Are you looking for a book that's perfect to read while enjoying the sunshine and warmth of summer? Whether you're heading off on vacation or simply staying home, these 10 books are must reads. From romance and mystery books to thrillers and lighthearted tales - this list has something for everyone!  

1. Dear Dolly - On Love, Life and Friendship.

By Dolly Alderton

Firstly, if you have not read Dolly Alderton’s other books, Everything I Know about Love and Ghosts, go do that. While you’re there, go watch the adapted TV series Everything I Know about Love on Stan. Then, get a hold of this book (note: you don’t have to read her other books, it’s just we loved them). Alderton’s new book, Dear Dolly, is a collection of her favourite questions and answers from years of writing her Dear Dolly agony aunt column in The Sunday Times Style in the UK. The reader’s questions range from breakups and body issues, families, friendships, dating, divorce, the pleasures and pitfalls of social media, sex, loneliness, longing, love and everything in between. Filled with heartfelt stories about love, life and friendship, it's sure to make you laugh, cry and feel truly seen. The writing is down-to-earth yet honest; sincere but sprinkled with wit and humour. Readers can expect plenty of warmth and sparkle as they delve into this inspiring collection of entertaining tales – ones that will surely bring them closer to their understanding of life's most essential relationships.

2. The Thursday Murder Club

By Richard Osman

If you haven’t read this book already, put it by your bedside this summer. There’s a reason the Thursday Murder Club has won so many hearts over, with many reading the series (there’s three in total) in under a week.
The Thursday Murder Club follows the story of four elderly citizens who come together to solve unsolved murders, and has become a critically acclaimed comedic thriller. Not only is it regarded as one of the most gripping books of recent years, but it celebrates the wisdom, courage and wit of every elderly person! From surprising twists and turns to four unforgettable characters, The Thursday Murder Club is an adventure like no other. Richard Osman, English television presenter, producer, director, and novelist, writes a fun, entertaining, and offbeat mystery that will have you smiling throughout. The characters within the Thursday Murder Club are quirky and loveable, and have all who’ve read it hoping we will be that fun when we’re old.

 

3. Ultimate Campsites Australia

By Penny Watson 

Ultimate Campsites Australia by Penny Watson is an eye-opening book into the wild of Australia's vast landscape. From famous sites to rarely explored hot spots, the destination list inside is sure to get viewers ready for a journey of discovery and adventure! With beautiful illustrations and detailed descriptions, Ultimate Campsites Australia includes suggestions on where to camp, what to expect from your surroundings and unique points of interest at each location. Whether you're planning a camping weekend or just want to explore more of your country's natural beauty, this book is sure to show you something worth seeing.

 

4. Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone

By Benjamin Stevenson 

"I thought: what if I spoiled the entire book on the first page, can I build a crime novel out of it? … Everyone in my family has killed someone. Some of us, the high achievers, have killed more than once."

Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone is a very cleverly written and engaging mystery. Set at a ski resort in Australia, a tense family reunion sets the scene for what are many suspenseful twists and turns. The reunion is soon disrupted first by a snow storm and when a dead body turns up in the snow. Maybe a smarter person could figure out the villain, but I sure couldn’t. Australian author Benjamin Stevenson writes in a conversational style - with dry humour and wit. This Australian novel that has taken the world by storm - with a heated auction in Hollywood (with film/TV rights sold to HBO) and publishing rights to 26 countries so far! If you liked the movie Knives Out, you’ll be sure to enjoy this read.

 

 

5. Passion, Profit, Purpose

By Fiona Killackey

Hoping to "sidestep the hustle and build a business you love"? Well that is the exact mission of business coach Fiona Killackey's book Passion, Profit and Purpose. An inspiring read for all budding entrepreneurs, this book dives into the essential elements of building and running a business or startup. y using practical exercises and actionable strategies, Passion, Profit, Purpose provides the tools you need to achieve long-term sustainability and financial growth. Through real-life stories, exercises and projections, Killackey helps lead aspiring small business owners towards achieving their goals without sacrificing their own wellbeing; providing the tools you need to reach your highest potential. Don't miss out on this powerful read by Coach and Founder of My Daily Business Coach Fiona Killackey.

 

6. Seeing Other People

By Diana Reid

By the bestselling author of Love & Virtue, Diana Reid’s Seeing Other People is already being hailed as the book of summer. Set in and around Sydney’s Inner West, Seeing Other People is a story of sisterhood, desire, and the blurred lines between self-love, and selfishness. Eleanor and Charlie are sewn to each other through their familial connection, but move through life with different intentions. As they emerge out of the pandemic, their relationship is tested, as they navigate their sisterly bond after both falling in love with the same person. Dark, but witty and written in superb prose, this is the ultimate contemporary dramedy. Seeing Other People is an amazing read for anyone who enjoys coming of age stories. 

 

7. The Whole Fish Cookbook

By Josh Niland

Sydney Chef Josh Niland is making waves with his The Whole Fish Cookbook, exploring all aspects of cooking fish. Niland's recipes showcase the whole fish, allowing for a creative approach towards exquisite dishes that maximize taste and creativity in equal measures. His Whole Fish cookbook utilises every part of the fish - from scales to bloodlines - which adds a depth to seafood cooking unlike any other recipes available and showcases his sustainable approach. Any home chef looking to expand their repertoire with unique flavour profiles and techniques should look no further than Josh Niland's Whole Fish Cookbook.

 

 

8. The Dictionary of Lost Words

By Pip Williams 

Written by Pip Williams and set during the women's suffrage movement and the looming Great War, The Dictionary of Lost Words is an enlightening and remarkable story that praises the power of language in our lives. Esme, the young protagonist of this novel, is introduced to a world of words through her time in the Scriptorium -- a garden shed in Oxford where her father and devoted lexicographers collect words for the first Oxford English Dictionary. While there, Esme discovers ‘Bondmaid’ missing from one of its pages - thus unveiling a lost narrative between texts written by men. Anyone who loves reading and appreciates how language shapes our world will be entranced by this book! It is a lovely read.

9. It Ends With Us
By  Colleen Hoover

It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover is everywhere this summer and is probably the closest thing to reading a romance film or binging on a TV series. The story follows main character Lily, who has moved from the small town in Maine where she grew up to Boston, and started her own business. It has all the classics - she falls in love and then her first love reappears in her life. This book is a page turner from start to finish. If you're looking for a fun quick read this summer, this book should be your go-to.

10. Places We Swim
By Caroline Clements and  Dillon Seitchik

Fans of unique travelogues are sure to fall in love with the Places We Swim book. With an eye-catching aquamarine cover, the book dives into stories from 60 of the best places to swim, dive, jump, paddle and float around the country. Every page will leave readers daydreaming about these special places to swim. Perfect for reading before bed or as a mid-day escape, this witty compendium of stories offers thoughtful observations on how swimming can bring contentment— no matter where you go.


 

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