What to read in the sunshine?

It's almost summertime! For many people that means trips and family vacations, or simply a few weeks off of work. It's the perfect time to putter about in the house. Maybe you've planned to do some remodelling or clearing out. Perhaps you've planned nothing at all. Whatever your plans for the summer, try to take some time to yourself and include that in your planning.

Get settled well

What better way to move away from the realities of daily life than diving into a good book! While the sun may be a bit too hot at times to really be able to enjoy, you can still enjoy it in the shade. Find yourself a comfortable spot and put your feet up (ignore those dishes!). Get a drink and perhaps a nice snack so you won't have to get up for a while either. Once you've settled in, happy reading!

Let's dive into the books!

These are only four of the books that I've read and enjoyed but we have to start somewhere, right? I like all sorts of books and am not particular about genres. I need a book that allows me to lose myself in the story. So, what to read in the sunshine? Well.. These ones have captured my attention and I'll tell you why...

Number 1: Northanger Abbey, Jane Austen

Yes, we're going straight in with a classic; Jane Austen. I fist read this book when I was a teenager and did not like it at all! Not at all. Then I decided to start re-reading it, why? Not sure. I was looking at my shelves and it caught my eye. So why do I recommend it?

It's funny!! Seriously! It is really quite funny.

It's easy to get into the story, the protagonist Catherine Morland is a likeable, naive character with a large imagination. The realities of life catch up to her and she struggles to maintain her fantastical outlook.

Austen had this wonderful ability to write about love and marriage while perfectly imbibing the words with her own disdain for it. It's well-written, not too long and gives a lovely insight into a society we would not recognise today.

Number 2: Pandora's Jar; Women in Greek Myths, Natalie Haynes

This is a book I finished last month. I know Natalie Haynes from her podcast 'Natalie Haynes stands up for the classics' in which she discusses a different Greek or Roman women from antiquity in each episode. She's funny, sarcastic, a great writer, well-spoken and a master at giving voice to women from the ancient world. Honestly, I'd like her to be my friend!

The book highlights the importance of Greek Mythology as it's become embedded into the very fabric of our cultures. Throughout history, the stories have been written and translated by men. Haynes gives voice to the women. This book is filled with the women's narratives and shows how they have previously been portrayed. Each page is intriguing and interesting!

Number 3: Nadia knows Best, Jill Mansell

How could I not include this one?! I like Jill Mansell's books a lot. All of them. They are always written in a similar fashion. It's just different settings and areas usually in and around Cornwall, with different personalities. There's something lighthearted about the stories. They belong (certainly and firmly) in the category Chick-Lit but they're fun! Nadia Kinsella is stranded in a pub in the Cotswolds in a snowstorm. That is all I will say. The rest is obvious as this is a girl meets boy kind of story but it's written well. I'll just say that the title is a great precursor to the storyline! Will Nadia know best? Read the book ;)!

Number 4: Faerie Tale, Raymond E. Feist

I will have to say that this book is one of my favourites in the fantasy genre. It's scary - at least, I thought so when I fist read it but I'm afraid of all sorts of things including frogs, so don't take this too literally ;)! It is intriguing, it's bewildering, it keeps you on your toes and it's filled with magic! The story follows Phil Hastings and his family as they move into a rural dream home. The place isn't quite what it seems. Why do dreams feel suspiciously like nightmares all of a sudden? Inexplicable things keep happening that no one can make sense of. The suspense of the story doesn't let up until the very end!

I had a great time reading these books. Hope you enjoy them, too. Stay tuned for more book tips!

Sources

Austen, Jane, Northanger Abbey (1817), Penguin Books Limited, 2006. Paperback.

Feist, Raymond E., Faerie Tale, DoubleDay, 1988. Paperback.

Haynes, Natalie, Pandora's Jar; Women in Greek Myths, Picador UK, 2020. Paperback.

Mansell, Jill, Nadia Knows Best, Headline Publishing Group, 2002. Paperback.