Late summer reading list
The last long weekend of the summer is almost upon us – whether you’re squeezing in one last trip to the beach or planning to spend a few restful days hiding under the duvet, here’s our list of the best late summer reads to see you through.
So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed, by Jon Ronson (non-fiction)
British Journalist Jon Ronson is famous for his narrative style and his innate ability to add a layer of grey to topics usually considered black and white. His latest book, So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed, takes a fascinating look at the impact of online shaming and its profound ability to alter the lives of those who have been shamed offline. He travels around the world to meet the regular people who found themselves at the centre of a social media storm -after a joke came out badly or they made a mistake at work – and shows that maybe the villains of these stories are just people like us after all. Simultaneously powerful and hilarious, this page turner takes a look at modern life and how the internet has given us all a voice – but what are we using it for? The perfect non-fiction read you won’t want to put down all weekend.
Find it at WHSmith
Skyfaring: A Journey With A Pilot, by Mark Vanhoenacker (non-fiction)
BA Pilot and flight enthusiast Mark Vanhoenacker’s Skyfaring is part memoir, part tribute to the true love of his life: flying. This fascinating read describes life as a commercial pilot, lifting the lid on the technical knowledge, feats of engineering and sheer achievement that goes into air travel. In a modern world where flying is part of everyday life, Skyfaring adds a sense of wonder back to an experience we so often take for granted. Poetic and fascinating in equal measure, this is a book for every nervous flyer, business traveller and or person who’s ever peeked inside the cockpit and wondered just what goes on in there.
Find it at Waterstones
Among the Ten Thousand Things, by Julia Pierpont (fiction)
With the news of the Ashley Madison website leak still dominating headlines around the world, Amond the Ten Thousand Things seems oddly fitting. The book intertwines the ideas of art, family and adultery in a smart, funny and poignant way. It’s the story of a wife used to ignoring her husband’s affairs, until a lover sends a box of all their explicit correspondence to their home, only to be discovered by their 11-year-old daughter, Kay; this hugely enjoyable novel explores the bonds of family life and how they can be both so brittle and so strong.
Find it on Amazon
Shop Girl, by Mary Portas (non-fiction)
Reigning Retail Queen Mary Portas tells the fascinating story of her life so far in this delightfully interesting and uplifting read. Mary describes her humble beginnings in Watford; a cramped but happy home, visits to church and raucous family dinners. The story charts her evolution and how an unexpected family tragedy spun her life in a new direction. A great read for both fans of Portas and anyone who has ever been drawn in by the sparkling luxury of the window displays outside Harrods.
Find it at Waterstones
The Woman Who Stole My Life, by Marian Keyes (fiction)
When it comes to light page turners, Marian Keyes is in a class of her own, and with her newest book, The Woman Who Stole My Life, her sparkling wit and ability to tackle life’s more serious subjects with grace and humour is on full show yet again. The book tells the story of what happens when you unexpectedly lose the life you had and stumble across a better one. Readers fall in love with Stella, the Dublin mum and housewife who is unexpectedly catapulted into the glitz and glamour of New York after a good deed goes awry. Full of humour and heart, this one will have you laughing and blubbering in equal measure all the way to the last page.
Find it on Amazon
What’s on your reading list this long weekend?
Rachel - Silversurfers Assistant Editor
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