Whether you’re lounging by the sea, embarking on a road trip or simply relaxing at home, the right book can take a hot summer day and make it into something transcendent. That’s why we’ve put together this curated list of exceptional reads for every mood and moment – just grab a cold drink and a comfy seat, and get ready to set off for new horizons this season.
For A Good Laugh
The Collected Plays of Neil Simon, Volume 1 by Neil Simon
Renowned for his crowd-pleasing, commercially successful Broadway productions, the late playwright Neil Simon has delivered a perfect summer read with this collection of his most beloved works – a beacon of sophisticated comedy featuring entertaining classics like The Odd Couple, Barefoot in the Park and Come Blow Your Horn. Simon’s writing offers laugh-out-loud moments alongside pointed social commentary, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to unwind and enjoy a dash of clever humour this season.
For Total Immersion
The Women by Kristin Hannah
Kristin Hannah has built her career on heavy but easy-to-read historical fiction, and The Women, centred on a nurse serving in Vietnam, is no exception. It’s a war story, but it’s told from a perspective that rarely gets the spotlight, reminding readers that heroism in the midst of battle isn’t solely the preserve of men. With fast pacing and short chapters that still manage to capture powerful themes like courage, friendship and identity, this is the book to pack for that long-haul flight – no seat-back entertainment needed.
For Bite-Sized Reading Sessions
Things We Lost in the Fire by Mariana Enríquez
Consisting of twelve standalone horror stories, Mariana Enríquez’s Things We Lost in the Fire is ideal reading for those summer evenings when you want to immerse yourself in a book without committing to a full-length novel. Gruesome, unsettling and subtly violent, Enríquez masterfully uses the supernatural and strange to delve into Argentina’s most pressing social issues, from gender violence to eating disorders and poverty. This collection reads somewhat like a series of vivid nightmares, but they’re compelling enough to keep you turning the pages. Take it one story at a time, with breaks in between – an ideal choice for a summer of chilling, thought-provoking reads.
For Ancient Wisdom and Inspiration
The Essential Rumi, translated by Coleman Barks
The best-selling poet in the United States – despite being dead for almost 800 years – Rumi needs no introduction. This collection of his timeless and profound poetry is well worth revisiting, particularly for anyone whose summer itinerary includes a quest for clarity and inner peace. Expertly translated by Coleman Barks, the works have been made accessible to modern readers, all while retaining the lyrical beauty of the ancient Sufi mystic’s original words.
For Steamy Summer Romance
Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman
Chances are you’ve seen the Oscar-winning film, but if all that languid lounging around the Italian countryside left you captivated, just wait until you read André Aciman’s novel on which it was based; the heartwarming (and heartbreaking) coming-of-age tale features prose so beautiful it will leave you breathless. Desire and longing permeate the story, and Aciman’s insightful, wistful style will have you yearning for – or reminiscing about – a summer romance set against such an idyllic backdrop.
For A Long-Haul Flight
The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides
Another title you might recognise from the cult-favourite film, this time by Sofia Coppola, Jeffrey Eugenides’ The Virgin Suicides is the perfect novel for a long flight to a holiday destination. Short but packed with dramatic suspense, the story centres on the enigmatic lives and tragic deaths of the five Lisbon sisters. Narrated from the unique perspective of a group of unnamed teenage boys who grapple with the mystery surrounding the sisters’ deaths, Eugenides crafts a tale of near-perfect intrigue and melancholy. This novel will keep you engrossed from take-off to landing, and leave you contemplating its depths long after you’ve finished.
For Page-Turning Tension
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Jenkins Reid’s latest release is set inside NASA’s Space Shuttle programme in the 1980s, following an astrophysics professor whose path shifts when she enrols in astronaut training. Here, the author does what she does best: posits a big, ambitious premise on the surface, then layers it with something deeper and more personal underneath. Through her signature emotional storytelling, Jenkins Reid blends the pursuit of extraordinary dreams with the complexities of human connections; it’s an absorbing summer read you’ll be thinking about long after you finish it.
For Poetic Prose
Beauty and Sadness by Yasunari Kawabata
If you haven’t yet ventured into the resonant world of Japanese literature, this is your sign to start now – and Yasunari Kawabata’s Beauty and Sadness is the place to begin. With his evocative prose, Kawabata spins the tale of Oki Toshio, who reconnects with his ex-lover of 20 years, now a successful painter with a female paramour of her own. Without giving too much away, prepare to uncover a world of exquisite creativity, lost love and heartbreak. This is a work of sublime beauty that will leave a lasting impression.
For Self-Reflection
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
Summer is a time well-suited to reflection, offering ample opportunity to rest, travel and, of course, read – so why not go for something that invites contemplation? Based on ancient Toltec wisdom and long celebrated as a cornerstone of self-improvement literature, Don Miguel Ruiz’s The Four Agreements provides a surprisingly straightforward guide to transforming your life into one of freedom and joy. It’s short, easily digestible, and makes for a perfect gift for nearly anyone seeking personal growth.
For Armchair Travel
The Place of Tides by James Rebanks
Set on a remote Norwegian isle, The Place of Tides follows writer James Rebanks as he steps away from modern life to spend a season immersed in an ancient island community. Drawing on his own expertise as a Unesco adviser on sustainable tourism, Rebanks shares his deep appreciation for the relationship between communities, culture and place, adding a unique richness and authenticity to his reflections. Filled with evocative descriptions of wild landscapes and enduring traditions, it’s a slow book that invites you not only to go somewhere else, but also to notice what’s already around you.
For Quiet Escapes
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
In a time when everybody’s texting, emailing and video calling, Virginia Evans’ first published book, The Correspondent, makes a strong case for a return to letters. Containing no conventional scenes or dialogue, this epistolary novel unfolds entirely through one woman’s correspondence, using letters exchanged over a decade to explore love, loss, family and friendship. It’s witty, warm and profound, perfect for the kind of summer that calls for slowing all the way down and contemplating life’s many textures.
For Young Readers
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
A superb summer read for kids, this novel by Mark Haddon tells the hilarious and captivating story of a boy named Christopher who sets out to solve the mystery of his neighbour’s dog’s suspicious death, sharing intriguing fun facts and facing exciting challenges along the way. This delightful tale of joy and discovery will keep young readers turning the page – plus, it’s a wonderful way to teach them about the importance of empathy.
