5 books to get into this summer

If you are an avid reader or just looking for something to do with your summer then this article is for you! In this post I will give you a summer reading list with some of my new favourites and some newly released titles too!

What If It’s us – Adam Silvera and Becky Albertalli

‘What If It’s Us’ brings together the creative minds of Becky Albbertalli and Adam Silvera to give us a New York Times, USA Today and Indie best seller! This books tell the story of two teen boys who bump into each other at the post office and are then separated. Will they be able to find each other? Even if they do manage to find each other will they actually get along? What I love about the way this book is written is that it is told from the perspective of both main characters in alternating chapters. This approach allows you to understand the thoughts and intentions of both characters and gain more of a connection with their stories. Overall I thought it was a brilliant feel good modern love story that I couldn’t put down. It was so great I have pre-ordered the sequel – ‘Here’s To Us’ which will be a continue of their journey and is due to be released in autumn/winter 2021.

The Song Of Achilles – Madeline Miller

‘The Song of Achilles’ by Madeline Miller is a modern interpretation of ‘The Iliad’, an ancient Greek poem from around 8th century BC. The story is about Patroclus who is banished from his home by his father to the court of Peleus where he falls in love with superhuman Achilles. Although I haven’t read this book it is on my to read list. Although the book is 10 years old it recently went viral after featuring in a TikTok and now loads of people are reading it and talking about it again. Miller is an expert in adapting classics for a new, modern audience by thoroughly explaining the plot and characters but in a concise easy to read way. If you like an epic read then this book might be for you! You can expect romance, sacrifice, war, death, families and drama.

Clap When You Land – Elizabeth Acevedo

‘Clap When You Land’ by Elizabeth Acevedo is a novel written in a poetry style that tells the story of two sisters who discover the truth about their father and each other. Acevedo is a poetry slam champion, so if poetry is your thing then this could be a great read for you. This book does delve into grief following tragedy so if you think that may effect you then maybe give this one a miss. If you do choose to read it and are upset by anything within the book, there is a plethora of support available at the university wellbeing service.

We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves – Karen Joy Fowler

‘We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves’ by Karen Joy Fowler is an amazing book based on factual real life events that is inspired by arguments Fowler had with her dad, a psychology professor, over how closely connected animal and humans really are. Fowler blurs the lines between animals and humans in a way that I had never before thought was possible. It is a great story with many twists, turns and surprises and I really couldn’t stop reading! If you are interested in animal behaviour then this could be a great book for you but I will warn you that there is talk about animal cruelty and loss.

People We Meet On Vacation – Emily Henry

‘People We Meet On Vacation’ by Emily Henry follows the stories of Poppy and Alex, two people have have almost nothing in common and live miles apart. What brings them together is that during the summer for 10 years in a row they went on holiday together. All was going well until one trip when they ruined everything. After poppy convinced Alex to do one more trip she has a week to fix everything! Can she do it? If you love rom com books or a bit of travel then this is the book for you. You get to uncover all 10 of there previous trips and the present too.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post I hope you are inspired to pick up a book this summer. If you don’t have any of these books why not check if they are available in the university library of the Lincoln Central library. Happy reading!

“Books are a uniquely portable magic!”

Stephen King