Summer is basically the season of beach reads; short, un-put-down-able books that you have to read in one sitting. While we're not making our way to the beach physically, the escapism books offer is real so here's a round up of the best books you can read this summer while mentally vacationing in Bali, or wherever you fancy.
PS- here's some online libraries you can check out once you decide which book you're starting
This is probably the most quintessential millennial/gen z rom-com book you'll read. No, seriously. We've all spent hours going down the rabbit hole of Twitter wars but this one's got a chick-lit spin to it. Pepper, a high school student, manages her family's burger joint's Twitter account and tweets a grilled cheese recipe, no biggie. Well, till Jack starts a Twitter war claiming the recipe was stolen from his Grandmother. Memes, sub-tweets and lots of snarkiness, this book is like a modern day You've Got Mail.
Recommended For: those looking for a quick, light read or pop culture lovers
I've never had a Stephen King novel disappoint me - from Misery to Carrie to The Shining - and I can easily say the same for the movies (I've rewatched The Shawshank Redemption, It and The Green Mile multiple times.) Some of his books can be dauntingly long, though, The Stand is about 1,500 pages which is why If It Bleeds is the best place to start! It's a collection of 4 novellas by him, each with supernatural and criminal elements that'll keep you hooked.
Recommended For: horror movie lovers or campers missing telling scary stories around a bonfire
Whether you're a strict non-fiction reader or someone who's looking for something new to read, this is a book you can't miss out on reading. Tara Westover's memoir will leave you pretty much shocked when you finish. It's a non-fiction that feels like there's no way it could be real until you're reminded that this is how many people choose to live their lives. Westover speaks about her escape from her Mormon family and the importance of education and how much she had to suffer just to learn.
Recommended For: anyone looking for a new perspective or a powerful read
In Frankel's novel, the youngest member of the family comes out as transgender. As Claude opens up about wanting to now be 'Poppy', the family tries to adjust in a way to keep their trans daughter happy while sheltering her from a world that is not as accepting. The book feels undeniably real, Frankel's own child is trans so her approach to the book feels more authentic than that by someone who hasn't really experienced the same.
Recommended For: those looking for an LGBTQ book to read during Pride Month or a queer book in general
This story follows Lakshmi as she escapes from an abusive marriage to Jaipur, where she becomes the most sought-after henna artist amongst the upper class where she's a trusted confidante to them. The Henna Artist is Alka Joshi's debut and a pretty strong one, it's already been picked as book of the month in Reese's Book Club!
Recommended For: those looking to travel to a new place and time at once
If you're a seasoned chef or a recently converted one because of quarantine, you need to give a shot to these recipes by ace-baker Pooja Dhingra. You'll find 50 recipes in this e-book that you could get only at her cafe Le 15 - from breakfast spreads to delicious desserts you need to try ASAP!
Recommended For: home chefs and those with a sweet tooth
You know when a murder happens, the first thing to do is ID the victim. But um, you don't know who the victim is in the book till the end. The murder takes place at a wedding in Ireland where everyone on the guest list seems guilty. You'll make a ton of guesses and honestly, most of the guesses will be wrong but in an oh-so-satisfying way. It's a slow-burn that you want to devour quickly so if thrillers and mysteries and a ton of suspense is your thing, check it out.
Recommended For: fans of Gone Girl and Agatha Christie
A Man Called Ove is heartwarming. Seriously, no book made me feel as warm and fuzzy as this one did. Ove is a certified grump in his neighbourhood, don't speak unless spoken to. Till a new family moves next door and strikes a friendship with him (by badgering him constantly.) It tackles so many themes beautifully like love, loss, family, community and so much grief. Also, there's a cat.
Recommended For: those looking for a feel-good book that might make you weep a few times
I know you're going to have lots of thoughts about the books when you've read them so you can check out this list of online book clubs where you can rave (or rant) about the books as much as you want!
And once you've had your fill of books, check out this list full of bookworm-ish gifts you'll love like book scented candles, jewellery, merch & more!
