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Rachel's avatar

I usually find myself rereading Mary Stewart's gothic romantic suspense stories. They're older, but they're often set in interesting locales... France, Greece, Corfu.

Actually a lot of summer reading for me ends up being books set in interesting places, because it's the perfect time to read them, or any book about travelling.

I also feel like it's a good time to read biographies, especially if the subject travels 🤔😂

Tove's book has been on my list for a while because I love her Moomins.

I will add "How to be a Wildflower" by Katie Daisy simply because it's a fun and light read, with some interactive parts (particularly for USA readers).

And finally, it's also the perfect time to revisit those children's books that have lovely summer scenes- most of Enid Blyton's Famous Five series (and her adventure series), The Wind in the Willows (who can resist Ratty's picnic?), The Chronicles of Narnia, Swallows and Amazons, The Secret Garden... There's bound to be many others I have forgotten! These are also good family read alouds/along if you have kids.

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Victoria Harrison's avatar

Oh this is a wonderful list thank you!

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Lucy Hearne Keane's avatar

Lovely list Victoria. I adore The Summer Book and have recommended it to so many people over the years. And Lemm Sissy is a brilliant poet. I love this book and his other work. I could add more serious books that have a summer element such as McEwan's Atonement and Bowen's The Last September. I am really enjoying these posts. Sun has come out in Kerry and I have had my first strawberry 🍓 from our small crop.

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Victoria Harrison's avatar

Oh, both good suggestions thank you! And I hope that first strawberry tasted delicious 🍓

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Janey Thompson's avatar

Oh yes, The Summer Book, always and forever a favourite, which I read and reread, recommend, give away...

Can I add A Month in the Country by JL Carr, which is like Adlestrop in prose. An utterly delightful and poignant little novel, set in 1920. And the film, still around on dvd on your favourite booky website, is equally lovely...and stars a young Kenneth Branagh, Colin Firth and the late, luminescent Natasha Richardson 💙

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Lucy Hearne Keane's avatar

I love A Month in the Country ❣️

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Janey Thompson's avatar

Of course you do 😀

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Victoria Harrison's avatar

The title and cover of this book are so familiar, but I can't remember a thing about it (this happens to me a LOT, my memory for books is dreadful) so definitely time for a read / re-read of that one, thanks so much! And the film sounds fab too. Great cast.

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Lindsay Hartley's avatar

My summer reading recommendation: Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver. I first read this novel maybe 25 years ago and I remembered I loved it and it left a real impression on me, though I forgot much of the story line since. I just reread it last month, and it is just absolutely amazing. Suble, profound, insightful, magical - full of nature, pheremones, and interwoven stories of people, wolves, moths, agriculture, and science. This might well be my favourite adult novel now. My bookshelf needs a copy so I don't wait another 25 years before reading it again.

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Debbie Meredith's avatar

Just added The Summer Book to my list, it looks like a great read.

Great recommendations, thank you.

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Victoria Harrison's avatar

It’s a lovely book. Hope you enjoy it!

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K Corbin's avatar

Book pre-order looking forward to having it🙏

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Victoria Harrison's avatar

That's very kind, thank you! 🌞

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Rachel Shenk's avatar

I’m adding a few books to my list from your recommendations. Thank you!

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Georg Cook's avatar

Thank you for the reading recommendations. I have placed a pre-order for your book 🩵

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Victoria Harrison's avatar

That is so kind, thank you! 🌞

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Burhinus's avatar

Just pre ordered

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Victoria Harrison's avatar

That is very kind, thank you! 🌞

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Gill Moakes's avatar

The Solstice Yearbook sounds wonderful - I’ve pre-ordered a copy 🫶

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Victoria Harrison's avatar

That's so kind of you, thank you! 🌞

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