My top Summer reads – book review
Today’s post is all about my top summer reads. I don’t know about you but, I only ever tend to read books on recommendation. Either from friends, family or even social media. The very few times I’ve picked out a book for myself from a shop it’s been dreadful. There’s nothing worse than hoping for a book to get better and it never does…
That’s why I thought I would write this post! I know for me, Summer would always be the time to sit down with a new read. Either in the evening sun in the garden, at the beach or on my holy-bobs! I have picked a real mixture of books that I have read over the past year and have thoroughly enjoyed, all from all different genres. I have self help to psychology to fantasy to travel guides!
Sarah Knight
The first trio of books I would recommend for a summer read are the bestsellers from Sarah Knight; The Life -Changing Magic of Not Giving a F**k*, Get Your Sh!t Together* and You Do You*. I’m sure you have all heard of these books or maybe have even read them already! Although admittedly self help books seem a bit wet to me. Sometimes it is nice just to read or hear something motivational, uplifting and go getting. Especially when you may feel a bit confused or lost yourself. I do have one of these books in hardback. However, the other two I did actually download on audible to listen to on my daily commutes in London and they were great! They made the time pass so much faster and even had me smiling and giggling in places. Definitely something needed for the miserable morning commute.
Psychology books
These next two are still self help books but more psychology and factual based. How to Be Human* by Ruby Wax is a lot less intense and scientific. She discusses in her witty humour, numerous topics such as: thoughts, emotions, relationships and mindfulness while also referring back to a monk and a neuroscientist. Whereas Happy* by Derren Brown sometimes feels like you need to have a degree to understand what he’s on about (and I did AS Psychology, haha.) It’s also not a very light read, it requires a lot of focus. However, it’s very interesting nonetheless.
Fantasy
Now moving onto what I think my favourite genre is, fantasy. For me fantasy books are the best books for a summer read as I find them oddly relaxing. I love getting lost in another world and completely escaping. The Queen of the Tearling* trilogy by Erika Johansen I actually found out about from a review Emma Watson gave in a magazine. Emma described it as Hunger Games* meets Game of Thrones* and she’s kind of right. I would say it’s not so gory or horror as that, there are moments but not very many. I would say it is a young adult type of book but, at 22 I’m fine with that, haha. I’ve also heard Warner Bros are planning on making it into a film and Emma Watson may be playing the lead? Should be really interesting to see the adaptation.
Cornwall journal
Finally, the new purchase that inspired this post is the Cornwall: Weekend Journal* by Weekend Journals. It is such a visually beautiful book packed with amazing places and things to do in Cornwall. The places in it aren’t your typical tourist spots such as the Eden Project or St Michael’s Mount you can find in any tourist leaflet. But, real little Cornish gems, a lot of them I have never heard of and I now want to explore myself. I also love that this journal as it is supporting local businesses. If you’re visiting Cornwall or are a local like me, I would definitely check it out as you may find something new.
Summary
I hope you enjoyed this post on my top summer reads and it was a bit different. If you have any book recommendations then please let me know or, let me know if any of the books on my wish list are worth a read!
Lots of love, Melissa x
*I have used Amazon affiliate links in this post. This does not cost you any extra but, gives me a small amount of commission for inspiring you to make a purchase.
My wish list
