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Summer is the perfect time to catch up on the reading that you’ve been meaning to do all year. We’ve got a bit more time, especially this year, and there’s nothing quite like laying out in the sun getting lost in a book. 

An unexpected side effect of the current situation is that I’ve been really enjoying reading. I’ve read more in the past 3 months than I have in years and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. If we can’t go and have our own adventures this summer then living vicariously through someone else's is the second best thing. My Kindle* has become my best friend and whilst it was a bit of a pricey investment it’s definitely been one of the reasons I’m reading more.

If you looking for where to start then I’ve shared the 10 books to read this summer, 5 that I’ve love plus 5 that I can’t wait to start. Whether you’re reading them or listening to them, there should be something here. 

The Top 5 Books For The Summer 

The Flat-share by Beth O’Leary*: Light-hearted, happy and life affirming. This unconventional love story set in London is everything we need right now, it’s a hug for the soul and had me laughing out loud. 

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng*: Already seen it on Amazon Prime? Don’t worry, the original ending is different. If you haven’t then you’re in for even more of a treat. Set in the 1990’s in Shaker Heights, Ohio, it tells the story of how two very different families intertwine and how everyone has their own secrets, past and version of what’s ‘right’.

Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng*: My favourite of Celeste Ng’s two books, this tells the story of a Chinese-American family in 1970’s Ohio after their eldest daughter is found dead. It’s a brilliant look into parenting, how your upbringing shapes how you bring up others and how flawed we all are. It’s a story that’s really stayed with me long after finishing it.

Such A Fun Age by Kiley Reid*: A rich white mothers hires a young black woman to be her babysitter but after a racist encounter at the local supermarket things start to unravel. It’s an insightful look at race, racism and how it plays out in society for these two women.

Why I’m No Longer Talking To White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge: By far one of the most important books I’ve read this year. It’s insightful, educational, confronting but a vital read, setting the scene for u to begin understanding how race effect every area of life, particularly in British society, from history to class to feminism. 

My Summer Reading List

Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams*: The story of a Jamaican-British woman in her mid-twenties navigating what it means to be a woman in today’s society, this story sounds right up my street. It’s had glowing reviews from everyone who's read it, balancing laugh-out-loud moments with total honesty. (out now)

I Am Not Your Baby Mother by Candice Brathwaite: Candice takes an in-depth look into what being a Black mother looks like and despite not being a mother myself it’s something I this will still be so valuable in my ongoing anti-racism education. (out now)

Sex and Vanity by Kevin Kwan*: I devoured the Crazy, Rich Asians trilogy last year and can’t wait to dive back into the world of ridiculous wealth and entirely unrealistic circumstances. It’s the perfect escapism (released early July)

Olive by Emma Gannon*: Emma’s debut novel focuses on the realities of modern adulthood and how the same path won’t be right for everyone. It sounds timely and right up my street (released early July)

The Switch by Beth O’Leary*: A woman in her mid-twenties and her grandmother decide to switch places and discover what they’re missing from the other one’s lifestyle. It sounds beyond heartwarming and I can’t wait to get stuck in (released early July)

Reading is one of my favourite pass-times at the moments so if you have any more book recommendations then please drop them in the comments below!