Summer reading

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When the summer heat kicks in, you have the perfect chance to chill out with a good book. Here are some new and recent offerings that you could enjoy this summer.

Fiction

The Rooster Bar by John Grisham

It’s hard to resist John Grisham’s legal thrillers. If you haven’t had the chance to check out his latest novel yet, then the summer will be the perfect time to delve into the popular author’s newest page-turner. The American writer focuses on corruption in the legal field and for-profit educational institutions in The Rooster Bar, the story of three third-year debt-ridden law students at a third-tier law school who drop out and open a fake law firm. There’s intrigue, there’s drama, and while this isn’t Grisham’s best work, it’s still an entertaining light read.

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

The debut novel by British writer Gail Honeyman has created quite a buzz since it was published last year. The story of a young, troubled office-worker in Glasgow who learns to overcome her lonely lifestyle, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine is a touching, thought-provoking novel that has been praised by critics and readers alike. The film rights were optioned by Reese Witherspoon’s company Hello Sunshine, so you might want to read this one before the movie comes out!

The Oracle Year by Charles Soule

Best known for his work as a comic book writer for both DC and Marvel Comics, Charles Soule recently published his debut novel, The Oracle Year, a satirical, sharp-witted tale of a man who wakes up from a dream one morning with 108 predictions about the future that actually start coming true, giving him great power as well as leaving him targeted by many enemies. Its offbeat, intriguing plot makes this fast-paced adventure a riveting ride.

Bash Bash Revolution by Douglas Lain

Sci-fi and fantasy writer Douglas Lain ventures into the world of gaming for his latest novel, Bash Bash Revolution, the story of a high school dropout who excels at playing the titular outdated Nintendo game. His father, a computer geek, keeps appearing and disappearing from his life, which eventually sends the teenager on a journey that leads him to discovering “the true nature of the government-sponsored artificial intelligence programme his father has been involved in”. It’s an interesting concept and an engaging storyline that is likely to please fans of books like Ernest Cline’s Ready Player One.

Still Me by Jojo Moyes

English romance novelist Jojo Moyes is having considerable success with her Me Before You series, the first installment of which was turned into a film in 2016. She recently unveiled the third part of the series, Still Me, which continues the story of Louisa Clarke, as she moves to New York City and works for a wealthy young socialite. While the sequels may not live up to the original, those who are invested in the story might appreciate the chance to continue reading the protagonist’s saga.

The Outsider by Stephen King

The King of Horror is back with another suspenseful horror thriller. The Outsider revolves around the investigation into the brutal murder of an eleven-year-old boy. Who is the culprit? All the evidence points towards one of the city’s most popular, respected citizens, but the suspect has an alibi that conflicts the evidence, leaving the investigators to wonder if some other force may be at play here. With its twists and turns, this novel promises another gripping tale from the prolific writer.

The Merry Spinster: Tales of Everyday Horror by Mallory Ortberg

This book may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but readers who like peculiar stories are in for a treat. Mallory Ortberg has put a horror spin on classic fairy and folk tales in the short story collection The Merry Spinster. Homage is paid to the original source material while some creepy surprises are sprinkled into the adventures for a strange, unsettling experience. If you want to read something different and intense this summer, then this collection of horror tales just might be what you’re looking for.

Non-fiction

I’ll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman’s Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer by Michelle McNamara

At the time of her sudden death in 2016, crime blogger Michelle McNamara was working on her book I’ll Be Gone in the Dark. The unfinished volume was posthumously updated and finalized by true crime writer Paul Haynes, with an introduction by author Gillian Flynn and an afterword by her widower, actor Patton Oswalt. The finished effort was released this year, almost two years after her death, and only two months before authorities captured Joseph James DeAngelo, the alleged Golden State Killer. McNamara is credited with coining the “Golden State Killer” moniker to refer to the man who committed at least 12 murders, more than 50 rapes, and over 100 burglaries in California, U.S., from 1974 to 1986, and in the book she writes about her hunt for the criminal behind those heinous acts. HBO has purchased the rights for I’ll Be Gone in the Dark and are now developing it into a documentary series.

You Are Awesome: Find Your Confidence and Dare to be Brilliant at (Almost) Anything by Matthew Syed

If you need a quick shot of motivation at any point this summer, then try English journalist Matthew Syed’s You Are Awesome, an inspiring little volume that aims to empower you to “find the confidence to realize [your] potential”. While the book is aimed mainly towards young readers, grown-ups can benefit from its contents as well and learn that self-improvement isn’t as hard as it seems.

Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House by Michael Wolff

It’s one of the most talked-about books of the year, which isn’t surprising given its subject matter. American journalist Michael Wolff’s Fire and Fury takes a peek into the inner workings of the Trump administration, highlighting the incompetence of those at the highest level of power. It’s all very controversial and critics are skeptical of some of the volume’s most shocking claims, but if you’re into international politics, then you might want to read this book - as well as James Comey’s autobiography A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, and Leadership - and see what the hoopla is all about.

My Girls: A Lifetime with Carrie and Debbie by Todd Fisher

Todd Fisher has unique insight into the lives of two of the most iconic actresses of all time: his mother Debbie Reynolds and sister Carrie Fisher. It’s hard to imagine what he must have gone through when they both died, one day after the other, in December 2016. Now, Fisher is opening up about his life with the silver screen legends in the touching memoir, My Girls: A Lifetime with Carrie and Debbie. Fisher writes about the good times and the bad, sharing details from his mother’s financial troubles and his sister’s mental issues, looking back at their extraordinary lives with love and affection.

Brave by Rose McGowan

Italian-born American actress Rose McGowan was among the many women of Hollywood who spoke up against Harvey Weinstein last year as part of the Me Too movement. This year she has released her memoir, Brave, detailing her account of the alleged assault and its aftermath, and also discussing other aspects of her life, like her tough childhood living as part of the controversial Children of God cult. McGowan’s experiences as a survivor of cults and harassment are tough and harrowing, and make Brave a compelling, albeit difficult, read.

The Future of Humanity: Terraforming Mars, Interstellar Travel, Immortality, and Our Destiny Beyond Earth by Michio Kaku

As we keep depleting the Earth’s resources (and generally ruining it in every possible way we can think of), humankind might find itself in need of a new home. Renowned theoretical physicist Michio Kaku takes a look at the possibility of leaving the Earth and settling elsewhere in The Future of Humanity, an effort that makes scientific ideas about developing a sustainable civilization in outer space accessible to the layman. If you’re interested in space exploration and astronomy, then you might want to add this volume to your reading list and find out how science fiction is turning into reality.

Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman

Ancient mythologies have often been a source of inspiration for fantasy writers, and the great Neil Gaiman is no exception. After being inspired by these legends to create the magical realms in his fiction, the English author has now explored the old stories of the Norse gods in his new book, Norse Mythology, a retelling of various myths revolving around well-known names like Odin, Thor, and Loki, giving us a glimpse into their world from their origin through their upheaval in Ragnarok. If all you know about this topic comes from the Marvel movies, then this book will offer a nice introduction to these ancient tales, all presented in Gaiman’s enjoyable writing style.

- S.A. 

Us Magazine, The News International - 25th May, 2018 *