Whether you’re hitting the beach or have some long plane rides ahead of you, chances are the summer will present some great summer reading opportunities!
In case you’re in need of some major summer reading inspo, mama, our multi-national team has contributed our top picks (one serious, one breezy beach read) — without one single overlap among us! From the long-awaited Harry Potter and the Cursed Child to a romantic summer read like Modern Lovers, we’re sure to have something to pique everyone’s fancy. Fire up those Kindles, have a look, and let us know what we’ve missed on Facebook!
Beach read: All about the mysteries that surround a London communal garden square after a young girl is found unconscious – this book sounds like the perfect page-turner – exploring everything from family to friendship, neighbours and trust. I’ll be spending time in London over the holidays and I’ve always looked longingly into those garden squares, such beautiful little flashes of green in the city – wishing for a key and wondering what secrets they hold.
Available on Amazon.com for US$12.99 (Kindle) / US$15.75 (hardcover)
Beach read: From the New York Times‒bestselling author of The Vacationers, this is the story of a group of friends, neighbours and former band members who are watching their own kids grow and who reminisce about their youth while tackling adulthood and the changes in their own relationships. Supposedly very entertaining and beautifully written – I’m really looking forward to getting stuck into this while lounging in a deck chair (well, I can dream right?!).
Available on Amazon.com for US$13.99 (Kindle) / US$14.60 (hardcover)
Ever since I got my first library card age 7, I love to plan out my summer reads. What am I going to read, at what time and how it will make me feel? Similar to how many people make their summer playlists; it needs to be carefully crafted to fit with location, occasions and energy levels.
Summer 2016, this is how I’m going to roll: The Big Short by Michael Lewis
Serious read: It isn’t new and no, I haven’t seen the movie. PLUS, I will put my hand up and say: I still don’t understand the subprime mortgage crisis in the US but I think we all should try to. I believe it might give some insight into the current turmoil… Boooooring (I know).
Available on Amazon.com for US$8.61 (Kindle) / US$10.84 (hardcover)
Beach read: Again I haven’t seen the movie (because it isn’t showing in the UAE).
One of Sweden’s most successful authors has written a book about how a grumpy old man gets a new perspective on life when a loud (for lack of better words!) young family moves in next door.
After the above and about 10 days into hols I think I will be relaxed enough to take on a couple of Nordic Noir crime novels by the likes of Camilla Läckberg, Lars Kepler, Liza Marklund and Stieg Larsson.
Available on Amazon.com for US$5.46 (Kindle) / US$10.09 (paperback)
Spiritual read: Every since I lost my daughter in 2012 I have been drawn to spirituality in many ways. Some people turn to religion but I have personally connected with the spiritual and unknown force. It’s helped me with my grief and to channel positivity and strength. It also helps me in my day to day life and gives me guidance and helps provides direction on what I should be doing and who I should let in my life – life can be a great spiritual cleansing!
I have read many spiritual books – not all I have connected with, but when it comes to Eckart Tolle every page I read or You Tube video resonates with me.
I also heard about another book which has been described as a “Hidden Gem” – ‘The Girl with the Green-Tinted Hair: A Miraculous Fable’ by Gavin Whyte.
Which is a spiritual fable about personal growth and about seeing how truly magical life is. I’m excited to read this even though I’m sure I will get very emotional.
I don’t really get the time to read much as if I’m not working, I’m entertaining three kids, however I know these books are going to keep me enraptured over the next few months!
Available on Amazon.com for US$11.98 (Kindle) / US$14.47 (hardcover)
Serious read: Set in the American Deep South during the nineteenth century this is a tale based on the true story of a Plantation owner’s daughter and the young slave girl she is given as a gift on her 11th birthday. The lives of these two women couldn’t be more different but are inextricably linked and their stories are told in parallel. I’ve got a feeling it might be a tear jerker so I’ll have some tissues at the ready!
Available on Amazon.com for US$5.69 (Kindle) / US$10.93 (paperback)
Beach read: I know I’m way behind the times with this one, but the truth is that I rarely have the time to read novels anymore – and in the past few months, this is the book I have heard recommended time and time over. Written by ex journalist Paula Hawkins, the novel tells the story of a girl-next-door commuter, who spots something from the train window one morning that changes her world forever. I spent years commuting to London, looking at the window at the same vista on my way to work every day, and even reading the reviews is enough to grip me – so I am pretty sure this is one book I won’t be able to put down this summer.
Available on Amazon.com for US$12.99 (Kindle) / US$11.o0 (paperback)
Magic read: Okay, I admit it; I am a big Harry Potter fan. Ever since I read the first book on a shaky backpacker bus in Thailand back in the year 2000, I have fallen head over heels for the world of Hogwarts, the Ministry of Magic, and “He who should not be named”. I’d like to say that I’ve grown up with it, but the truth is that I was already an adult on that backpacking advent and the films and stories still grip me now. So what is this book? This is the written screenplay for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which will premiere on stage in London’s West End at the end of July – and it tells the story of Harry’s youngest child Albus struggling with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As I’ll be in Dubai then awaiting the birth of baby number three, I will definitely be reading this cover to cover this summer to find out what happens to Harry and his brood.
Available on Amazon.com for US$17.99 (hardcover)
Serious read: Okay, this one is on the humorous side, so perhaps not that serious a read, but it makes a statement about the abundance of money (especially in Asia) in 2016. The sequel to Singaporean author Kevin Kwan’s Crazy Rich Asians.
Available at Amazon for US$9.52.
Beach read: I’m a sucker for stand-up comedy, so when I discovered Aziz Ansari had written a book on dating in the digital age, I had to get my hands on it and check out his insights. Written with the help of sociologist Eric Klinenberg, there are interesting – and real – factoids about couples now vs. 50 years ago, all peppered with Ansari’s deadpan humour.
Available at Amazon for US$11.52 (paperback).
Mama read: A great read for yoga teachers, mamas and mamas-to-be as it talks a lot about how very simple yoga and mediation techniques can guide you through a smooth pregnancy and in fact help you to become a calmer mama – it’s part of my self-development as a teacher to keep reading and learning.
Available on Amazon.com for US$9.99 (Kindle) / US$11.84 (paperback)
Health read: Everyone should have a copy of this amazing book. It is a bit like an Encyclopedia for how some REAL foods can be used to help heal and prevent illnesses, from dry skin conditions to how to slow down the aging process…bet that got your attention! :0) great for any mama to have – I have used the principles to help my daughter’s eczema.
Available on Amazon.com for US$19.56 (paperback)
Well, I actually bought and am planning on reading these books on the beaches of Beirut and Greece! Can’t wait!
Mama read:
The Conscious Parent and The Rainbow comes and goes
I’m intrigued by the mother-son relationship and so I feel like I need to learn from the “best” and “worst” especially since I’m preggo with my second boy!
Available on Amazon.com for US$8.92 (Kindle) / US$9.39 (paperback)
Available on Amazon.com for US$14.99 (Kindle) / US$14.87 (paperback)
