Top Summer Reads Recommended by Expert Booksellers
Summer is here, the sun is shining, and the beach is calling. What better way to relax and unwind than with a good book in hand? If you’re looking for the perfect summer read, look no further! Here are the top recommendations from Aotearoa’s expert bookworms that will keep you entertained and engaged during those lazy summer days.
Fiction
If you’re a fan of fiction, these picks are sure to capture your imagination and transport you to new worlds.
***Tell Me Everything, by Elizabeth Strout***
Carole Beu from The Women’s Bookshop recommends this latest release from American novelist Elizabeth Stout. In “Tell Me Everything,” Strout brings together a cast of delightfully eccentric characters from her previous books, weaving a story filled with murder, suicide, love, and empathy. It’s a brilliant, witty, wise, and tender read that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
***At the Grand Glacier Hotel, by Laurence Fearnley***
Recommended by Erica Stretton of Kete Books, this novel by New Zealand author Laurence Fearnley is a deep dive into the five senses. It explores the interiority of characters and raises questions about how we deal with disability, temporary or otherwise. It’s a thought-provoking read that will challenge your perspective and keep you engaged throughout.
***The End of the Beginning, by Jenna Heller***
Also recommended by Stretton, “The End of the Beginning” is a collection of short stories that pack a punch. Each story is visceral, with a strong narrative that draws the reader in and leaves a lasting impact. It’s a compelling read that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
***Whaea Blue, by Talia Marshall***
Recommended by Anna Rankin, this collection of short stories by acclaimed New Zealand novelist Talia Marshall is a must-read. It fuses memoir, myth, historical account, and whakapapa into an immersive, dazzling fable of a protracted road trip across Aotearoa. It’s a powerful and unforgettable read that will challenge and enlighten you.
Non-fiction
If you prefer non-fiction, these picks are sure to educate and inspire you.
***Unreel: A Life in Review, by Diana Wichtel***
Recommended by Carole Beu, this book by Diana Wichtel offers a unique insight into the world of TV criticism. Part autobiography, part survey of our historical relationship with television, “Unreel” is a funny and illuminating read that will make you see TV in a whole new light.
***Becoming Aotearoa, by Michael Belgrave***
Recommended by Anna Rankin, this major work of New Zealand history by Michael Belgrave is a definitive account of Aotearoa. Spanning generations and narratives, this book offers a fascinating and insightful look at New Zealand’s past and present. It’s a hefty tome that will keep you engaged for hours on end.
Graphic Novels and Comics
For those who enjoy art as much as words, these graphic novels and comics are a feast for the eyes and the mind.
***Our Bones Dust, by Ben Stenbeck***
Recommended by Heroes For Sale, “Our Bones Dust” by Ben Stenbeck is a sci-fi adventure with gorgeous, detailed art and high-concept ideas. It’s a must-read for fans of epic world-building and captivating storytelling.
***Machines of Mana -The Aberrant Spark by Joshua Caccamo, Greig Roulston, Jordan Taylor, and Colton Organ***
“Machines of Mana” is a sci-fi mashup with fantasy and dystopian themes that will take you on a thrilling journey through time and space. It’s a thought-provoking read that explores ideas around AI and survival in a future that may not be as far off as we think.
***The Writing Desk, by Di Morris***
This historical peek into pioneering New Zealanders is a fascinating read that highlights the pressures faced by colonial women and the changes in society over generations. It’s a compelling story that weaves together history, family, and society in a way that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading.
Science Fiction and Fantasy
For those who love to escape reality and dive into fantastical worlds, these picks are sure to satisfy your cravings for adventure and magic.
***Luda, by Grant Morrison***
“Luda” is a mesmerizing story of a drag performer that will captivate you with its interdimensional feel and vivid language. It’s a deep, immersive read that will leave you tangled in its layers and craving more.
***The Serpent and the Moon, by Alan Moore***
This workbook of beauty and wonder delves into the magical elements of existence and celebrates the unexplained. It’s a thought-provoking read that will make you question the world around you and appreciate the magic in everyday life.
Romance, Hubba Hubba, and Smut
If you’re in the mood for a steamy summer romance, these picks are sure to set your heart aflutter.
***Corkscrew You, by Catherine Robertson***
In “Corkscrew You,” Catherine Robertson delivers a spicy romantic comedy set in a small town winery. It’s a fun, chaotic, and heartwarming read that will leave you wanting more.
***I Love Flirting With Forever series, by Kate O’Keefe***
Kate O’Keefe’s series offers fun, flirty, and sweet romantic comedy that will keep you entertained and smiling all summer long. Whether you start with “One Last First Date” or “The Backup Princess,” you’re in for a treat.
***How to Get a Girlfriend When You’re a Terrifying Monster, by Marie Cardno***
This sweet sapphic romance is a delightful read that explores love in all its forms. It’s a heartwarming story that will make you believe in the power of connection and acceptance.
***Fangs for Nothing, by Steffanie Holmes***
If you’re a fan of paranormal romance, “Fangs for Nothing” is the perfect summer read for you. It’s a fun, cosy, and spicy story that follows a professional organizer and a grumpy vampire on a decluttering adventure. It’s a delightful read that will leave you wanting more.
Whether you’re a fan of fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, or romance, there’s something for everyone in this summer reading list. So grab a book, find a cozy spot in the sun, and get lost in a world of words and wonder. Happy reading!