Summer reads - Maggie Semple

With most of the schools breaking up this week for the summer holidays, many of us are no doubt thinking about jetting off for a short break or family getaway. Whilst we often look forward to a holiday abroad (or at home) so we can bask in some much-needed sunshine, after this week’s warm weather, it’s probably down to the relaxation and welcome break from work or school that we’re most in need of.

Having a holiday needn’t mean a long-haul flight or 6-hour car journey, it could just be an hour up the road or even a staycation at home.

Whilst many of us relax in different ways and no doubt spend our holiday in different ways – we’ve already established that it seems I like to keep busy – one thing I believe we all look forward to is reading a good book.

You have some people who may only read on holiday. It is their only chance in the whole year to simply relax, unwind and get stuck into a good holiday read. Others may enjoy reading all year round, but especially look forward to it on holiday knowing they’ll be no interruptions or those other ‘things’ you should be doing.

From the classic holiday ‘chick-lits’ to an autobiography or the much-acclaimed – and on the rise – self-help books; there really is something for everyone.

If you’re not much of a reader but you’re looking for a good book to settle down with that isn’t too heavy-going, I would look to book club recommendations or bookseller top ten lists for a mix of romance, crime and can’t-put-down-thrillers. Those real page turners that holidays were made for.

If, on the other hand, you’re looking for something with a little more meaning or substance, or something perhaps that you can learn from; there are a variety of popular books that have been highly recommended and even made it onto best seller lists too. I’ve listed a few of the best below – some I’ve read, and others are on my never-ending to-be-read pile.

Here’s to a summer of reading!

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