Your Next Read: 10 Books For Late Summer Enjoyment

Whether you’re lounging by the sea, embarking on a road trip or simply relaxing at home, the right book can take a hot summer day and make it into something transcendent. That’s why we’ve put together this curated list of exceptional reads for every mood and moment – just grab a cold drink and a comfy seat, and you’re off to new places and faraway worlds this season.

For A Good Laugh
The Collected Plays of Neil Simon, Volume 1 by Neil Simon
Renowned for his crowd-pleasing, commercially successful Broadway productions, the late playwright Neil Simon has delivered a perfect summer read with this collection of his most beloved works – a beacon of sophisticated comedy featuring entertaining classics like The Odd Couple, Barefoot in the Park and Come Blow Your Horn. Simon’s writing offers laugh-out-loud moments alongside pointed social commentary, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to unwind and enjoy a dash of clever humour this season.

For Bite-Sized Reading Sessions
Things We Lost in the Fire by Mariana Enríquez
Consisting of twelve standalone horror stories, Mariana Enríquez’s Things We Lost in the Fire is ideal reading for those summer evenings when you want to immerse yourself in a book without committing to a full-length novel. Gruesome, unsettling and subtly violent, Enríquez masterfully uses the supernatural and strange to delve into Argentina’s most pressing social issues, from gender violence to eating disorders and poverty. This collection reads somewhat like a series of vivid nightmares, but they’re compelling enough to keep you turning the pages. Take it one story at a time, with breaks in between – an ideal choice for a summer of chilling, thought-provoking reads.

For Ancient Wisdom and Inspiration
The Essential Rumi, translated by Coleman Barks
The best-selling poet in the United States – despite being dead for almost 800 years – Rumi needs no introduction. This collection of his timeless and profound poetry is well worth revisiting, particularly for anyone whose summer itinerary includes a quest for clarity and inner peace. Expertly translated by Coleman Barks, the works have been made accessible to modern readers, all while retaining the lyrical beauty of the ancient Sufi mystic’s original words.

For Steamy Summer Romance
Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman
Chances are you’ve seen the Oscar-winning film, but if all that languid lounging around the Italian countryside left you captivated, just wait until you read André Aciman’s novel on which it was based; the heartwarming (and heartbreaking) coming-of-age tale features prose so beautiful it will leave you breathless. Desire and longing permeate the story, and Aciman’s insightful, wistful style will have you yearning for – or reminiscing about – a summer romance set against such an idyllic backdrop.

For A Long-Haul Flight
The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides
Another title you might recognise from the cult-favourite film, this time by Sofia Coppola, Jeffrey Eugenides’ The Virgin Suicides is the perfect novel for a long flight to a holiday destination. Short but packed with dramatic suspense, the story centres on the enigmatic lives and tragic deaths of the five Lisbon sisters. Narrated from the unique perspective of a group of unnamed teenage boys who grapple with the mystery surrounding the sisters’ deaths, Eugenides crafts a tale of near-perfect intrigue and melancholy. This novel will keep you engrossed from take-off to landing, and leave you contemplating its depths long after you’ve finished.

For Poetic Prose
Beauty and Sadness by Yasunari Kawabata
If you haven’t yet ventured into the resonant world of Japanese literature, this is your sign to start now – and Yasunari Kawabata’s Beauty and Sadness is the place to begin. With his evocative prose, Kawabata spins the tale of Oki Toshio, who reconnects with his ex-lover of 20 years, now a successful painter with a female paramour of her own. Without giving too much away, prepare to uncover a world of exquisite creativity, lost love and heartbreak. This is a work of sublime beauty that will leave a lasting impression.

For Self-Reflection
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
Summer is a time well-suited to reflection, offering ample opportunity to rest, travel and, of course, read – so why not go for something that invites contemplation? Based on ancient Toltec wisdom and long celebrated as a cornerstone of self-improvement literature, Don Miguel Ruiz’s The Four Agreements provides a surprisingly straightforward guide to transforming your life into one of freedom and joy. It’s short, easily digestible, and makes for a perfect gift for nearly anyone seeking personal growth.

For Armchair Travel
The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith 
Looking for a summer read that combines a fleshy narrative with literary finesse? Patricia Highsmith’s The Talented Mr. Ripley is a standout choice. With its glamorous, fully realised settings, the novel at times feels like a travelogue of 1950s Europe, when vacationing was an art form in itself – at least for the type of people who star in this tale. Tom Ripley, the quintessential anti-hero, commands the page with such magnetic presence that you’ll find yourself cheering for him, much like rooting for the criminals you can’t help but love in a heist film.

For High-Flying Nonfiction 
The Wright Brothers by David McCullough
If catching a flight isn’t on your summer radar, why not dive into a book about aviation instead? David McCullough’s The Wright Brothers unveils the story of these remarkable siblings and their groundbreaking invention. A timeless narrative, presented in a succinct and thrilling style, the book is full of intriguing details you likely haven’t encountered before – an invitation to explore the history of flight from the comfort of your favourite summer spot.

For Young Readers
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
A superb summer read for kids, this novel by Mark Haddon tells the hilarious and captivating story of a boy named Christopher who sets out to solve the mystery of his neighbour’s dog’s suspicious death, sharing intriguing fun facts and facing exciting challenges along the way. This delightful tale of joy and discovery will keep young readers turning the page – plus, it’s a wonderful way to teach them about the importance of empathy.