With summer holiday season rapidly approaching, many people will be trying to find a poolside read to pack. It is undoubtedly overwhelming trying to cut through the seemingly endless ‘to be read’ list that builds up throughout the year to one or two books. The past few years have seen an influx of book recommendations coming from TikTok. Although a great starting point for reading inspiration, I personally find the majority of ‘BookTok’ recommendations quite predictable and often ruined by spoilers before you get the chance to finish them! Not only this, but I often find popular recommendations that come from TikTok tend to lack depth for literary discussion, offering stories that feel disingenuous.
Below I have configured a list of five books, a mix of both non-fiction and fiction that are a perfect addition to lying on a sun lounger and sipping a cocktail. In no particular order, I have tried to collate books that have some kind of deeper meaning yet are still the perfect length and style for a holiday read. Ones that tell thought provoking and gripping stories you won’t be able to put down.
I’m Glad My Mom Died – Jennette McCurdy
Do not be put off by the title – this book is personally one of the best autobiographies I have ever read. If you were a fan of Nickelodeon’s ICarly or Sam and Cat when you were younger, you will know that Jennette was one of the leading characters in both shows. Her memoir tackles grief, what it was like growing up in the spotlight and navigating adulthood after deciding to permanently quit acting. I was captivated by this memoir due to it being written in the present tense, meaning you feel like you are being brought along with the story, rather than being told it years after.
The List – Yomi Adegoke
Yomi Adegoke’s debut novel is a rollercoaster of emotions and shock twists that keep you enticed until the very end. It is narrated from both the perspectives of a soon-to-be-married couple, Ola and Michael. Just a month before the wedding is due to take place, Michael is anonymously accused of sexual assault, shattering both his and his girlfriend’s world – and wedding plans. This book is a definite page turner as each chapter implies conflicting information, and makes you question as to whether Michael is guilty or was framed for something he didn’t do. Yomi successfully tells the story in a way that makes you put yourself in both parties’ shoes and question your gut.
Ghosts – Dolly Alderton
Dolly’s debut novel follows her bestselling memoir Everything I Know About Love. Written from the perspective of Nina, a 30 something living in London, Alderton writes with such a tender, yet comedic voice that can only be described as like a big hug. First and foremost, this book tackles issues like online dating and the art of 21st century relationships, quite literally exhibiting the word ghost, but also delves into ways in how different relationships change and become more withdrawn with age. Tackling the experiences of losing a parent to dementia, as well as the withdrawal of close friendships as they start their own families.
Pretending – Holly Bourne
You may recognise Holly Bourne as one of the masters of 2010s young adult fiction however, she has now begun to make her way into the adult fiction category. On the surface, this book seems to be a romance novel focussing on the protagonist April’s love life, or more lack of. As the book progresses, it explores themes such as sexual violence and navigating 21st century dating. I’d never heard anyone speak about this book before I read it, and I have to say not only could I not put it down, it was also extremely thought provoking, as it made me reflect on my own self-discovery.
A Woman Is No Man – Etaf Rum
Narrated from the perspective of two generations, this book explores the lives of women in a strict Arab family. Etaf Rum uses her Palestinian-American background to explore themes of oppression, religion and generational trauma that has you unable to put the book down. A Woman Is No Man follows the lives of Isra, who left Palestine for New York in the 1990s for a marriage arranged by her parents, and Deya, her daughter who, in 2008 begins to try and piece together the complex history of her family. One of my favourite things about this book is the varying chapter length, making it an intense read.
Hopefully at least one of these recommendations will make it on to your summer TBR list and potentially open a door to some amazing authors that may have slipped under the radar when trying to find a new read on social media. The above books explore topics in a way that will leave you wanting more after finishing, and maybe even make you stop searching TikTok for book recommendations.
Words by Lydia Potter
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