Summer Reading
Last updated: November 20, 2024
Our summer reading lists—short introductions to important, highly readable books—are extremely popular. What better time to finally get acquainted with the basics of economics, or philosophy, or history? Or if that sounds too much like hard work, how about a gripping, page-turning novel that you can't wait to get back to? Whether you're in a deckchair in your backyard or have finally made it further afield, a holiday is always better (in our view) if you're glued to a good book.
Notable New Novels of Summer 2024, recommended by Cal Flyn
Another year, another summer stretching out before us… another reading dilemma? Five Books deputy editor Cal Flyn offers a succinct round-up of the novels that should be on your radar in the summer of 2024: highly anticipated works of fiction from well-known literary figures and ‘breakout’ books that have quickly amassed significant critical attention – to guide you on your way.  See all our best novels of 2024 recommendations
The Best History Books to Take on Holiday, recommended by Suzannah Lipscomb
Which history books are ideal to take on holiday, authoritative and yet entertaining? We turned to historian Suzannah Lipscomb—whose most recent book, The Voices of Nîmes, uncovers the lives of ordinary women in Languedoc in early modern France—for her top five.
The Best Mysteries of 2024 (so far), recommended by Sophie Roell
Throughout the year, as new books are published and the shortlists for prizes are announced, we highlight mysteries we think are gripping or fun to read. Here’s our list of the best mysteries of 2024 so far, but we’ll be adding more as we read them.
The Best Historical Fiction of 2024, recommended by Katharine Grant
The judges of the Walter Scott Prize aim to highlight the very best new historical novels, and in 2024 they have settled on a varied shortlist featuring a Trinidadian tragedy, a Vatican-based thriller, and a charming coming-of-age tale from 1960s Middle England. We spoke to Katharine Grant, chair of the judging panel, to find out more.
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1
Socrates in Love: The Making of a Philosopher
by Armand D'Angour -
2
How to Live: A Life of Montaigne in One Question and Twenty Attempts at an Answer
by Sarah Bakewell -
3
The Complete Philosophy Files
by Stephen Law -
4
The Prince
by Niccolo Machiavelli -
5
The Path: A New Way to Think About Everything
by Christine Gross-Loh & Michael Puett
Philosophy Books to Take On Holiday, recommended by Nigel Warburton
Philosophy Books to Take On Holiday, recommended by Nigel Warburton
Sea, sun and Socrates: what more could you want for the perfect holiday? Our philosophy editor Nigel Warburton, whose own book has had considerable success as a beach read, unveils his philosophy book holiday reading list.
The Best Audiobooks of 2024 (so far), recommended by Michele Cobb
For an engrossing read, it doesn’t get much better than a good audiobook. Michele Cobb, publisher of AudioFile magazine, shares her favourite new audiobooks from the first half of 2024—from engaging memoirs narrated by their authors, to dark psychological thrillers and a post-apocalyptic novel set in New Hampshire.
The Best Romance Books of Summer 2024, recommended by Katherine D. Morgan
If you’ve been looking for a love story to tuck into your beach bag, then look no further. Katherine D. Morgan—creator of Grand Gesture Books, a new romance-only bookstore—recommends the best new romance books of summer 2024. See all our romance and best novels of 2024 recommendations
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1
Olivetti
by Allie Millington -
2
Rumi
by Rashin Kheiriyeh -
3
The Pinchers and the Diamond Heist
by Anders Sparring, Per Gustavsson (illustrator) & translated by Julia Marshall -
4
Bang: The Wild Wonders of Earth's Phenomena
Jennifer N. R. Smith, Jon Cannell (consultant) -
5
Bringing Back Kay-Kay
by Dev Kothari
The Best Books for Kids of 2024 (so far), recommended by Our Children's Editor
The Best Books for Kids of 2024 (so far), recommended by Our Children's Editor
From gorgeous picture books to richly illustrated chapter books and novels for confident readers, our Children’s Editor Tuva Kahrs handpicks the best new books for children (and adults) to enjoy over the summer of 2024.
The Best Economics Books to Take on Holiday, recommended by Daniel Hamermesh
In this latest book, Spending Time, distinguished labour economist Daniel Hamermesh looks at how we spend time, our ‘most valuable resource.’ Here he suggests books worth spending your valuable time on this holiday, including an introductory economics textbook.
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1
The Meaning of Travel: Philosophers Abroad
by Emily Thomas -
2
Mean Girl: Ayn Rand and the Culture of Greed
by Lisa Duggan -
3
How to Live a Good Life: A Guide to Choosing Your Personal Philosophy
by Daniel Kaufman, Massimo Pigliucci & Skye C Cleary -
4
Free Speech: Ten Principles for a Connected World
by Timothy Garton Ash -
5
The Plague
by Albert Camus
Summer Reading: Philosophy Books, recommended by Nigel Warburton
Summer Reading: Philosophy Books, recommended by Nigel Warburton
From reflections on travel and searching for a personal philosophy to live by, to books on important aspects of democracy and contagious diseases, here’s British philosopher Nigel Warburton’s 2020 summer reading list. All the books you need to keep you thinking over the summer, whatever it may hold and wherever you may be.