I am going to be traveling a fair bit this summer, giving me a lot of time to delve into a number of books I've wanted to read. At the beginning of the year I set myself a goal of reading twelve books in the twelve months. Nothing extravagant, but more than I had read the previous year. I am ahead of my target thus far, and I'm hoping I continue the trend throughout the summer.
My reading pile consists of nine books. Quite a hefty backpack full!
I am currently reading two books. Firstly 'Him & Me' By Michael and Jack Whitehall. I am a few chapters in and it consists of highly amusing anecdotes. If you are not familiar, Jack Whitehall is a young English comedian, and himself and his father have co-written a memoir. I love autobiographies, especially of comedians. Michael McIntyre's is great, as is David Walliams'. This one seems fun and an enjoyable easy read.
The second book I have on the go at the moment is 'The Utopia Experiment' by Dylan Evans. This follows the true story of the author, who created an experiment to experience a post-apocalyptic technology-free and natural life. This led to the deterioration of his mental health, which ended up with him in a psychiatric hospital. Thus far it is an interesting read, but I wouldn't consider it a page turner. However, I am only a few chapters in. I will happily review these books at a later date, if anyone so wishes...
Next I hope to read some highly coveted young adult fiction. 'We Were Liars' by E. Lockhart is highly recommended on BookTube (book reviewers on the interwebs). All I know about this novel is that it revolves around a family (or families?) who have a lot of secrets. haha! Not much of a synopsis, but I do not want to ruin any of the plot line for myself by researching it. It appears quite a quick read, so a couple of casual lazy day by the pool seem appropriate to see this one finished.
Another YA novel I want to delve into is 'To All The Boys I've Loved Before' by Jenny Han. A girl writes secret letters to all the boys she's ever had a crush on, and one day the letters get sent out to said boys. Drama ensues (I assume). It seems to be a sweet and easy read that I think will be perfect for summertime.
Then a slight change of pace with 'Disclaimer' by Renee Knight which seems to be quite the opposite to a lighthearted YA novel. The premise centres around a woman who wakes to find a book on her bedside table, only to find inside the story revolves around her and reveals her deepest darkest secret (*dun dun duuuuuh!*). It's been a long while since I picked up a suspenseful thriller as they are not my typical read, but I am excited to venture into this somewhat creepy sounding story.
Whereas 'Friendship' by Emily Gould is more my typical chick-lit novel I believe. It follows three young women, in a story with a central theme of friendship (bet you couldn't have guessed that!) with humour, wit and heart-break throughout. I love a book that makes me cry, so I hope this one accomplishes that.
Moreover, 'A Man Called Ove' by Fredrik Backman really stood out to me in Waterstones. The blurb describes a grumpy old man, angry at the world, but goes on to say in the end there is something quite irresistible about him. The moral 'don't judge a book by its cover' springs to mind. It sounds delightful, and I can't wait to crack it open.
Nevertheless one book that did attract me by its cover (haha woops) is 'The Boy Who Could See Death' by Salley Vickers. Eli can sense imminent death. Sounds enticing. Also I'm not quite sure if this is one story, or a collection of stories, so I shall have to begin reading to find out.
Finally I chose 'Five Star Billionaire' by Tash Aw. I purely picked this up due to the fact it is based in Shanghai. I am spending seven weeks teaching in Shanghai this summer, so thought it would be fun to get me in the Shanghai spirit. I think it follows the story of five people from differing walks of life, trying to make something of themselves in the city.
There we have it, an extensive list, but who knows I may conquer it, I may not...the plot thickens. Or as a good friend of mine misquoted once "the story deepens...".
Let me know in the comments below, if you recommend any others, or if any of these are worthy of being first read...
