You want to throw these five summer book tips straight into your suitcase
As soon as the summer holiday is in sight, I start scouring the shops for the best books to take on vacation. Sitting by the pool, or on the beach with crackling sand between the pages, that is an important part of summer for me. But sometimes it can be quite difficult to choose a book, because you never really know what you're getting into until you have it in your hands. That's why these are the best summer book tips, with a little extra info from the people who have already read them.
Absolutely Fine – Cecilia Rabess
If I saw this book lying in the store, I don't think I would have picked it up. However, I received it as a gift and decided to give it a chance. I had just come out of a heavier book with a serious theme, so I was really in the mood for something light. And that's exactly what I found in this book. The subject immediately appealed to me: two colleagues who initially hate each other, but a romance develops (this is not a spoiler by the way, it's made quite clear at the beginning of the book). In short, the recipe for a delightful read. And yet, there is a societal discussion woven in, as racism and discrimination also play an important role in this book. A good middle ground, then.
Rome – Kiki van Dijk
If you're heading to Italy and in the mood for a thrilling story, then you can't miss this book. The name says it all: this thriller is set in Rome. The main character, Gina, works in Rome as a journalist, where she has moved with her daughter Mimi. Eventually, an old friend of Gina disappears, and she suddenly becomes the prime suspect. The search for the solution takes place in historic Rome and jet-set rooftop parties. It's not a literary masterpiece, it just reads nicely.
Sensation Island – Thysia Huisman
If you're a bit of a Temptation Island fan, then you can't miss this book. It's written by someone who actually works in the TV world, and there will be a whole series of ‘behind the scenes’ stories coming. This book is part 1 of that series. A bit about real life: recently it was revealed that some participants of the Temptation Island program feel manipulated by the creators of the show. This is actually directly translated into the plot of this book. So you actually get a kind of (fictional) insight into the ups and downs of the program and the gossip surrounding it.
Private Games – James Patterson
I quite enjoy reading a book in English from time to time. James Patterson's books are also not too complicated, he always comes up with a good story that is easy to follow, without unnecessarily difficult words, and it's nice to brush up on your English. He has also written an endless number of books, so if you like it, you can read his books forever. This book is the only one in this list that is not brand new off the press. But since it’s about the Olympic Games, it really couldn't be missing. Another thrilling story, set around the biggest sporting event in the world. Great to read during the time when the Games are actually happening.
Before I Let You Go – Kennedy Ryan
Want to just daydream with a book that feels like you're watching a classic Netflix romcom? Then this is what you want. It's a story about true love, making you believe again that true love really exists after reading this book. Sometimes quite nice, especially if you've just been in a bit of a love slump after reading all the gossip about the ups and downs of Ben & Jen.
You can order all the books online, but I would still recommend taking a walk to the local bookstore. It's lovely to browse around, and at checkout, I always get some reading tips tailored to the books I've previously bought from them. Much nicer than the standard recommendations from the big webshops (which usually don't make sense anyway).
