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Original poster

Summer reading list ideas

9 replies

ThePlasticScouser · 26/05/2023 18:07

I have a couple of trips coming up and some time off over the summer which I plan on spending on a sun lounger in my garden, weather permitting 😁

I'm planning my summer reading list and would love to hear what is on yours?

I would like a mix of biography, something light/ funny and something heavier. So far I am looking at Trespasses by Louise Kennedy and Burning Questions by Margaret Atwood. Last year I read Lessons in Chemistry which I thought was OK, not great. I read Where the Crawdads sings which I loved and The Paper Palace which was good too. I also loved Pachinko.

What's on your summer reading list?

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HisOliveTree · 28/05/2023 11:46

I second The Bandit Queens. A great book which is hilarious despite its subject matter. Maybe The Sealwoman's Gift by Sally Magnusson too.

Have read Trespasses and enjoyed it, but it wouldn't be a holiday read for me. Just too grindingly sad.

Andre Agassi's autobiography is really worth a read, whether you like tennis or not (I don't!). Pete McCarthy's books are a brilliant read, and there's the Irish connection. Would also recommend Travels Round Ireland With My Fridge by Tony Hawkes.

newtowelsplease · 28/05/2023 11:45

Sorry, to answer what's on my list:

Working my way through the Shetland books by Ann Cleeves
Glory - NoViolet Bulawayo
Shrines of gaiety - Kate Atkinson
The marriage portrait - Maggie O'Farrell
Half of a yellow sun

Read recently and enjoyed:
Haven by Emma Donoghue (I love all her books, the pull of the stars is my favourite)
The khan
The heart's invisible furies
You be mother - Meg mason (enjoyed this SO much more than sorrow and bliss)
School for good mothers - jessamine Cham

Kate mosse books are fabulous

I'm not sure we have similar taste though as I really didn't like the crawdads book but LOVED lessons in chemistry

newtowelsplease · 28/05/2023 11:37

ThePlasticScouser · 27/05/2023 08:36

What kind of fiction do you like?

I'm not too sure. I am not an avid reader, but want to be. I am just getting back into reading as my DC are older and I have more time.

I like books where I learn something. Instead of reading, I used to do a lot of courses in psychology and things like that. I know that I don't like love stories. I don't mind a bit of romance but it has to be a bit edgy along the way.

I might get Louise Kennedy's short stories. I like the look of that. I am half Irish, so I think I'd extra enjoy it.

Have you read any Claire keegan? I love her books and short stories

biedrona · 28/05/2023 11:34

I recommend Home going by Yaa Gyasi. I just finished it, great story-telling.

orangelotus · 28/05/2023 10:50

i love those irish books but i love misery.
have you read any Donal Ryan ? all fantastic.
i also recently enjoyed the Bandit Queens about a group of women in India very funny i thought even though it's about them plotting to kill their husbands

Original poster
ThePlasticScouser · 27/05/2023 08:36

What kind of fiction do you like?

I'm not too sure. I am not an avid reader, but want to be. I am just getting back into reading as my DC are older and I have more time.

I like books where I learn something. Instead of reading, I used to do a lot of courses in psychology and things like that. I know that I don't like love stories. I don't mind a bit of romance but it has to be a bit edgy along the way.

I might get Louise Kennedy's short stories. I like the look of that. I am half Irish, so I think I'd extra enjoy it.

OP posts:
EmptyBedBlues · 27/05/2023 07:54

Louise Kennedy’s Trespasses is good, but I don’t think it’s quite as good as her short story collection, The End of the World is a Cul de Sac. What kind of fiction do you like?

SiouxsieSiouxStiletto · 27/05/2023 07:50

I always save the latest Veronica Henry for my holiday. After that I haven't decided yet.

Where are you going to? Could you add a book related to the place?

Riverlee · 26/05/2023 20:26

Giver of Stars - Jojo Moyes - you may enjoy this

Atlss - the story of Pa Salt - this was on my reading list. Now read. Conclusion to the Seven Sisters series.