The Handbook Team’s Summer Reading List
Whether you’re looking for escapism or inspiration, reading poolside or in your local park, summer is the time to make up for lost reading time. We’ve asked The Handbook team about the books they’ve read, and are excited to read and re-read this summer. From murder-mysteries and beach reads to all-time classics, here’s what’s on our summer reading list.
Intermezzo – Sally Rooney
Best for: Keeping up with this generation’s it-novelist
“Sally Rooney’s newest release, Intermezzo, has been on my list ever since it released last year, and I’m on a mission to finally finish it this summer.. I loved Normal People and Conversations With Friends, but I shrugged to get through Beautiful World, Where Are You, so I’m intrigued about where this one will go. The book seems quite different from Rooney’s past work and centres around two brothers who are navigating the aftermath of their father’s death – not exactly the kind of breezy possibly romantic novel I would generally pick for a summer holiday, but I’m determined not to be the last one on earth who finishes this book so it’s coming with me on my next flight.” – Andrea Pinto, Food, Culture & Lifestyle Editor.
Maybe In Another Life – Taylor Jenkins Reid
Best for: The ultimate beach read
“I’m planning to take Maybe In Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid on holiday with me this summer. I’ve been meaning to read it for ages—it’s one of those “what if you’d made a different choice?” stories that splits into two totally different timelines. I love that kind of thing, and I’ve heard it’s the perfect mix of thought-provoking and totally bingeable. Plus, it’s got romance, cinnamon rolls, and apparently a very swoon-worthy love interest, which sounds like exactly the vibe I want while lying in the sun. I’m fully expecting to race through it in two days and then message everyone I know to talk about it.” – Tamara Corin, Contributing Beauty Editor.
Fair Play – Louise Hegarty
Best for: A murder mystery with a twist
“Whodunnits are risky – when done right, there are few more enjoyable reads, but done wrong (as they often are) and there are few less satisfying experiences. I’m optimistic about Fairy Play, about a group of friends who rent out a house for a murder mystery party that turns real, which starts as a classic Agatha Christie and turns into something much more literary and interesting.” – Patrick Dunne, Editorial Assistant.
Whodunnits are risky – when done right, there are few more enjoyable reads
Slow Days, Fast Company – Eve Babitz
Best for: California dreaming in LA
“I’ve always loved Eve Babitz and Slow Days, Fast Company is the one book of hers I haven’t read yet. It’s been sitting on my list for ages, and this summer feels like the right time to finally pick it up. Her writing feels like a sunny afternoon in Los Angeles, glamorous and chaotic and full of sharp, funny observations. As a woman in the 60s and 70s, she captures a kind of wild and stylish freedom in a way that only she can. No one writes summer like Eve Babitz.” – Caitlin Ferguson, Client Account Manager.
So Thrilled For You – Holly Bourne
Best for: Those navigating changing friendships in their 30s
“I’ve been loving So Thrilled For You by Holly Bourne—a witty, heartfelt novel that follows five friends navigating the ups and downs of a life-changing baby shower in the English countryside. As someone in their early 30s, I found the story brilliantly captures the genuine joys and subtle tensions of female friendships at this pivotal stage of life. It’s laugh-out-loud funny and refreshingly relatable, making it an absolute page-turner.” – Natasha Harding, Digital Editor.
Vanishing World – Sayaka Murata
Best for: A thought-provoking read about a taboo topic
“I’ve got Vanishing World by Sayaka Murata on my reading list – it’s a futuristic story that explores the concept of non-physical procreation and the dynamics of human relationships. If sex under all circumstances – even to make a baby – is viewed as taboo, then where does that leave humanity?” – Robyn Upton, Managing Director.
It’s a futuristic story that explores the concept of non-physical procreation
1984 – George Orwell
Best for: The ultimate parable for modern times
“Technically not a summer (it’s almost winter) or holiday read for me, but I have 1984 by Orwell next on my list. It’s not only a classic, but I think the topics it covers remain relevant despite having been first published 76 years ago.” – Nicole Duret, Senior Graphic Designer.
The Homemaker – Dorothy Canfield
Best for: A century-old classic that stands the test of time
“I’m looking forward to reading The Homemaker. Set in the 20s in a small town in America, husband and wife are forced to swap gender roles, and I think I’ll find that really interesting to see what that’s like for them both in that time period. I also find it fascinating that it was an instant bestseller at the time it was published (1924), I think that says a lot about what people were feeling at the time.” – Imogen Scott Carter, Junior Graphic Designer.
