Summer book recommendations: essential holiday reads from Finola
To me, there’s nothing better than sitting in the sun with a good book! If you’ve got a trip coming up and you’re trying to find the perfect read to take with you, or if you’re just looking for a new book to get stuck into this summer, I have some recommendations for you…
For the solo adventurers:
Table for one by Emma Gannon
This amazing book tells the story of Willow, a 30-something woman going through a breakup and a career change. At the beginning of the book, she feels secure and stable in her relationship and career, living a mundane life which she thinks she has always wanted.
Then, when all of this changes, Willow is forced to spend time alone, thinking about what she really wants. This book made me very emotional, but also made me feel so empowered.
There’s a great message there about what it means to truly be comfortable with yourself, and I think reading this one on a solo trip would be such a great vibe.
Really Good, Actually by Monica Heisey
Really good, actually follows Maggie as she navigates life after divorce as a twenty nine year old. It’s as poignant as it is funny, and even though I couldn’t necessarily relate to exactly what the main character was experiencing, I think the book is relatable to everyone in so many little ways. Like Table for One, it is a story all about learning to be alone; a great read for any solo travellers.
Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-Reum
This book is the perfect cozy read to get lost in this summer! Main character Yeongju ditches her conventionally ‘successful’ life and fulfils her dream of opening a bookshop. We follow her through all the highs and lows of her new adventure, and find out about the interesting people she meets along the way. This inspiring book is about creating a life you enjoy, regardless of what society expects of you.
For the romance lovers:
Call Me by Your Name by Andre Aciman
I couldn’t start recommending summer romance books without mentioning Call Me by Your Name.
If you have read my blog on my trip to Crema, then you know that I have visited the extremely magical filming location for the movie adaptation of this book. The novel is just as special. As we explore the romance between Elio and Oliver, we uncover so much more than a typical romance; this book is about understanding our own ways of loving, and it’s almost a love letter to the Italian countryside! The sequel to this book ‘Find Me’ is also great, and I can’t think of anything better than taking those two books on a summer trip.
CMBYN: https://amzn.to/4jUIjhq
Find Me: https://amzn.to/3T5yan7
Both! : https://amzn.to/449Sh8R
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
I have personally read all three of the books in The Summer I Turned Pretty whilst on summer holidays. This captivating series (also an amazing tv show) is the epitome of summer romance. Although it’s YA fiction, I feel like it’s just the perfect easy read, and if you love the series, I would 100% recommend reading the books!
Book one: https://amzn.to/3ZA3kqh
The series: https://amzn.to/4kHBXmt
Non-fiction recommendations:
Women living deliciously by Florence Given
This book is all about how to create a more relaxed, enjoyable and free life. Florence Given tells us how to appreciate and notice small, delicious moments in our everyday lives, ultimately discovering what brings us pure joy- not what we have been told will bring us joy. This book really gave me some helpful advice, and I come back to it whenever I need a little pick me up or a gentle reminder to find joy.
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
Eckhart Tolle is a renowned spiritual teacher, and ‘The Power of Now’ explores the contentment and freedom of mind that comes with embracing the present moment. The fact that this book is recommended by so many people, is testament to how transformative it is.
Bonus recs:
The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell
I am not usually a thriller/mystery lover but this one had me hooked! The Family Upstairs follows various members of the Lamb family, as they uncover the mystery behind their family home and legacy. It’s so gripping, and there is an equally exciting sequel: ‘the family remains’.
The family upstairs: https://amzn.to/3HNN7Ys
Both books in the series: https://amzn.to/4eendJI
Think Again by Jacqueline Wilson
If Jacqueline Wilson was your childhood favourite author like me, then you’ll be just as excited to know that she has started releasing fiction tailored towards adults! Think Again acts as a 20-years-later sequel to the ‘Girls in Love’ series- it’s so nostalgic and perfect to read this summer.
Happy reading!
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