Great summertime reads
Whether you’re taking advantage of the long summer nights or packing up for your annual holiday, these great summertime reads will see you through.
Need inspiration? Here’s four of our favourite reads this summer
Funny Girl by Nick Hornby
Nick Hornby’s latest novel Funny Girl plunges readers into London in the swinging 60s. The story follows Sophie Straw, a Blackpool beauty queen, who follows her dreams to London and lands a starring role on the BBC’s newest hit sitcom. As the novel unfolds, we get to know her eccentric and charming cast and crew; her dashing co-star Clive, Oxbridge graduate and producer Dennis and the sarcastic scriptwriting duo Tony and Bill. Together they make TV history, find fame and fortune and discover the perils of what happens when life imitates art. Funny, uplifting and brimming with optimism, Funny Girl offers a snapshot of London and makes for a perfect beach read.
Find it at Waterstones here
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Written by debut author Fredrik Backman, A Man Called Ove tells the story of 59-year old Ove after being ousted as the Chairman of the Residents’ Association in his local neighbourhood. Resentful and bad-tempered, Ove is exasperated by his neighbours and feels surrounded by idiots, but despite it all he remains dedicated to his conviction about how the world should be and does all he can to make it so. This funny, moving story about love and community is a word-of-mouth bestseller that’s perfect just in time for summer.
Find it at Amazon here
Fatty O’Leary’s Dinner Party by Alexander McCall Smith
Alexander McCall Smith’s latest novel, Fatty O’Leary’s Dinner Party, tells the story of Fatty and his beloved wife Betty who leave their home in Arkansas for the trip of a lifetime to Ireland in 1979. The two find their comfort zone is far behind them as one mishap after another befalls them; sharp, witty and good fun, Fatty O’Leary’s Dinner party is the perfect short novella for a long weekend with plenty of twists and turns along the way to keep you turning the page.
Find it at Waterstones here
The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters
Sarah Waters’ most recent novel, The Paying Guests, tells the story of the impoverished widow Mrs Wray. Set in post-war London in 1922, her genteel Camberwell Villa is bereft of the brothers, husband and servants who once filled its rooms; along with her daughter, Frances, the two are obliged to take on two lodgers, Lilian and Leonard Barber, a young couple working in the city. Gripping and unexpected, the novel is full of fascinating twists as the worlds of these two groups collide – the beautifully realised characters, excruciating tension, tenderness and element of surprise makes The Paying Guests fantastic story that mixes genres and appeals to all. You won’t want to put it down!
Find it at Amazon here
What are your favourite summertime reads? Let us know in the comments below!
Rachel - Silversurfers Assistant Editor
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