The president of WSU’s Book Club, Lidya Rivai, thoughtfully put together a list of books that will keep readers entertained and inspired throughout the summer break until next semester rolls around.
First off, we have…
‘Happy Place’ by Emily Henry
(Picture of front Cover of ‘Happy Place’ by Emily Henry. Photo credit: Lidya Rivai, 2024)
What screams summer more than a rom-com novel? Emily Henry’s popularity has skyrocketed these past few years due to her extremely prolific romance stories. While the romance genre conventions have been more than overplayed, Henry brings something new to the scene with her fleshed-out characters, humorous banter and compelling narrative. With each new release, her writing gets better and better, and you can’t help but fall into the story headfirst!
‘Happy Place’ starts off with one of the spiciest romance tropes – fake dating – except it’s even spicier because the two main characters were engaged! Unbeknownst to their friends, who they’re currently vacationing with on their annual holiday, they haven’t spoken to each other in 5 months, but can’t bear to break the bad news, so they pretend that they’re still together.
Though the simple prose and bright cover lull you into thinking this will be your run-of-the-mill love story, the depth & pain of the characters history, and what their future may hold, leaves you unable to stop turning the page!
‘Boy Swallows Universe’ by Trent Dalton
(Picture of ‘Boy Swallows Universe’ book by Trent Dalton. Photo credit: Lidya Rivai, 2024)
Boy Swallows Universe was my first foray into magical realism, a genre that, as its name suggests, is filled with wonder and preternatural happenings. Located in the seedy suburbs of Brisbane, Australia, Trent Dalton intertwines a bildungsroman with mystery, humour and a healthy dose of violence.
Though his characters have gone through and will go through great trial and danger, Dalton manages to suffuse the novel with an undying sense of hope. With the backdrop of the Australian bush and cities of the late 1900’s, you can almost smell the summer sun in the air, making it a must-read book during this season.
To top it off, I conclude with…
‘Hamnet’ by Maggie O’Farrell
(Picture of ‘Hamnet’ book by Maggie O’Farrell. Photo credit: Lidya Rivai, 2024)
This is a historical fiction that seems so real, you can almost taste the sweat in the air and feel the burn of the sun on your back. Opening with our main character, Agnes, the story aims to decentralise one of, if not the most prolific figures in literature, William Shakespeare, by exploring what life was like for his wife and children. The wondrous mystery of the country is contrasted with bustling city life. You can tell that Maggie O’Farrell is a master of her craft in the way that she beautifully adorns each of her sentences. Just how summer brings on the feeling of new life, Hamnet is a story about grief and renewal.
These carefully handpicked books are perfect for keeping readers entertained through the summer holidays before the Autumn 2025 teaching period begins. Whether you’re an avid bookworm or just starting your reading journey, I hope these recommendations bring you both enjoyment and inspiration for the year to come.
