embracing summer before it's over: a reading list
sharing the books I'm bringing on my holiday
Hi loves,
Since I’m a reader, packing for my summer holiday consists of figuring out which books to bring with me. My three-week trip to Spain will consist of a lot of lounging in the shadow by the pool in 40-degree heat, which might sound boring to some, but to a reader it’s the dream summer scenario.
Mid-August is a bit of an odd time, because even though it’s crazy hot, the days are getting shorter again, back-to-school is worming itself in and before we know it, autumn will be upon us. Although I’m semi-ready to cosy up inside with a mug of steaming tea, I’m not ready to give up summer just yet and I will savour every last morsel of it. So, staying in theme, I chose books to bring on my vacay that ooze summer and piña coladas on the beach to me, and I wanted to share them with you in case you’re not ready for these sultry days to end just yet either.
End of summer reading list
Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman - If there ever was a book to read in summer, I’m sure this one is it. An intimate and sensuous novel about a teenager’s burgeoning first love in sun-kissed Italy. I loved the movie when I saw it years ago, so I obviously need to read the book and rewatch the movie.
August Blue by Deborah Levy - The title sounded perfect, because I do feel semi-blue about the days going by so fast. A piano virtuoso descends on a journey through Europe after leaving behind the stage at the height of her career. A portrait of complex female characters and the transformative power of art, it’s said, which sounds right up my alley.
My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante - Yes, thát book from thát list. The first instalment in a series of four about a female friendship and the transformation they undergo as they grow up in an impoverished 1950s Naples. I’ve had it on my shelf for a while and this holiday is the perfect occasion to read it.
The Guest by Emma Cline - a gripping story about a girl stranded in Long Island after her rich boyfriend dumps her. She aimlessly drifts around a world closed to her, and foreboding lurks in the background. I’ve been very excited to read this It Girl thriller ever since
from The Lit List recommended it.
Ones I’m already reading and bringing to finish:
To Paradise by Hanya Yanagihara - a fin de siècle novel about three alternative realities spanning across centuries, one in a 1893 society seemingly accepting and endorsing LGBTQ relationships, one in 1993 during the AIDS pandemic and one in a totalitarian 2093.
Small Worlds by Caleb Azumah Nelson - a coming-of-age rumination on how dance takes a central spot to form a young man’s place in the world
Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? by Dr. Julie Smith - a psychologist’s all-encompassing toolkit to support your mental health, offering very practical guidelines to tackle everyday issues
If this isn’t enough, my mum has my kindle waiting for me in Spain too. As a mood reader, I will probably feel like downloading a bunch and will keep you updated !
This is part of one of my experiments - more short-form snappy newsletters that are easy to digest. Let me know what you think in the comments!
That’s all for this letter. Have you read any of these? What’s on your end of summer tbr?
Thanks for reading!
x
Nora
Love this list! I'm a big fan of call me by your name and the book is so good!
I've been wanting to read Call Me By Your Name for so long! The Guest sounds amazing too.
I'm going away for just over a week next Thursday and I've got a couple of books (plus my Kindle) to take with me. My book club is reading The Castaways by Lucy Clarke this month so as soon as my feet hit sand, I'm starting that!