Carrie Soto is Back Taylor Jenkins Reid
Jenkins Reid is THE summer author. This is a book tailor made for the beach, it will have you hooked from the opening sentences. Sotto is one of the best tennis players in the world, retired into a life of luxury she and her family worked so hard to achieve. That is until her record is broken. Soto has a lot to prove to the many that don’t believe in her, but will the cost of success be worth paying again? We are packing this for a re-read on the beach.
The List Yomi Adegoke
The List is going to keep you up talking to your friends for hours. Each of you will have a different opinion. It’s a real conversation starter and perfect for a holiday with friends. Ola and Michael have It all; she’s an acclaimed journalist at Womxxxn magazine and he’s just got himself the job of his dreams. Young, talented, and successful, their wedding is imminent, and life is good. That is, until Ola wakes up morning to discover the list. A collection of names pulled together anonymously, alongside a plethora allegations, Ola would normally be the first to cover and support it — and unsurprisingly, she’s asked to do so. But this time, it’s hit far too close to home — because Michael’s name is on it.
Uncle Paul by Celia Fremlin
This may look like a quintessential, light summer read but do not be deceived, this is a twisting, noir thriller that packs an almighty punch. You will be utterly lost to the plot, centred around a nightmare summer holiday set in a caravan resort. There are sandcastles, deckchair politics, coastal villages and a mysterious uncle arrested for a domestic attempted murder, who is out for revenge.
Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
The book everyone is talking about that is just the perfect summer read. A stunning, immersive, and beautifully written reimagining of Little Women, this novel focuses on the four Padavano sisters; go-getter Julia, bookish Sylvie and twins, Emeline and Cecilia, a caregiver, and an artist. Julia, the eldest, plans her life to a tee, marrying William and beginning the journey she’s set out for them. When something terrible happens to William, she’s left reeling and confused; this wasn’t in her plan at all. Now, everything in front of her is changing and she – and her sisters – are forced to confront their lives through a new lens – with huge repercussions.
YellowFace by Rebecca F Kuang
Juniper and Athena are rising stars. At Yale together, they publish their debuts in the same year too. The respective aftermaths, though, are quite different. Whilst Athena’s literary offering is celebrated, Juniper’s doesn’t even manage to secure a paperback release – and she thinks she knows why; Athena is Chinese American and June is white – and no one wants a story about basic white girls anymore. After a freak accident occurs, resulting in Athena’s death, Juniper takes matters into her own hands, stealing Athena’s unpublished manuscript and claiming it as her own. What’s more, she publishes it under a new name – June Song – complete with an ethnically ambiguous author photograph. Scathing, spiky and full of laugh out loud moments, the undercurrent of this book is serious and important as it calls into question the matter of privilege and how far you might go to protect your reputation.
‘Margo’s Got Money Problems’ by Rufi Thorpe
Rufi Thorpe’s debut Margo’s Got Money Problems is already set to be adapted by Big Little Lies director David E. Kelley, with Elle and Dakota Fanning and Nicole Kidman signed on. It tells the story of Margo, a child of a Hooter’s waitress and ex-Pro-wrestler, who finds herself aged 20 and pregant. As a single mother lacking options, she starts an OnlyFans account with the help of her drug addicted father and flatmate Suzie and soon becomes an online phenomenon.
‘Men without Women’ by Haruki Murakami
In seven short stories, Haruki Murakami leads the reader through the lives and stories of men who have loved and lost women in some way in their lives, and the lasting impact that each of these relationships hold. Although translated from Japanese, Murakami has a unique way of storytelling that makes all of his books so easy to read. This one felt especially impactful in the way that it examined completely different relationships with completely different types of people and, while remaining fully their own stories, brought together an overall message of appreciation for women and their impact on men.
Paris For One and Other Stories by Jojo Moyes
If you’re a fan of modern romance and short stories, you’ll love ‘Paris for One and Other Stories’ by Jojo Moyes. It has 11 heartwarming short stories, so it’s perfect for those who struggle to dive into long books on their travels.
