During the academic year, it can seem like you’ve got too much seminar reading and textbook revision to actually sit down, put your feet up and read a book you really want to. Once coursework is handed in and exams are finished, it’s time to remember that reading for pleasure is a thing. You’ve got the whole summer in front of you, so make the most of it- here are our top reads for summer 2015!
1) Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee
Perhaps the most anticipated novel of the year, the sequel to Harper Lee’s classic
To Kill a Mockingbird is a must read. If you haven’t read the prequel then add it to your reading list, and even if you’re worried your favourite novel could be ruined forever, like Her Campus Nottingham’s Mirrie, the temptation to find out what happens will be too much!
-Release date 14th July
2) Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
If you’re in need of a thriller fix, look no further than Gillian Flynn’s Dark Places. Flynn is the author of best selling novel and hit film Gone Girl). Dark Places was published first, but its the lesser-known novel, although the upcoming film release this year starring the likes of Nicholas Hoult, Chloe Moretz and Charlie Theron is likely to change that.
3) In the Unlikely Event by Judy Blume
If you want a nostalgia trip, the voice of your early teens Judy Blume has a new adult novel that is set around a series of aeroplane crashes in New Jersey, and the families involved. Apparently the events have lingered in Blume’s mind for years, so the novel will no doubt be moving, and besides, who doesn’t love Judy Blume?
-Release date 2nd June
4) The Establishment by Owen Jones
For those of you less into fiction and more into politics – or if you’re still reeling from the results of the election and want some answers – then Owen Jones’ second book, The Establishment, is for you. He reveals the way those at the top, from politicians to media moguls, control the lives of those of us at the bottom. Hmm…Food for thought, anyone?
5) The Argonauts by Maggie Nelson
Maggie Nelson’s memoir documents her journey through love, marriage, motherhood, pregnancy and her relationship with her transgender partner. The Guardian have described her as ‘one of the sharpest thinkers of her generation’, and who wouldn’t want to read a book by someone with so much talent?
6) Saint Mazie by Jami Attenberg
This one’s for the Gatsby Lovers! Set in the Jazz Age, Jami Attenberg tells the story of Mazie Phillips and her life working in a famous New York City theatre, as well as her struggles during the Great Depression. Based on real life, if you can’t justify picking up F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic again, then this is the book for you.
7) In the Country: Stories by Mia Alvar
This book tells the stories of men and women of Filipino descent, from students, to teachers, journalists to nurses, and explores their lives away from the homes in the Philippines. These will definitely be touching, and also an interesting depiction of group of people who are not usually written about in mainstream fiction!
-Release date 16th June
8) Finders Keepers by Stephen King
Stephen King- you either love him or hate him – but the second novel in the trilogy (the first book is called Mr. Mercedes), is full of creepy content just like the title!
-Release date 2nd June
9) If none of these appeal to you, you could be really nerdy/efficient/productive and start your reading list for next year, or finish off all the books on your course you just never quite got round to reading. Failing that, you can revisit old classics like Harry Potter or read the Game of Thrones books so you can join in moaning with the other book lovers that the TV series has got it wrong!
Happy reading!
Edited by Nicole Jones
Sources
http://www.amazon.co.uk/In-Country-Stories-Mia-Alvar/dp/0385352816
http://www.judyblume.com/books/adult/unlikely.php
http://www.amazon.com/Saint-Mazie-Novel-Jami-Attenberg/dp/1455599891
http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Argonauts-Maggie-Nelson/dp/1555977073
http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Establishment-And-they-away/dp/1846147190
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2402101
http://www.zastavki.com/eng/Girls/Beautyful_Girls/wallpaper-43448.htm