Summer reading ideas

It’s the summer holidays – time to take a break from English classes, put down the grammar books and relax. Don’t worry though, you don’t need to give up English altogether for the summer. The holidays are a perfect time to read an English novel.

Here are some recommendations, starting with the easiest ones first

Short books

Three Days in June by Anne Tyler

I’ve read this book countless times, and done it with various classes. I really loved the main character who reminded me a bit of myself. She’s not into make-up or going to the hairdressers and apparently not a ‘people person’ but she is funny and intelligent and likes cats. 

Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata

This book is quite quirky. It tells the tale of a neuro-divergent young woman who finds herself working at a convenience store and loves the routine she finds there.  A romance with a difference!

Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf

Another romance, again featuring an elderly protagonist. Our Souls at Night tells the story of Addie and Louis, two people living in small town America who decide to spend their nights together, much to the shock of many in the local community. Written just before the author’s death, the story encourages you to do things the way you want, rather than thinking about what people might say.

Non-fiction

On writing by Stephen King

This is such a good read. Stephen King is well-known for his horror stories which are real page turners. In ‘On Writing’ he manages to keep the reader’s interest through the way he tells his stories and the tips he shares. Definitely worth reading, if you have any interest in honing your writing skills.

Free by Lea Ypi

I’m currently on my second read of this book and enjoying it even more than the first time. The memoir recounts Ypi’s memories of growing up in Albania and how her childhood came to an end in 1990 when political protests in the country began.  You might need to take a few note to keep track of the cast of characters and the number of ‘isms she mentions (imperialism, socialism, communism, revisionism, etc.). This is one for those of you who are interested in the world around you.

Breath by James Nestor

Apparently everyone who breathes should read this book. The main idea is simple – we should all be breathing through our noses as much as we can. The explanations go slightly over my head at times as I’m not very good at science but already the book has made a big difference to the way I breathe and has increased my plank times from 70 seconds to two minutes. That’s a big increase!

Some of the classics

Animal Farm by George Orwell

The tale of animals who revolt and take over the running of a farm. Orwell is so perceptive in understanding how power changes people. Although the book was written in the 1940s it is just as relevant as ever. Try matching the cast of characters to the politicians that you know.

The Catcher in the Rye by J D Salinger

This is such a great book although I struggle to remember much of the story. The main character, 16-year-old Holden Caulfield, keeps getting kicked out of school. He has strong opinions on everyone he meets and everything that happens to him and I guess I like the way that he tells his story. I’ve already read the book twice but it looks like I might have to read it again a third time so I can remember more of the story.

The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro

I’m just astounded that a young Japanese writer who grew up in England in the 1960s could get into the head of an old-fashioned butler working at a stately home in the inter-war period. I love the voice of the main character, Mr Stevens the butler, who is so devoted to his profession that he misses out on what life has got to offer. Similar to Our Souls at Night, this book makes you reflect on what is important in life.

Other books

More of my favourites include:

• Foster or Small Things like These by Claire Keegan

• Seascraper by Benjamin Wood

• The Cost of Living by Deborah Levy

• The Correspondent by Virginia Evans

• Soldier Sailor by Claire Kilroy

• Baumgartner by Paul Auster

• Anything is Possible by Elizabeth Strout

Finally, if you need a bit of encouragement to read in English, why not try one of my book clubs? Find details of the spaces in my classes by reading this blog post.