Summer Reading List
Hi! I’m Helen Gambarota and I am delighted to be back with Jo’s Weekly Workout Family to share my love of books with you.
I am a total book nerd and an avid reader and a compulsive book buyer. I started reviewing books on Instagram as @BestBookFoward almost 5 years ago and I love chatting about books and sharing my passion for reading.
If you’d like more book inspiration you can find my reviews on my Instagram account which is @BestBookForward, on Facebook or on my website bestbookforward.org
Some people find picking their perfect holiday wardrobe stressful, for me that’s easy – comfort all the way thank you very much. What I do find hard is packing my perfect reads; I always want to bring books that I’m going to love and then I start to stress in case there’s no bookshop near where we’re staying.
If you can relate to this and your still trying to decide what you should be reading this summer, I’ve got some great recommendations for you..
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Sandwich by Catherine Newman – Spend a week in Cape Cod with Rocky and her family. You’ll laugh and cry and be totally addicted to this one.
Diva by Daisy Goodwin – Dive into the glamorous world of Maria Callas in this brilliant portrayal of her life. This one has it all high drama, scandalous love affairs but at the heart of it all is a powerful woman finding her place in what was very much a man’s world.
Sweetness in the Skin by Ishi Robinson – Over now to Jamaica where we meet Pumpkin Patterson and her complicated family. This is a really beautiful coming of age story that will have routing for Pumpkin (and craving her sweet treats).
The Silence in Between by Josie Ferguson – One of my favourite reads of the year so far. An emotional historical fiction about a family separated by the Berlin Wall and the strength and resilience of women.
You Are Here by David Nicholls – Probably one of the most feel-good hopeful, romantic reads that I’ve picked up in a long time (and no it’s not as sad as One Day).
The Measure by Nikki Erlick – This is an older title and one that I think about all the time. Thought-provoking, heart-breaking, compelling and unforgettable.
The Girl With The Louding Voice by Abi Daré – Now to Nigeria where we meet Adunni a character who leaps off the page. I’m reading this one again this summer as Abi’s new book And So I Soar comes out later this summer and I cannot wait.
Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid – I’m a bit late with the Wimbledon recommendation but this book just screams summer to me (in fact all of Taylor Jenkins-Reid’s books make great summer reads).
Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors – Another one of my top reads of the year so far. I read this with my book club recently and everyone loved it. A deeply moving read that will make you want to hug your sister.
I really hope there’ll be on on this list that you’ll love. Have a wonderful summer and I’ll be back with another recommendation for you in September.
You can support me, and independent bookshops, by buying your copy here and you’ll also find links for all my previous recommendations for Jo’s Workout Family too.