Novel Reads: Your New Summer Fling
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Searching for a summer fling? The novel kind of course!
There’s something so satisfying about lying on the beach or grass with a good read nestled between your palms, letting yourself get lost in the world of the characters. Here’s a list of summer goodies to get your hands on!
For the Kiddies
Possum Magic by Mem Fox illustrated by Julie Vivas
Renowned children’s author Mem Fox and illustrator Julie Vivas expose the magical and secret life of an iconic Aussie native, possums, through heart-warming dialogue and vibrant illustrations. An Australian classic, the story of Grandma Poss and her grandbaby Hush is a generation transcending tale.
The possum duo embarks on an adventure around the country side seeking a magical food which will make Hush visible again after she stops seeing herself due to some of Grandma Poss’ best bush magic.
Read: A fantastic bedtime story
The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
Disaster. Chaos. Duncan has opened up his box of crayons to find it empty save for several letters all saying the same thing: the crayons have quit! With bitter feuds dividing Orange and Yellow crayon who feel they are the colour of the sun, Purple crayon suffering from OCD, Red crayon feeling overworked and needing a holiday; there is no wonder the crayons decided to abandon ship. Reminiscent of office tales, this is a witty, quirky story from the Goodreads Choice Award winner Drew Daywalt and the eccentric upcoming illustrator Oliver Jeffers.
Read: When you need a good laugh or, want to inspire the kids to carry their own crayon box.
No One Likes A Fart by Zoe Foster Blake illustrated by Adam Nickel
Farts are gross. They smell. They are too embarrassing. No one likes a fart (even one with a heart!). Keen for some giggle-inducing fart jokes and a tale about finding yourself and your people? No One Likes A Fart is the latest work of Zoe Foster Blake, renowned author of several adult books and now, a children’s author! Zoe is incredibly popular for her raw honesty, witty comments and comedic nature and now, she has combined all of her talents into one sensational tale of a little fart finding his place in a fart-hating world.
Read: When you are wanting to have a giggle with your kiddies to start the day off on a good note.
Teens
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Enter the world of Celaena Sardothien: deadly assassin, lover and friend with a witty, sassy attitude. In a kingdom where a magic-fearing, tyrannical king rules, Celaena has but one shot at winning her freedom from slavery in a to-the-death competition where she must compete against killers, thieves and warriors.
Whilst navigating the affections of the Crown Prince and rebutting the Captain of the Guard’s spiky personality, she must also unravel the mystery of suspicious deaths which have occurred in the castle as her fight for freedom becomes a fight for survival.
A thrilling and obsessive read with multi-dimensional layers of deceit, epic fantasy and love. Any who are fans of Game of Thrones or The Hunger Games will thoroughly enjoy it. The best part is, the novel is the first in a series by award-winning author Sarah J. Maas and there are six more in the series for you to binge read.
Read: When you’re prepared to dive into character relationships and tangle yourself in a web of politics, gore and magic.
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
We Were Liars is a Goodreads Choice award and American Literature Association winner by successful author E. Lockhart. It follows the tumultuous tale of the Sinclair family, who journey every summer to their private island. All appears peaceful until something sinister happens to teenager Cadence as she wakes up on the beach with severe injuries and no memory of her summer.
Two years after the incident, the four ‘Liars’ (Cadence’s cousins and good friends) prompt her memory and the truth is unraveled, revealing the cruel intentions of everyone Cadence holds dear. A tale of corrupt family morals and deadly mistakes; it is a thrilling, mysterious read through the eyes of a not-so-average teen.
Read: A read that will have you thinking kindly of your own family.
Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
Mare Barrow is a Red living in the poorest district in the powerful Kingdom of Norta. Reds are inferior to the Silvers who possess supernatural talents and thus they suffer the brunt of human experience, forced to live off rations and perform harsh physical labour. When Mare’s abnormal powers are discovered in a tournament, the Royals cover up her existence and she must learn to navigate the tumultuous waters of court and her heart. When the Scarlet Guard, a rebel group fighting against the Silvers ask for Mare’s help, her courage is tested and she must face a grave enemy to survive. This dystopian novel is a thrilling read ideal for any sci-fi, classic romantic or epic fantasy lover.
Read: With a cup of tea on a rainy day when you are seeking adventure in the bookish form.
Adults
Sapphire Skies by Belinda Alexandra
Moscow authorities announce the discovery of a plane of infamous WWII fighter pilot Natalya Azarova who was supposedly shot down during the war. But was she a German spy who faked her death? Marketing consultant Lily meets an elderly woman who claims to know the truth. This novel, Belinda Alexandra’s 6th historical fiction instalment, intertwines the lives of two women and the histories of the turbulent rebirth of Moscow in 2000 with the horrors of WWII under Stalin’s Russia.
Read: A Russian romance ideal for a beach flick or bedtime read.
Born A Crime by Trevor Noah
Trevor Noah, successful South African comedian and now New York Times Best Book of 2016 award winner, tells the tale of his childhood growing up in post-apartheid South Africa as a child of a white Swiss father and black Xhosa mother at a time when his mere existence was considered a crime. Heart-warming, clever and incredibly entertaining from the perspective of a child with a mischievous streak. The story is a collection of eighteen personal essays which document the adventures and struggles of Trevor and his rebellious mother; from being thrown out of a moving car during an attempted kidnapping to surviving the dangers of high school romance and selling illegal bootleg CDs.
Read: On your daily commute to work.
The Casual Vacancy by J. K. Rowling
This is the first adult novel of J. K. Rowling’s since the exceedingly successful Harry Potter series and it does not disappoint. Set in the suburban West Country town of Pagford, the story follows the death of a beloved Parish Councilor.
In a town full of devious characters and big egos, there is a spot on the parish council left vacant: causing the biggest war the town has yet seen with an election fraught with deceit, tension and tragic comedy.
Read: A fantastic read when you’re searching for a new classic or you are wanting to run for council and need some political tricks up your sleeve.
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