5 Books I Want to Read This Summer
Lessons in Chemistry - Bonnie Garmus
Summertime is made for books like Lessons in Chemistry, the kind of book that is described in reviews as ‘joyous’. The 60’s set novel follows Elizabeth Zott, an unconventional chemist who becomes the reluctant star of a beloved cooking show for housewives, and leaves a trail of female empowerment in her wake - which doesn’t please everyone.
Great Circle - Maggie Shipstead
Maggie Shipstead’s Great Circle is a chunky book that will make a great sunbathing companion, and has made the shortlist for this year’s Women’s Prize for Fiction! Spanning from Arctic expeditions and World War II to Hollywood in the 2010’s, Great Circle ties the lives of a daring female aviator and the former child star who will play her on a new biopic.
Life Ceremony - Sayaka Murata
A book of short stories is perfect for those snippets of time when you are waiting for a flight, or your suitcase at baggage claim, or the airport transfer…you get what I mean. Life Ceremony is a new translated collection of stories in Sayaka Murata’s signature style. For those unfamiliar with her work, that means expect some cannibalism, some asexual marriages, and a lot of weirdness. Just be careful who can read over your shoulder on the plane.
Honey & Spice - Bolu Babalola
If any book is going to define Hot Girl Summer 2022 it’s Bolu Babalola’s much anticipated rom-com novel Honey & Spice. Promising spicy romance and Bolu’s signature wit - seriously you need to follow her on Twitter - I’m willing to put my aversion to romance novels aside to have a fling with this book.
Malibu Rising - Taylor Jenkins Reid
Taylor Jenkins Reid is the undisputed queen of the escapist beach read, IMHO. Her 2022 offering to the beach read gods is Carrie Soto is Back, out in August. But for those who think hardbacks and the beach shouldn’t mix, ahem me, her latest paperback release ‘Malibu Rising’ is the perfect fix. It’s a juicy page-turner that follows the glamorous lives of the River family in 80’s California, and the life-changing party where their secrets are revealed.