Summer vacation is the ideal time to grab those books you have pending and get to it. If you like to read, take the book and take it to the beach…or in the shade at the pool…or in your chair with a view, while you can see the sea as you turn the page…a marvel.
Why do we read more in summer?
Book reading increases during holiday periods. There are several reasons contributing to this increase:
- Leisure. During the holidays, people usually have more free time available. This gives them the opportunity to engage in leisure activities, such as reading, that they may not have time to do during their daily routine.
- Relaxation and rest: Vacations are usually times of relaxation and rest, and reading can be a pleasant way to relax and disconnect from everyday worries. Many people choose to carry books with them to enjoy them on the beach, at the pool, on a trip or simply at home.
- Travel: During travel, whether by plane, train, bus or car, many people take the opportunity to read. Books are ideal companions for long commutes, as they provide entertainment and can make time go by faster.
- Encouraging reading: Some people set the goal of reading more during the holidays, whether to disconnect, learn something new, or simply for pleasure. This can lead to an increase in reading during this period.
Recommended books for this summer 2024
If you don’t know what to read or are not sure where to start, we propose different books on various topics. Choose the one you like the most.
Calm sea and happy journey' (Bette Howland)
“Calm Sea and Happy Voyage” by Bette Howland is a collection of short stories that explore urban life and human complexities with a melancholic and reflective touch. Through carefully constructed characters and realistic settings, Howland captures everyday moments filled with introspection and subtlety, revealing life’s inner struggles and small joys. The stories stand out for their lyrical prose and sharp observations, offering deep insight into human experiences and personal connections in the midst of daily routines.
'Una comisaria en la Provenza' (Pierre Martin)
“A Police Commissioner in Provence” by Pierre Martin is a charming mystery novel starring Isabelle Bonnet, a police commissioner who, after suffering an attack in Paris, is sent to her hometown in Provence to recover. However, his rest is interrupted when he faces the investigation of a murder in this picturesque region. With the help of her assistant, Apollinaire, Isabelle unravels dark secrets as she navigates the idyllic landscapes and intriguing dynamics of the local community.
'The light days' (Yolanda Guerrero)
In the heart of Franco’s Madrid, an oasis of glamour, music, fun and freedom emerged: the Stella pool. In it, three friends will give everything to live to the limit and save themselves.
'Baumgartner' by Paul Auster
“Baumgartner” by Paul Auster is a novel that follows the seemingly ordinary life of a man named Fanshawe, who after his unexpected death leaves his friend Max Zimmer with the task of finding his wife, Virginia, and son, Charlie, who they have disappeared. As Max immerses himself in the search, he discovers the secrets and complexities of the life of Baumgartner, a character whose existence becomes a fascinating enigma. Through this intricate narrative, Auster weaves a story of loss, identity, and the search for meaning in a world filled with uncertainty.
'The Child' by Fernando Aramburu
“The Child” by Fernando Aramburu is a moving novel that tells the story of Jon, a young man who grows up in the Basque Country marked by the armed conflict and violence of ETA. The plot focuses on his relationship with his father, a former member of the terrorist organization, and how this dark and traumatic past affects his life and relationships. Through emotional and reflective prose, Aramburu explores themes of identity, reconciliation and forgiveness in a context of pain and search for redemption.
'We are violets' (Marta Galisteo Gómez)
“We are violets” by Marta Galisteo Gómez is a moving novel that tells the story of Violeta, a woman seeking to rebuild her life after a devastating loss. Through her journey of self-discovery, Violeta faces her own fears and traumas while finding the power to heal and love again. The story, set in a small town with endearing characters and evocative landscapes, highlights the importance of friendship, resilience and hope in life’s darkest moments.
'If You Like the Dark' by Stephen King
“If You Like the Dark” by Stephen King is an anthology of stories that explores the more sinister side of human nature and the supernatural. Each story immerses the reader in scenarios full of suspense and terror, where the characters face deep fears and inexplicable forces. With his mastery of creating disturbing atmospheres, King offers a series of short stories that examine the fragility of the mind, the power of fear and the fine line between reality and fantasy.
'Popular Mechanics' by Pedro Juan Gutiérrez
“Mecánica popular” by Pedro Juan Gutiérrez is a collection of short stories that explore life in contemporary Cuba, immersing the reader in the vibrant and raw daily life of its characters. With his unmistakable style, Gutiérrez paints a visceral and uncompromising portrait of Cuban reality, addressing themes such as desire, violence, poverty and the fight for survival. Through his direct and poetic prose, the author offers an intimate and stark vision of the human and social complexities on the island.
'August Blue' by Deborah Levy
“August Blue” by Deborah Levy is a novel that explores the life of a woman in crisis as she searches for answers and meaning in her memories and relationships. The protagonist, a visual artist, faces emotional and creative challenges on her journey to find clarity and peace amidst turbulence. The narrative unfolds in a mix of deep reflections and sharp observations about human nature, family connections, and the search for identity and purpose in an uncertain world.
"The nine kingdoms" by Santiago Díaz
“The Nine Kingdoms” by Santiago Díaz is an exciting fantasy novel that follows the adventures of a group of heroes as they traverse various and dangerous kingdoms on a mission to save their world. Each kingdom, with its own culture, magic, and unique challenges, tests the group’s bravery and skill. Facing mythical creatures and dark conspiracies, the protagonists must unite and overcome their differences to defeat an ancient evil that threatens to destroy the nine kingdoms.
"The Central" by Élisabeth Filhol
“The Power Plant” by Élisabeth Filhol is a novel that addresses the complexities of work at a nuclear plant, following the lives of the workers who keep the plant operational. Through an intense and claustrophobic narrative, the author examines the physical and psychological challenges these individuals face, including the risks of radiation and the emotional impact of their work. The story delves into the relationships and internal tensions of the team, offering a raw and detailed look at a little-known but vital world for modern society.
"A Ray of Sunshine" by Serena Giuliano
“A Ray of Sunshine” by Serena Giuliano is a luminous novel that follows the life of Anna, a woman who returns to her beloved Amalfi Coast after living in Paris. Upon reconnecting with her family and the splendor of her homeland, Anna begins a journey of self-discovery and healing. The novel intertwines her present experiences with memories of her youth, as Anna confronts old wounds and rediscovers the joy of life, love, and the importance of family roots.
"Masters of Happiness" by Rafael Narbona
“Masters of Happiness” by Rafael Narbona is an introspective and revealing journey through the lives and teachings of prominent philosophers and thinkers who have explored the concept of happiness throughout history. Desde los antiguos griegos hasta los modernos estudiosos de la psicología positiva, Narbona examina cómo diferentes culturas y épocas han abordado esta búsqueda universal. Through a combination of scholarship and personal reflection, the author invites the reader to question their own perceptions of happiness and find inspiration in the timeless ideas of these “masters” to cultivate a fuller, more meaningful life.
"Mother with an atomic heart" by Agustín Fernández Mallo
“Mother with an Atomic Heart” by Agustín Fernández Mallo is a novel that weaves a complex and avant-garde plot, where science and poetry intertwine to explore the nature of reality and human existence. Through experimental prose full of cultural references, the story follows the steps of a narrator in his search for answers about love, identity and the meaning of life. From the theories of quantum physics to the deepest emotions of the human being, Fernández Mallo creates a unique literary universe that challenges narrative conventions and leaves the reader reflecting on the mysteries of the universe and the human condition.
