I have always been a big reader. My home is filled with books. So when summer vacation starts I usually have a pile of books waiting to be opened.
Need some help picking books to get your summer read on? Maybe one of these will intrigue you:
Z by Therese Anne Fowler – I JUST finished this one and I loved immersing myself in the scandalous world of Zelda and Scott Fitzgerald as they navigate the literary world in New York, Paris and the French Riviera. The 1920’s, for me, are mesmerizing and this novel doesn’t lack in glamour, dazzling fashion & parties, and magnificent real life characters. If the recent Great Gatsby whirlwind made you fall in love with this era, this book will only make you fall more.
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon – This book may even make my top 10 ever. I could not put it down. It is set in a very mysterious Barcelona in 1945 and is full of suspense, murder, and cursed love. If you love it, you can read the next instalments from this amazing author, The Angel’s Game and The Prisoner of Heaven.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern – A star-crossed love story with two duelling magicians, set under the black and white tents of Le Cirque des Reves. I felt this story was beautifully written and the circus itself captivated me. Though the story hits some slow points, its short chapters and incredible imagery make it the perfect, unique read for the summer.
The Time in Between by Maria Duenas – This author is a masterful storyteller and last summer I thoroughly enjoyed the tale of a seemingly ordinary seamstress who starts to work as an undercover agent for the Allies in World War 2. The novel was a huge hit in Europe and it’s easy to see why!
The Fault in our Stars – John Green does not disappoint with this raw novel about being alive and in love. Don’t let the Young Adult categorization deter you, this story is heartbreakingly beautiful, with memorable characters and smart dialogue. I read it in one sitting and did my best not to ugly cry in public.
Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela – I wanted to include one non-fiction in my summer reading list and there is none better than the inspiring autobiography of the Nobel Peace Prize winning President of South Africa. The book is by no means short but Mandela elegantly writes of his childhood, of the political warfare in the 1950’s, of his long 27 years in prison and of his freedom and the end of apartheid. It is simply inspiring.
I guarantee these books will not disappoint. And for me…I am really looking forward to my awaiting stack. Have you read any of these? Do you have any summer reading recommendations?
I just started Wave – Unbelievable true story about the tsunami
Nice! You’ll have to lend it to me 🙂
It was so amazing to see “Shadow of the Wind” on your list. When Dorothy and I were planning our trip to Spain, I
was researching literature from Spain and looked at this writer!! I had never heard of him until then.
I read “The Reluctant Fundamentalist” recently and I really liked it – made me reflect on Islamism.
Great recommendation! I have heard of that one! I loved Carlos Ruiz Zafon’s writing style. It made Barcelona come alive for me at that time period.