Dreamy reads for summer 2023

As the weather starts to turn warmer and the sun begins to make an appearance, many of us find ourselves spending more time outside in an attempt to soak up vitamin D and maybe a bit of a tan. So what better way to entertain ourselves in these warm months than with a good book (or two)? Here’s a round-up of some popular reads already published and some brand-new ones to delve into.

Book Lovers by Emily Henry~ For a classic summery read

Arguably one of the most popular books of last summer, Emily Henry introduces us to Nora Stephens, a ruthless literary agent, and Charlie Lastra, an aloof editor. Both have spent time together in New York but their paths cross in a small town in North Carolina where Nora reluctantly visits with her sister, Libby. The pair are thrown together and over the course of the book discover more about each other which makes them question what they know about themselves. If you've already read this book, keep an eye out for Henry’s new book ‘Happy Place’ coming out on April 25th.

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara (TW)~For a longer, hard hitting read

Summer for students often means lots of time off from school or university, which means it’s a perfect time to start reading that big novel you've been meaning to. ‘A Little Life’ is certainly one of those. Although the subject matter is not light-hearted by any means, this 720-page book follows the beautifully harrowing story of the lives of four friends; Jude, Willem, JB and Malcolm. Jude is the focus of the novel, a complex character whose childhood changed him forever. Keep in mind that this book deals with topics such as self-harm, child abuse and suicide which may not be suitable for everyone.

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang~For a darkly satirical read (To be published May 16)

This thriller full of dark humour is yet to be published but Time Magazine has already described it as ‘Razor sharp’. June Hayward and Athena Liu are both authors in the same year at Yale, set to be stars. But when Athena gets published and June doesn't, Athena’s death provides an interesting opportunity for June’s career. 'A funny, engrossing read about what people do when they reckon they can get away with it.' - Erin Kelly.

Edited by Lucy Wilcox