Nothing can beat sitting by the pool or on the beach reading during your summer holidays. After two years spent at home unable to go abroad because of the pandemic, we’re more than ready to jet off and go into full relaxation mode during our family holidays this year.
But figuring out what books to read while you’re relaxing can be difficult. You want the right vibe. Sitting down to read a book about war or something based in winter is not what puts you in holiday mode. Having a book set in the summertime or just one with either a gripping story or fun plot is perfect for a poolside read.
With that, here are 6 KISS-approved reads to get stuck into this summer.
Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
If you’re looking for fun, 70s rock n’ roll vibes, this is the one for you. Following a Fleetwood Mac-inspired fictional band on their climb to fame is the perfect way to kick-start your summer. You will feel every emotion of this book while reading it and probably find yourself dancing around to made-up songs in it too. The best part about this read is that it’s being made into a TV show too so when you’ve finished it, you won’t have long to wait to see a real-life Daisy Jones dancing barefoot!
Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
If you want a book to start and not be able to put it down then you need to pack this in your suitcase. This summer read is the perfect book for someone who loves a bit of mystery and also prefers more of a hot, sticky summer vibe. The book will transport you into the southern marshland and make you feel like you’re beside the main character Kia as she raises herself in a feral environment. And with perfect timing, you’ll be finishing the book just in time for the movie starring Daisy-Edgar Jones to be released this summer!
Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman
Just imagine summertime in the Italian countryside, eating breakfast outside every morning, soaking up the sun, and having fun on the beach. This is the world you’ll be sucked into and the vibes you’ll experience when you read this book. How it’s written really takes you along with the characters and creates the perfect summery atmosphere, while also giving you a heartbreaking love story. It’ll be a book that you won’t forget for a long time.
People We Meet On Vacation by Emily Henry
Firstly, you know it’s going to be a great summer read because of the title. It gives you pretty much everything you need to create the perfect vibes when reading on the beach or by the pool. You have two best friends, a guy and a girl who are complete opposites, water, a holiday and so so much more. The balance of mystery between what happened to their friendship mixed with a ‘will they, won’t they?’ trope is immaculate, perfect holiday reading.
My Policeman by Bethan Roberts
There are many things about this book that are just amazing, but the setting is what brings it all together! Set in Brighton in England, a very summery and beachy town for those who don’t know, it gives the exact summer vibes and aesthetic that a lot of people look for when they’re looking for a summer read. It levels out the summer vibes by keeping you gripped with the drama of an affair between a married couple and multiple narratives, it is definitely a page-turner and perfect for a summer trip!
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
The ultimate summer read. It’s the best mixture of drama and mystery, a very captivating read for the pool. It follows a girl who is involved in an accident and has amnesia and her journey to recovering her memory and also testing her friendships along the way. Who is lying to her about her and why will no one tell her how she lost her memory? It’s quite a small book too so it can easily be devoured in a day or two, ideal for those looking for a quick read.
If some of these books don’t suit you or you’ve already read some of them, check out more book recommendations here!
Sadhbh O’Hara