Summer Reading List
When the weather is steaming outside, what does one do but retreat indoors and keep cool? There is only so much Netflix you can watch before feeling like your mind is turning to jelly so we wanted to share a few of our favourite books to keep you occupied till the weather turns.
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
This is Celeste Ng’s second book, which comes hot on the heels of Everything I Never Told You that won multiple awards. This book is the story of families, love and loss. Though these things aren’t new in any way, Ng has managed to craft a story that keeps you hooked with intricately crafted characters and a plot that is well thought out. This is a great bestseller for those days where you just want to immerse yourself into your reading and not bother about what’s going on outside. Oh, and this book is slated to hit your screens in a miniseries very soon!
The Nest by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney
If bestsellers are your kind of reading, then you will love The Nest. A story about one slightly dysfunctional family who are all vying for ‘the nest’ which is a large inheritance between four siblings. What we love about this book is not the multiple plot twists and relatable sibling squabbling but the feel-good factor of how fun this book is to read. Set in New York City, the story brings the city to life with events taking place in Central Park, the Museum of Natural History and Grand Central Station. You almost feel like you’re watching a movie, which is always a good sign with any book.
Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri
Though we are avid fiction readers, we don’t often find a book of short stories that engages us the way this one has. Jhumpa Lahiri has won the Pulitzer Prize so you can be sure that her way with words is truly exceptional. We love how distinctively India her characters are, though being set in America gives them multiple dimensions and personalities which adds great drama to each story. Each story is unique, with themes like home, identity, family and loneliness expertly woven through each. A definite must read!
Educated by Tara Westover
Our one non-fiction pick for this list, Educated is one book that moved and touched us while also opening our eyes to so many things. Tara Westover was born Mormon survivalist in rural Idaho and was home-schooled and raised by a midwife mother and scrapyard dealing father. Her story is one of immense hope and struggle and is written exceedingly well. She had six siblings, taught herself algebra, did not enter a classroom till she was 17 and is now a award-winning author. One of our favourite books of all time!
