I’ve read 25 books this year, here are my 7 must-pack holiday books
There’s not much better than a holiday read; your only concern being whether you can squeeze in another chapter before heading out for dinner. But with limited suitcase space, I’m aware that holiday reads need to be carefully selected to earn their place.
Having read 25 books so far this year, I have a few favourites that definitely deserve a spot on your summer reading list…
Yesteryear, Caro Claire Burke
I won’t pretend to be the first person to harp on about the brilliance of Caro Claire Burke’s Yesteryear, all I know is that I definitely won’t be the last. This book explores the fictional world of Natalie Heller Mills, a lifestyle influencer who posts about her traditional life on Yesteryear ranch with her husband and children (that is with the nannies and producers safely out of shot). This book feels like the perfect blend of contemporary commentary on lifestyle influencers, while offering a page-turning escape. All-in-all the perfect summer read.
Nothing screams ‘holiday’ more than a day spent lounging in the sun with a book.
The Safekeep, Yael van der Wouden
If you’re staycationing this summer, then The Safekeep is the perfect read to take you out of the UK and into the Dutch countryside. The Safekeep has everything you need from a holiday read: family drama, romance, and a big twist, all set in the summer of 1961. The book is beautifully written and won the Women’s Prize for Fiction last year. Hopefully it will win a place on your summer reading list.
Lost Lambs, Madeline Cash
Potentially my favourite book this year, Madeline Cash’s debut novel Lost Lambs is one I’d recommend to anyone. It follows the Flynn family, with its three unruly sisters and parents Catherine and Bud’s complicated open marriage, as its youngest daughter Harper begins to investigate a dodgy billion-dollar shipping company. This book is already an international bestseller and definitely deserves a spot in your holiday hand luggage.
New Skin, Jenny Wang
Published in the UK earlier this summer, Jenny Wang’s debut New Skin is one I’m finding myself recommending universally to friends and family. The book follows a mother and daughter duo as they navigate their challenging relationship after a three-year absence from each other’s lives. We follow protagonist, Linli, as she tries to support her mother’s addiction to plastic surgery. I can’t say too much without giving a lot of the plot away, so I’ll stick with ‘Give it a read’.
With the summer holidays here, a good book is just as essential as a bottle of sunscreen.
I Know Who You Are, Alice Feeney
I’d pretty much recommend anything from Alice Feeney, an international bestselling author, you’re in safe hands whichever book of hers you choose to read. Saying that, I do have to recommend I Know Who You Are. It’s a great psychological thriller that follows Aimee Sinclair after her husband goes missing.
Margo’s Got Money Troubles, Rufi Thorpe
Rufi Thorpe’s Margo’s Got Money Troubles proved so popular that it was made into a television series starring Elle Fanning and Michelle Pfeiffer. It follows Margo, a university student who, on becoming pregnant, drops out of university to become an OnlyFans star in order to make ends meet. It’s funny, witty and an easy read. What’s more, you can brag to your friends about how ‘the book is better’ when you watch the series.
Talking at Night, Claire Daverley
Talking at Night was English novelist Claire Daverley’s debut novel, before she published People in Love earlier this year. We follow Rosie and Will’s will-they-won’t-they as they grow (and grow apart) together through teen and adulthood. It’s sad, emotional and a brilliant read. So if your summer’s needing a touch of tragic romance, look no further.
