Summer is here and whether you’re lounging by the pool or taking off on a sun-drenched holiday, the time is ripe for a good book. Of course, with so much to choose from it can be hard to decide what to sink your teeth into. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a Kindle reader or a paperback loyalist, here’s our list if top summer reads that will have you turning pages at lighting speed.
Want to ensure you have something to chat about with your son in law? Or be able to put forward a solid opinion on the artificial intelligence debate? Simply pick up a copy of Dan Brown’s latest page turner, Origin.
We’re the first to admit that the “self-help” genre can be a little cringe worthy. But every now and then a gem arrives on the scene, and Brené Brown’s latest read definitely falls into the latter category. The New York Times Bestseller dives deep into what it really means to accept who you are and enjoy a sacred sense of belonging, self-worth and empowerment. This is a great pick for older readers who feel like they’re arrived at a crossroads in their life and are looking to spark positive change.
Just Between Us, Rebecca Drake
Love to get lost in a good thriller? Penned by Rebecca Drake, Just Between Us is the kind of book that will have you turning down dinner invitations because you can’t wait to see what happens next. The tale of deceit and secrets explores the friendship of four best friends, Julie, Sarah, Alison and Heather. If you loved Big Little Lies you’ll fall hard for this roller-coaster plot.
Even if you’re not a poetry fan, this collection of beautifully composed verses is like a ray of sunshine. Along with gorgeous illustrations, Rupi Kaur has created a book that celebrates love in all its shapes and forms. This is a great book club read as it explores growth, healing, ancestry and above all, self-love. This means you’ll have plenty to chat about.
Blending history and drama with compelling characters, The Alice Network is an engaging story inspired by a network of French spies who operated during WWI. We love the fact that unlike most war themed novels, this one is powered by a pair of sassy heroines. The first is a female spy recruited to the top-secret Alice Network. The second is an American socialite searching for her estranged cousin. Courage, redemption and sacrifice await.
Soon to be a major motion picture, The Nightingale strikes a similar tone to The Alice Network. Championing love and strength, the bestseller unfolds in WWII and tells the tale of two sisters, each on their own very different paths. If you’ve got teenage granddaughters, this is a fantastic novel to pass on.
Need a few more reasons to pick up a good book? Reading goes hand in hand with a host of benefits, from mental stimulation and stress reduction to memory improvement and increased focus. Prefer audio books? Whether you’re driving the car, pottering around the garden or simply relaxing with a cup of tea, listening to audio books stimulates a different part of the brain which means it’s also a great cognitive workout.
What’s on your read list this summer? We’d love to hear about your top picks so go ahead and share with the GrownUps community in the comments box below.