she should be with the person who fits more easily into her life or explore something new, the journey sees Dolan craft sharp commentary on the intersection of longing, class and power.
Coming Undone: A Memoir By Terri White
A book that promises to punch its readers in the gut may not sound like a simple summer read, but some stories are so important they need to be shared! In this stunning memoir, we follow Terri’s story and discover that whilst to the outside world, White looked like she was winning at life, inside, the poverty and abuse she witnessed as a child begins to catch up with her. A powerful story that shows what happens when your childhood demons awake and explores how drink derailed one woman’s outwardly successful life.
Big Friendship: How We Keep Each Other Close by Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman
A book from the co-hosts of the Call Your Girlfriend podcast, this page turner sees Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman reflect on more than 10 years of friendship. From struggling with communication to the realities of being in an interracial friendship, the authors are candid about how they’ve been able to maintain such a strong bond. In sharing their personal story, alongside research from social scientists, Sow and Friedman highlight what it takes for a friendship to last and invite the reader to analyse their own relationships in the process.
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
One of this year's most anticipated books, Vanishing Half spans from the 1950s to 1990s, from the Deep South to California. Following two twin sisters who take very different paths, this story is compelling and utterly original as it covers serious questions of racism, social experiences and expectations, lies, love and compassion. With the book due to be turned into an HBO series, it’s one to read before the live action takes to the screen!
Love In Colour: Mythical Tales from Around the World, Retold by Bolu Babalola
Using myths and legends from Europe, Africa and Asia, Babalola expertly rewrites them to produce a collection which feels totally fresh yet effortlessly timeless. From stories about a Nigerian goddess who longs to be seen or a Ghanaian spokeswoman who is torn between her heart and her family's honour, these tales feel truly alive!
Now you know which reads are summer worthy, it is time to let your mind go on adventure…