Amidst the long, sun-drenched days of summer, there exists no more opportune moment to delve into the enchanting pages of a captivating book—one that transports you to distant lands, sparks your creativity, and provides a momentary escape from the realities of everyday life. In this curated list of the top 10 summer reads, we present a diverse selection that caters to various literary tastes. In this collection, we’ve included memoirs, fiction, coffee table design books and cookbooks - to suit a wide variety of reading preferences.
Image Sourced: Instagram @samanthawills
Samantha Wills' memoir, 'Of Gold and Dust,' is a lyrical exploration of a life adorned with success and studded with challenges. Samantha chronicles journey leading up to her decision to close her multimillion dollar Australian Jewellery Company, after building it from the ground up. She invites readers to discover the personal commitments it takes to achieve a gold level of success and how she returned her thriving conglomerate to the dust, in order to start a new creative chapter in her life and regain creative freedom.
The narrative unfolds like the facets of a meticulously crafted gem, each chapter revealing the highs and lows of a creative soul. Wills' authenticity and vulnerability resonates through the pages, infusing the memoir with a touch of poetic eloquence. For those seeking inspiration, 'Of Gold and Dust' is a must-read that transcends its pages, leaving an indelible imprint on the reader's heart.
Image Source: Instagram @nataliewalton
Natalie Walton's 'Style' isn't merely a coffee table book; it's a design manifesto that elevates the art of creating a beautiful home to a sublime level. After more than 15 years working as an Interior Designer & Stylist, Walton is renowned for her signature slow interior styles and has authored multiple best-selling design books, including 'This is Home: The Art of Simple Living,' 'Home By the Sea,' and 'Still: The Slow Home.'
In 'Style,' Walton guides readers to develop their own personal style, utilising the items they already know and love. Through visual storytelling, Walton explores the mystical creative process of styling, leaving her readers with the confidence to cultivate their unique style identity. Whether you're an interior aficionado or a casual admirer of beauty, 'Style' promises a visual and intellectual feast that transcends the boundaries of conventional design literature. This in-store exclusive beckons to those who revel in the harmony of aesthetics.
Image Sources: Booko & Cinemuse | Film Society
Markus Zusak's 'The Book Thief' is a literary masterpiece that transcends the confines of time, weaving a historical tapestry with threads of profound emotions. In this historical fiction, Zusak paints a vivid portrait of Nazi Germany, capturing the essence of a tumultuous era through the lens of Liesel Meminger, a young girl with an insatiable love for books.
The narrative unfolds with a lyrical cadence, beckoning readers into a world where words possess the power to build bridges or burn them down. Zusak's storytelling prowess transforms 'The Book Thief' into more than just a historical novel; it becomes an exploration of the human spirit and its capacity for both cruelty and kindness. As summer sunlight bathes the pages, immerse yourself in this literary odyssey that is both heart-wrenching and heartwarming.
Image Sources: Petronellamcgovern.com.au, Instagram @petronella_mc_author
Petronella McGovern's 'The Liars' stands as a testament to the richness of Australian literature, weaving a narrative that is both suspenseful and deeply human. Set against the backdrop of the Australian landscape, this engaging contemporary crime fiction follows the investigation of unsolved murders and the subsequent unraveling of family secrets. This novel will keep you guessing, like her other popular domestic noir & psychological thrillers, ‘The Good Teacher’ and ‘Six Minutes’.
In this fiction piece, McGovern's writing style is a dance between elegance and tension, creating a reading experience that is impossible to put down. As the sun dips below the horizon, 'The Liars' will keep you on the edge of your seat, offering a tantalising blend of mystery, drama, and the raw authenticity that characterizes the best of Australian storytelling.
Image Sources: Instagram @kellywearstler & @danrubinstein
For lovers of design and aesthetic finesse, 'Kelly Wearstler: Synchronicity' is a coffee table book that transcends the ordinary, co-authored by the renowned Dan Rubinstein and the design virtuoso Kelly Wearstler. Wearstler is an American designer known for her expansive collections which embrace the convergence of organic materiality, traditional craft and technology. She is also known for creating artful and experiential residential, hospitality, commercial and retail environments. Rubinstein is known as the Host of The Grand Tourist Podcast and as a Design Editor at Departures Magazine. Wearstler's designs and Rubinstein's eloquence in capturing them, create a synergy that leaps off the pages.
Sold exclusively in-store, this visual feast is a celebration of design as a dynamic, ever-evolving art form. Each turn unveils not just a tableau of stunning interiors but a narrative of creative evolution, where every curve, colour, and texture tells a story. 'Synchronicity' isn't just a book; it's a journey through the creative minds that shape our visual world. For those who seek inspiration in the interplay of art and design, this book is a must-have, a tangible embodiment of the synchronicity between imagination and reality.
Image Sources: Cover & Liane Moriarty
Liane Moriarty's 'What Alice Forgot' is a compelling exploration of memory, identity, and the unexpected turns life can take. Moriaty is also known for her latest novels, including ‘Big Little Lies’, ‘The Husband’s Secret’, ‘Apples Never Fall’ among many others. In this fiction ‘What Alice Forgot’, Moriarty propels readers into the tumultuous life of Alice, a woman who wakes up to find that ten years have disappeared from her memory. With a blend of wit and poignancy, Moriarty unravels a narrative that is both thought-provoking and entertaining.
As the summer sun casts long shadows, 'What Alice Forgot' invites readers to reflect on the choices they make and the person they become. Moriarty's ability to navigate the delicate balance between humour and heartache makes this novel an ideal companion for lazy summer afternoons, promising an emotional journey that lingers long after the last page is turned.
Image Sourced: Instagram @thebeautychef
Carla Oates' 'Beauty Chef Gut Guide' transcends the conventional boundaries of a cookbook, offering a culinary odyssey that nourishes not only the body but also the soul. Available both in-store and online, this guide is a testament to Oates' commitment to holistic well-being. Oates expertly combines the art of cooking with the science of gut health, creating a gastronomic journey that is as delicious as it is beneficial.
This cookbook is packed with over 90 recipes, spanning weekly meal plans, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and dessert. Each recipe, like Sweet Potato, Miso & Buckwheat Porridge, is a symphony of flavours, carefully curated to promote gut health and enhance natural beauty. 'Beauty Chef Gut Guide' is not just a cookbook; it's a transformative experience that empowers readers to make mindful choices in the kitchen. As summer unfolds, let this culinary guide be your companion on a journey to vibrant health and radiant beauty.
Image Sourced: Cover & Nick Hornby
Nick Hornby's 'Just Like You' is a witty and insightful exploration of love and relationships in a world where differences often define our connections. In this fiction novel, Hornby brings to life the unlikely romance between Lucy, a middle-aged teacher, and Joseph, a young man with dreams of DJ stardom. Through humor and astute observations, Hornby crafts a narrative that transcends the ordinary, inviting readers to ponder the complexities of human connection.
As the summer breeze rustles through the pages, 'Just Like You' serves as a delightful reminder that love, like the season, can be unpredictable and full of surprises. In this novel, Hornby exhibits his keen understanding of human nature, which can also be seen throughout his other popular works such as ‘How To Be Good’, ‘Fever Pitch’ and ‘Dickens and Prince.’ His storytelling prowess makes this novel a refreshing and thought-provoking addition to your summer reading list.
Dillon Seitchik-Reardon's 'Places We Swim: Exploring Australia’s best beaches, pools, waterfalls, lakes, hot springs and gorges.' is a visual and literary journey that transports readers to the most enchanting aquatic paradises around the country. Available both online and in-store, this book is a celebration of the relationship between humans and water. Seitchik-Reardon dives into the stories behind each location, creating a tapestry of landscapes that beckon the adventurous soul to discover the diversity of Australian communities as well as the 60 best swimming destinations.
Each page is a plunge into the azure depths of secret swimming spots, inviting readers to imagine themselves immersed in the cool embrace of crystalline waters. 'Places We Swim' is not just a book; it's an invitation to embark on a summer adventure, discovering hidden gems that promise to make a splash in your memory.
Image Sources: Cover & Dianne Yarwood
Dianne Yarwood’s, 'The Wakes' is a work of heartfelt fiction that unfolds like a tapestry, weaving together threads of intrigue, suspense, and human drama. Set in Sydney, the story follows Clare & Louisa, who become friends and form a catering company for funeral wakes. In this novel, Yarwood guides readers through a funny narrative about relationships, death, jealousy and life’s inevitable twists and turns. ‘The Wakes’ is a captivating read that will play on all of your emotions and keep you guessing until the final page.
Having come close to death in her early forties, Yarwood took it upon herself to write this novel to fulfil her dreams. In this tale of ‘The Wakes’, she not only explores the theme of death but also encourages the reader to embrace life. While this is her debut novel, Yarwood has crafted characters as realistic as everyday people, leading to its popularity and future adaptation for television.
As summer unfolds its vibrant tapestry, these top 10 summer reads beckon with the promise of literary exploration. From memoirs that sparkle like gold dust to fiction that unfolds like a captivating dream, and from design books that celebrate aesthetics to cookbooks that nourish the soul, this curated collection offers something for every reader. So, find your favorite reading nook, let the sunlight dance on the pages, and embark on a literary journey that will linger in your thoughts long after the season wanes.
