With university finished for the summer, this is the perfect time to relax with a good book. My first recommendation is Richard OsmanÔÇÖs The Thursday Murder Club series. Both books follow a group of pensioners living in a retirement village, who work to solve murders together. Osman delivers light-hearted, easy reads with lovable characters, witty dialogue, heart-warming moments, and many twists which keep you hooked! If a murder mystery can be described as cosy, then that is what these are. The Thursday Murder Club and its sequel, The Man Who Died Twice, are thoroughly enjoyable; I flew through both and eagerly await the release of the third in September.
My other recommendation is Delia OwensÔÇÖs Where the CrawdadÔÇÖs Sing. This novelopens with the discovery of a young manÔÇÖs body, and proceeds to jump between the past and present timelines of ÔÇÿMarsh GirlÔÇÖ, Kya Clarkas she becomes a suspect in his murder investigation and trial. We follow Kya from girlhood to adulthood as she learns to survive alone in the marshes after having been abandoned as a child and ostracised by society. I easily became lost in this story; Owens writes so beautifully and describes in striking detail KyaÔÇÖs marsh – a swamp in North Carolina – and its wildlife. It has both heartbreaking and heart-warming moments;as the pace increased, I couldnÔÇÖt put it down. This is a story of prejudice, loneliness, survival, and love ÔÇô a fantastic summer read, and perfect timing with the release of the film adaptation this August.
Eleanor Bickerton
If I could choose one word to describe how it is to be an English literature student, I canÔÇÖt help but think of ÔÇÿbittersweetÔÇÖ. DonÔÇÖt get me wrong, I absolutely love discovering new novels that wouldnÔÇÖt normally be within my reading criteria, but I canÔÇÖt help but miss having the time to read some of my all-time favourites. As soon as learning is done for the year, there is nothing I want more than a quick, well-written summery read.
Two books that I have read multiple times, and will continue to read, are Since YouÔÇÖve Been Gone and Amy & RogerÔÇÖs Epic Detour, both written by Morgan Matson. Both books comprise elements of friendship, adventures – such as road trips and bucket-lists -, love, and a dash of mystery. Whilst both stories are equally sweet and heart-warming, I would definitely pick Since YouÔÇÖve Been Gone if I had to choose between them. Without spoiling too much, the book portrays the life of Emily during summertime, in which her best friend ÔÇÿSloaneÔÇÖ mysteriously disappears and leaves behind only a very specific to-do list. Although some may find this book childish, or even cheesy, a cute and easy summer read is exactly what I want when I just want to relax and enjoy my free time. Another thing that I particularly enjoyed about this book is the fact that it includes playlists! This entertained me quite a lot – not only was I able to listen to the kind of music that the characters would, but it gave me a chance to discover new songs. Both books display refreshing and wholesome stories, perfect for a quick summer read to help you unwind and relax.
Nikoletta Sarolgou
Now that itÔÇÖs time to relax and take a step back from assigned texts, it is important to prioritise reading for your own enjoyment! If Shakespeare doesnÔÇÖt tickle your fancy, there are plenty of other options thatÔÇÖll keep you entertained during the summer months before free time is snatched away by university deadlines!
The first pick is a series of marriages jam packed into The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid. The novel highlights the cost of Hollywood fame for a young female actress and her romantic encounters with men and women along the way. ItÔÇÖs worth reading to find out whether EvelynÔÇÖs questionable marriages have much in common with your own summer holiday romances! The novel is told from EvelynÔÇÖs retelling of her life to interviewer Monique, leaving out absolutely no details. Therefore, thereÔÇÖs nothing left to do but sit back, relax, and enjoy EvelynÔÇÖs dialogue of her life story.
The second pick for the summer season sticks on track with the sizzling summer romance theme. As we dive into Colleen HooverÔÇÖs novel, It Ends with Us. The novel draws together the excitement and nervousness of new experiences that come with the challenge of first love whilst remaining attached to previous lovers. It follows the protagonistÔÇÖs life and her battles with both her friends and family through important life choices. ItÔÇÖs a book perfect for summer that you wonÔÇÖt be able to put down due to the high intensity – youÔÇÖll be on the edge of your sunbed!
Kavita Patel
