Bookishly's Top Summer Reads!
Mid-August and we’ve more than likely hit the height of summer here in the UK - a sweltering 17 degrees... Cocktail and a Fab please?
When we do get the sunny weather, there is nothing we love more than dedicating an afternoon to lazing in the garden with a good book.
Stuck on what to read next? We asked around here at Bookishly HQ for everybody’s current favourite summer reads in hope that it will offer up some inspiration!
Let’s just say it’s a very varied mix, you’re bound to find something that fits your fancy!
1. Harry Potter - JK Rowling (the whole series)
Does this really require a synopsis?! Harry Potter, the story of a young wizard and his time at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Discover the wonders of Quidditch, Butterbeer and Hedwig (an owl that actually delivers the post.) Bookishly's Louise starts to re-read the entire series every summer. She normally finishes book seven in time for Christmas! This year is extra special as she is reading it to her little boy for the first time. Immerse yourself in the magic of JK Rowling's wizarding world. Read the books, watch the films, buy a wand, and don't look back.
2. Misfit to Maven - Ebonie Allard
A book for any aspiring entrepreneurs, creatives or small business owners who are trying to find their place in the world. More risque than your typical 'how to be successful' handbook, Ebony Allard shares her honest and authentic story. She tells of her highs and lows, her accomplishments and her mistakes. Sometimes, being a square shaped peg in a world full of round holes isn't easy. This book helps lay the foundations that you need to achieve a life that is balanced in work, rest and play.
3. Humble Pie - Gordon Ramsay
An autobiography is probably the only acceptable way to be very, very nosy. Fine by us! The potty mouthed chef’s success has continued to soar since this book’s release in 2007, (ignore the publishing date!) Now one of the world's most successful chefs, Gordon's story remains to be both interesting and insightful. We learn about the various hardships and obstacles he has had to overcome. His resilience is brilliant motivation to remain focused, determined and hopeful in our ability to achieve success.
4. Luckiest Girl Alive - Jessica Knoll
Published in April 2016, this NY Times Bestseller follows the story of Ani FaNelli; a high flying twenty-something who appears to have it all - the house, the job, the money, the fiance. Or does she? Ani has a dark past. Her school years were far from plain sailing and it looks like those horrifying events are back to haunt her. Jessica Knoll writes with an authenticity that others struggle to replicate. You believe everything. Bookishly's Beth read the entire book in one day. If that's not a sign of a good read then we don't know what is!
5. Dark Tower - Stephen King (the whole series)
Think dark fantasy, sci-fi, horror and western. What a mix! This hugely popular series was first published in 1982. The most recent book was published in 2012 and a film is due for release in 2017. It follows the story of 'gunslinger,' Roland Deschain and his quest to find the Dark Tower, believed to be the nexus of all universes. Set in a somewhat magical parallel of the American Old West, Roland encounters a lot of characters on his journey, both friend a foe. We follow the obstacles he must face and overcome. And that's putting it very, very simply!
6. Red Book - Carl Jung
Described by many as a hugely influential piece of work and a significant contributor in the history of psychology, Carl Jung’s Red Book is heavy reading! It is also incredibly interesting. To explain simply, Jung essentially locked himself in his home in the mountains for a year and regurgitates his subconscious in the form of archetypes, characters and illustrations. He then communicated with them profusely in order to gain a deeper understanding of his psyche. Intense, right? Victoria, our resident artist, is studying this book for her Master's!
7. Time of Death - Mark Billingham
Time of Death follows characters Detective Tom Thorne and his partner Helen on their quest to discover the whereabouts of two young girls who have been kidnapped from Helen's hometown in Warwickshire. This brilliant thriller is full of twists and turns that keep you turning to the very last page. This is actually the thirteenth novel featuring Detective Tom Thorne! If you haven't read Billingham's previous books, you can start at the very beginning with 'Sleepyhead'.
We hope the Bookishly team have inspired your inner bookworm with this varying collection of brilliant books!
Let us know your favourite summer read, we would love to know!
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