Summer reads for 2023
My need for physical books on holiday -- books I can smell, dog-ear, bookmark, and crease -- fully supports my fear of flying. I mean, how could I take this many books on a plane? Crazy talk.
I spent many of those dull spring months collating a long-anticipated summer reading list that would carry me through a month in France.
My needs are specific for summer: I like short chapters, semi-easy reading and paperback (if poss — soggy hardback at the beach pleases nobody).
That said, my list is eclectic, admittedly hardbacked and, in places, heavy in subject matter.
I’m lucky, in some senses, that we drive from the UK to France as it means book space aplenty.
Here goes… I hope you like them, and I’d love to hear what you’re reading too!
Natasha Lunn's Conversations on Love - a deeply introspective examination of love in all its manifestations, drawing from interviews with prominent writers, journalists, and thinkers.
My take - I’m not usually a fan of ‘romance’ or ‘romantical’ (word?) books, but there’s something around the pull of human love, in general, that I couldn’t resist. Also — short chapters…
Surrounded by Narcissists by Thomas Erikson: Insights and coping mechanisms for dealing with self-centred individuals in our lives, providing strategies for dealing with them effectively.
My take - I think I was annoyed/allergic to people when I bought this one. Hopefully, it’ll give me some avoidance advice.
Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris - autobiographical essay collection featuring Sedaris's humour and acute observation skills, particularly regarding his attempts at learning French and his eccentric family life.
My take - I was instantly sold on Sedaris after reading this piece in The Guardian about French lessons in 2001. At the time, I was taking my own private French lessons and battled with the dreaded rolling of ‘rrrrrrsss’, so this reflected my own experience.
Saltwater by Jessica Andrews: An engaging coming-of-age novel featuring an English teenager struggling to establish herself amidst family dynamics and romantic love.
My take - I spotted this in a bookshop at Manchester’s Trafford Centre and then couldn’t get it out of my head. After buying it and making it mine, it has been sitting on my bookshelf for the longest time.
New Yorkers by Craig Taylor - an engaging anthology of voices offering an intimate look into New York City residents' diverse lives and vibrant energy.
My take - I promised short chapters and, guess what… I guess I’m trying to relive Tales of the City. I’ll let you know if this satiates my appetite.
Still Life by Sarah Winman: An intimate story of love, friendship and the art of living set against Italy post-WWII.
My take - I hold a special fondness for Sarah Winman. 'When God Was a Rabbit' is significant in my literary journey. This was made even stronger after I worked with her at an Arvon retreat in 2015 alongside authors Mez Packer and Patrick Gale. We need to look after writers like this one.
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jeanette McCurdy offers an honest and intimate exploration of grief, trauma and healing as she grapples with her mother's death and self-discovery through this memoir.
My take - I’ve heard such great things about this one, although it’s a monster (definitely wouldn’t fit in the luggage hold!). Lots of reasons for this one.
Naomi Booth's The Lost Art of Sinking explores fainting as an escape, touching upon themes such as obsession, desire and consciousness boundaries.
My take - I loved Naomi’s previous book Sealed, so I will naturally follow her to the ends of the earth.
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens: An exquisite tale of love and mystery about Kya, an orphan living alone in North Carolina marshes.
My take - Honestly, this isn’t my usual read, but that’s no reason to pursue it! I’ve read the first chapter, and, I have to be honest, I’m not feeling it despite the rave reviews over the last few years. Do tell me if you had a good experience!
Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng is an intriguing family drama that explores a young girl's mysterious death while uncovering tensions, secrets, and the weight of parental expectations.
My take - Sometimes you need a chunky thriller to get you through the abject horrors of days on the beach and French soirees.
Sadie Jones' The Snakes: This family drama blends family dynamics with psychological suspense to explore greed, morality and human nature's dark underside.
My take - After hearing a brilliant podcast with Sadie, I was sold!
Swimming Lessons by Claire Fuller: An intense and heartbreaking novel about an imploding marriage revealed in letters written to their partner by an absent wife who leaves behind letters that reveal shocking secrets from within their union.
My take - I enjoyed Claire’s Our endless numbered days, and once you’ve got me, you’ve got me for good.
What do you have lined up for summer — or what’s left of summer? I’m always looking for recommendations — especially if they don’t fit in the luggage hold ;)
Happy summer!
Nat x
I’m about halfway through Still Life and really enjoying it. I love the quirky characters.
I joined a reading and hiking retreat with my local independent bookshop, and they picked out 5 different books for us they thought we might like based on our favorites., so I ended up buying this one. I probably wouldn’t have found it otherwise, although it was featured on my favorite podcast, Strong Sense of Place. I haven’t been to Italy in years, but it’s making me yearn to go. Thanks for sharing your list!
Woah, you worked with Sarah Winman! I've just started Still Life. I've been putting it off cos I've not quite been feeling a chunky literary novel but I'm enjoying it so far. She's really pulling me in and I'm getting so invested in the cast of characters already. I listened to the audio of I'm Glad My Mom Died. Not one I'd personally take on holiday! I really loved Where the Crawdads Sing. (Then someone suggested I Google the author...) Enjoy your eclectic pile! Look forward to your reviews.