Beach reads
As summer is well underway, Danni Darrah writes about which books you should bring with you on your next trip to Exmouth.
The sun seems to be an unspoken cue to ditch the socials and, instead, grab a gripping book, dig your bare feet into the grass or sand and quench your wanderlust. Something about a carefree summer calls for a season of catching up with fictional characters that delight in being extra-curricular.
Seeing novels that will be published in time for my last exam or first holiday (or, this year, stay-cation) always puts me in a summery mood. An eclectic mix of books is released throughout the sunny season, satisfying everyone’s preferences. The heat of the sun can bring about several genres you may be in the mood for; a cosy crime to match the rising temperatures and make your heart race; a romance reminiscent of the summer fling you had two summers ago to make your breath catch; or even a fantasy to match the vibes of summer escapism.
For me, summer wouldn’t be complete without a heartwarming romance fit for hopeless romantics (just to raise the standards to Mr. Darcy levels). And in this department, André Aciman’s breathtaking novel Call Me By Your Name always hits the nail on the head. Following Oliver and Elio’s summer affair through the winding back streets of Northern Italy, this book brings me a little slice of summer every time I dip my toe back into it.
You won’t realise that you’ve been holding your breath until you’ve turned the last page
Alternatively, a more recent publication, Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid, tells the story of a family secret that surfaces after years of secrecy. Add a fire that spreads throughout the family mansion to raise the tension just a tad, and you won’t realise that you’ve been holding your breath until you’ve turned the last page.
Similar to Jenkins Reid’s thrilling writing is Christine Mangan’s novel Tangerine, set in a blisteringly hot Tangier. With themes of envy, sisterhood, and romance, and an unexpected plot twist at the end, this psychological thriller will have your heart racing until the very end.
Another book currently sitting on my shelf ready for the next heatwave is The Idea of You by Robinne Lee, a light romance that will prepare you for cuffing season. Unearthing everybody’s dream, the book tells the story of a young woman who captures the attention of a world-famous star and the relationship that blossoms between them. This book made its way to the Richard and Judy top picks, which undoubtedly piqued my interest.
Summer is a season of passion, love, and heat-of-the-moment impulsive decisions. It is perhaps unsurprising, then, that the books I gravitate towards always seem to reflect this!
