Summer Reading List 2017

July 2, 2017

I am writing this hoping that the sun is shining when I hit publish and that it finally starts to feel like summer. I’ve got SO many books ready to read over the warmer months; my reading has slowed down recently so my stash of books to be read is growing. Here are the main ones I would love to get through, as we are in France for several weeks I’m hoping to catch up on my reading.

THE ESSEX SERPENT – Sarah Perry

This has been on my kindle for months but I’ve been saving it for our holiday. I’ve heard so many good things about this so I’ve been itching to read it. The book was a popular read from last year so I’m hoping it lives up to the hype.

TRULY MADLY GUILTY – Liane Moriarty

I’ve added a few of Liane Moriarty’s books to my reading pile after finishing Big Little Lies and loving it. A friend has leant me this and it seems like a good summer holiday read.

DRAGON’S GREEN – Scarlett Thomas

I received this in my Ninja Book Box and it sounds like just my kind of thing. It’s a children’s book which doesn’t put my off in the slightest. Fantasty books are always my go-to easy read so I love picking them up during the summer months.

ELIGIBLE – Curtis Sittenfeld

I have just won a copy of this and I’m so excited to read it. It’s been on my wishlist since last summer when it was a big hit. It’s a modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice and although I’ve seen mixed reactions I want to read it and decide for myself.

SIX OF CROWS – Leigh Bardugo

Another series of books that have been on my wishlist for a while, this is the first in a YA fantasy series that seems perfect for me considering some of the others I’ve enjoyed this year. I love books like this for holidays. 

MILK & HONEY – Rupi Kaur

I’ve seen a lot of my favourite Instagrammers with this beautiful book. It’s a selection of poetry with a very honest account of a woman in modern times; I’ve already read a few pages and was totally drawn in. I like poetry but even if you don’t this is very readable and gripping. It will be a nice one to pick up and read a few pages of throughout the summer.

DADLAND – Keggie Carew

I won a few new books in a Father’s Day competition and this is one of them that particularly stood out to me. I love getting free books, especially when you wouldn’t usually choose them but then they look amazing. It’s a tribute to the author’s Father who worked as a spy during WW2 and follows his life through to his dementia. It gets fantastic reviews and sounds like an emotional read. 

BIG MAGIC – Elizabeth Gilbert

I couldn’t resist this book and I’m so excited to dive into it. I think it will be another I can pick up and read a bit when I fancy it. I’ve been listening to Elizabeth Gilberts podcasts about unlocking creativity and this is the book that started it all.

GOLDENHAND – Garth Nix

I absolutely love the Sabriel/Lireal – Garth Nix series of books and I was delighted to discover that he has written a couple more set in this world. My husband is reading this at the moment but this is definitely one I’ll be packing in my suitcase. 

MAD ABOUT THE BOY – Helen Fielding

One of those I’ve always wanted to read but have never got around to it. If I’m honest, I know the storyline and I’m not convinced but another book I want to read for myself to find out what it’s like.

ORANGEBOY – Patrick Lawrence

I read a great review of this on Bookworm and Theatremouse, it sounds like just my kind of thing. It’s young adult which I always find easy to read and books like this always leave me with something to think about. 

SPECTACLES – Sue Perkins

I’m sure this will be a fantastic holiday read, I love Sue Perkins and I’m looking forward to reading this memoir of hers.

THE KNIFE OF NEVER LETTING GO – Patrick Ness

I started this a few weeks ago and really need to pick it up again. I’m a big Patrick Ness fan and I believe this series of his is a must read.

THE SILK ROADS – Peter Frankopan

This was a bargain buy on my Kindle – it popped up and sounded so interesting. It’s all about the history of the ancient Silk Roads of the Eastern world, how they were used for trade and politics and much more.

I’d love to know what books you’re reading this summer or whether you have tried any of these?

 

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18 Comments

  • CharlotteB

    Off your list I’ve read:
    Goldenhand, which I completely loved. I’ve loved Sabriel since I first read it and any book in that series is an instant hit with me.
    Orangeboy- amazing. It’s every bit as good as everyone says it is.
    Spectacles, which is just perfect Sue Perkins.
    The Knife of Never Letting Go- I swung between love and…less love with this one. Found some parts hard going but overall a really good read.

    I hope you enjoy them!

    July 2, 2017 at 10:10 pm Reply
    • hayleyfromhome

      Thanks, I’m so excited to start Goldenhand, absolutely love the Sabriel series too. I think Sue Perkins will be the perfect one for travelling. I’ve read the first few chapters of The Knife Of Never Letter Go and it’s hard to get into but I’m going to keep going!

      July 4, 2017 at 9:27 am Reply
  • Bex

    Excited to see what you think of Dragons Green! I’ve also got Big Magic on my horizon at the moment as it’s been sat on my shelf for ages and I really love books about creativity. The Knife of Never Letting Go is incredible – I still have to read the others in the series though which is terrible! Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom are two of my favourite books I’ve read this year,oh and Milk and Honey is one that’s definitely on my wishlist! Basically,great list!

    July 3, 2017 at 6:52 am Reply
    • hayleyfromhome

      Thanks, I’m so excited to read pretty much all of these. Sometimes I have stuff that I’m not really ready to pick up but I’d quite happily start with any of these ๐Ÿ™‚ I’ve been desperate to read of Six Of Crows for so long, I hear so many good things. I’m trying to save Dragon’s Green for my actual holiday but don’t know if I’ll make it that long!

      July 4, 2017 at 9:28 am Reply
  • The Reader's Tales

    I have heard good things on The Essex Serpent. Otherwise, I haven’t read any of these books. Bonne vacances en France ๐Ÿ™‚

    July 3, 2017 at 7:30 am Reply
    • hayleyfromhome

      Thanks, yes I’ve heard good things about it too although a few people have said ti was slow to start. It seemed to be everywhere last year so I’m looking forward to trying it.

      July 4, 2017 at 9:29 am Reply
  • Helen C

    Loved this post and how ambitious your reading goals are, itโ€™s inspired me to have a good reading summer! We have such similar taste in books too. I finished reading Big Magic last month, and it was amazing, I think you might love it. Iโ€™m waiting a little impatiently for my birthday in a couple of weeks, as Iโ€™m getting Milk and Honey, I canโ€™t wait to see what the hype is about. Sue Perkins autobiography looks promising, and is one my TBR list. There were so many others you mentioned that I liked, so thanks for sharing! ๐Ÿ™‚ xx

    Helen | Helenโ€™s Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle Blog

    July 3, 2017 at 4:03 pm Reply
    • hayleyfromhome

      Ah thank you, I may have been a little over ambitious but I’ve had a slow reading month so could do with catching up! So glad to hear you enjoyed Big Magic, I’m excited to read it and hopefully feel inspired. Milk and Honey is so readable and heartfelt, I can see why everyone loves it and I hope you enjoy it when you get it. Your birthday must be around the same time as mine, I’m hoping for a few more books ๐Ÿ™‚ xx

      July 4, 2017 at 9:32 am Reply
  • Jade @ Captured By Jade

    It looks like you have lots of great titles coming up this summer – Big Magic is one I’ve had my eye on for a while now! I’ve never really been one for seasonal reading lists, but I have actually been planning one for autumn having collected a few books already. Happy reading!

    July 3, 2017 at 7:05 pm Reply
    • hayleyfromhome

      Autumn is always the best time to have a seasonal reading list! I read so much more in the Autumn, Big Magic would probably be better for then actually but I don’t think I’ll wait that long ๐Ÿ™‚

      July 4, 2017 at 9:36 am Reply
  • Vicki

    WOW – you have quite the stack of books to read this Summer. I really want to read The Silk Roads too – I have always been fascinated with the trade links. I have heard a lot of good reviews of Dadland – I must add that to my reading list too. Good luck getting through them all x

    July 5, 2017 at 4:05 pm Reply
  • Stacie

    Some great books here Hayley, lots I’ve now added to my TBR! I’m really hoping to get back into reading over the next month or so (once school is out!). I’ve started working on my Summer TBR post (its been sitting in my drafts for a while). Enjoy!

    July 5, 2017 at 9:05 pm Reply
  • Claire @ The ladybirds' adventures

    I used to be a real book worm but now I rarely pick up a book. I’m hoping when my girls are bigger i’ll start again. I still love reading post like this and adding books to my list! I love Lainne Moriarty and haven’t read the one you mentioned. I also want to read big magic and sue perkins autobiography. Milk and honey sounds interesting too.

    July 6, 2017 at 1:21 pm Reply
  • Katie Haydock

    I am always seriously impressed with your reading lists, Hayley. I am such a slow reader all of these books would take me a life time.
    I do particularly like the sound of Milk and Honey – sounds right up my street.
    xXx

    July 11, 2017 at 10:15 pm Reply
  • Gail

    Fab stack of books you have there Hayley:) I picked up a copy of Big Magic from the library yesterday so I’m looking forward to getting into it too:) Enjoy:) xx

    July 12, 2017 at 2:51 pm Reply
  • Katherine Brown

    Hi Hayley, I’ve just been reading a teaching magazine and they’ve recommended ‘The boy who went magic’ by Aliss Langridge; It sounded right up your street. X

    July 24, 2017 at 1:05 pm Reply
    • hayleyfromhome

      Thanks Kat, I will definitely check it out, thank you! xx

      July 29, 2017 at 9:04 pm Reply
  • Evelina

    Wow, that IS a long list, but a good list ๐Ÿ™‚ how is the reading going? I have seen Eligible around the blogs and I really like it, but haven’t got my copy yet.
    BTW, I am here through my Twitter blog hop that was ages ago ๐Ÿ™‚ only visiting now, sorry about that!

    August 20, 2017 at 8:53 pm Reply
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