10 Hot Summer Reads

Stopping by to post my Christmas Gift List for this month's book club. The lovely Renee from Memoirs of a Mother is hosting...

I don't know about you, but if I'm picking a summer read I don't want anything too heavy, I want entertainment and escapism. Something to devour on the beach or beside the Christmas tree. Save the heavy stuff for winter. ;)

So here are a couple of my favorite page turners and beach reads in a mix of genres and in no particular order:


1. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.

This book still tops the Young Adult list in my opinion. You will have it read in an afternoon.

It is a freaky concept: a televised battle to the death for the entertainment of upper class citizens in a dystopian world. Think, a futuristic Gladiator but with teenagers and an assortment of heavy weapons. Twisted, but it works. Here's the trailer for the upcoming movie, it'll give you a bit more of an idea...

2. The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson.

Not everyone's cup of tea but if you enjoy fantasy then you need to read this book. It is long. It is set in an epic scale world. It is full of some of the most unique ideas in current fantasy writing. The first book in a planned series of ten...I am waiting desperately for the release of part two next year.


3. Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor.

A brand new book by Laini Taylor full of twists and turns and unique ideas: think wishes traded for teeth. See my review here for more.


4. A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin.

I am currently reading the second book in this seven book series (and counting) and loving it. I actually picked it up before I'd discovered the new HBO tv series. So it's a great time to start reading if you enjoy seeing books come to life on screen. See my review here. This is a fantasy series that is low on magic, high on political intrigue.


5. Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman.

A witty, bizarre and completely fantastical book about London's 'underworld' by the brilliant Neil Gaiman.


6. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins.

Cute and funny. You'll finish it in a couple of hours. One of the best current books in the YA genre.


7. The Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning.

Don't expect to eat, shower or speak to anyone for three days straight if you pick up this series.  Definitely not for everyone but if you're interested see my review here. Top tip: If you're heading away on holiday pack all five or you'll be kicking yourself.


8. The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak.

The best book if you enjoy sobbing. Puffy-eyed, hiccuping sobbing. This book is brilliant. YA (my fav) Australian author (often a good time) and, ok so it's not a light fluffy read but it's beautifully moving. Highly highly recommended.


9. The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart.

Funny and clever. A girl, Frankie, masterminding the pranks behind an all male secret society.


10. Divergent by Veronica Roth.

The latest good thing on the YA dystopia scene. If you enjoyed The Hunger Games you'll like this one. My (very short) review here.


Would love to check out your summer/christmas reads. Join the book club and link up here!