Top 10 Staycation Reads for Summer

First, we look at a magical story about a young black stallion, born on a Spring morning who goes on to live a life full of adventure. Written some 140 years ago, Black Beauty by Anna Sewell describes the adventure from the horse’s perspective as he encounters the challenges of human cruelty and greed. This is an uplifting tale that has captivated millions for generations, with many gaining inspiration from how Beauty meets each challenge with kindness and bravery. Want to leave the beach with a smile on your face and warmth in your heart? Then include this classic on your list of books to read!

Starting well before the tumult began, War of the Worlds by H.G.Wells follows the trials and tribulations of an unnamed narrator and his brother as they witness a full-blown Martian invasion. Set in Edwardian England, the story begins with many even questioning what is happening, however, all becomes all too evident when the extra-terrestrial machines start rising up from beneath the ground. If escapism is what you’re after when heading to the beach, this is one for you!

Whilst digital entertainment has helped keep us all entertained during the big lockdown, it’s time to put it down and get outside, right? Well, that’s what 24/6: The Power of Unplugging One Day a Week by Tiffany Slain centres on. Detailing the effects of Tiffany and her family taking a “Technology Shabbat” one day a way, the book provides advice and guidance for anyone looking to take the same positive ‘unplugging’ step. An enlightening read that’s ideal for your Summer bag.

Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs is a story that’s familiar to many around the world, at least the vine-swinging, loin-cloth-wearing character from the book is, anyway. This is a seminal tale that follows Tarzan as he moves from being raised by animals in the jungle to encountering Western Society. As Tarzan struggles to accept who he really is, he also wrestles with his place in the world. Written in 1940, the themes in this book are as relevant now as they were almost 100 years ago. A deeply intriguing read that will keep you gripped from start to finish as you relax in the shade!

After growing up thinking that she inadvertently killed her own mother at the age of 4, Lily is now 10 years older and is in dire need of self-forgiveness. Residing on a South Carolina peach farm with her austere father, her only friend is a black servant named Rosaleen. One Summer afternoon, Rosaleen flees after being arrested and beaten and Lily chooses to flee with her. They find sanctuary with three sisters who keep bees and Lily begins to understand the world, herself and the truth around her mother’s death. A wonderfully emotional book that deserves its place on our list.

A tragic accident that left Heidi – a toiling actress – an amputee at the tender age of 32, leaving her feeling that her life had ended before it began. Her only friend is Maud, the lady in the hospital bed next to hers and it seems that this is now the limit of her world. That is until Maud’s slightly snooty, but attractive grandson called Jack pays his grandmother a visit. She begins to realise that there’s still much left to achieve in her life, regardless of her injuries. Will she take the necessary steps to happiness? Is there another twist in store? Read this heart-warming tale to find out.

Ever looked at somebody and thought “they’ve got their life together!”? Well, if you ever wanted proof that everyone has most thirty-somethings have much more going on than their seemingly composed exterior gives away, then Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding is a book you should read. Whilst offering a satirical sideswipe at modern relationships, Bridget has two potential love interests – Mark Darcy and Daniel Cleaver. Which will she choose? We won’t give that away here, but suffice to say, there’s more than a bottle or two of chardonnay involved. Witty and engaging, it’s a book we’d recommend for any beach-going book lovers.

If you weren’t someone who was caught up in the Vampyric phenomenon that was Twilight in 2008, perhaps now is the time to experience this epic for yourself. Bella Swan is a teenage high school girl without much direction in her life until she meets Edward Cullen – a member of the mysterious Cullen family who live in Forks, Washington. As she learns about the truth behind Edwards' aloofness, his apparent super-strength and fascination with Bella, she falls deeply in love. An epic that’s ideal for wiling away hours on the sand.

The oldest book on our list dates back to 1719 and it’s the first book ever to be published in the English language. Robinson Crusoe finds himself marooned on an uninhabited island off the coast of South America after leaving a privileged life in England at the age of 18. The ensuing journey of discovery is a compelling, but rewarding one for both Crusoe and the reader and when read in a beach setting, the words would have even more depth and meaning.

People have sworn since the beginning of recorded language and believe it or not, it has been shown to reduce pain, help relationships flourish and even assist stroke victims in relearning how to speak. Swearing is Good For You by Emma Bryne is an interesting look into the science behind swearing that shows that you shouldn’t feel too bad if you let one or two bad words out from time to time. This book will teach you things and make you laugh in equal measure and it’s one we heartily recommend.