The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy
I adore poetry, but even as a literature student, sometimes I am not necessarily in the mood, but still crave the poetic hug - if that makes any sense at all. This one is the one that I reach for in (not only) those times. Every page offers incredibly beautiful illustrations and the most heart-warming words you can imagine. This book is so gentle, and kind, and full of wisdom that doesn’t feel pushy in a self-help book kind of way, but gives you the encouragement and security that human life is all about. This book grounds me every time I feel uncertain and like I’m floating about, unsure, and leaves me feeling fuzzy, like a warm hug.
The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
This book was recommended to me by one of my closest friends, and it’s truly such a beautiful book. This 'hug in a book' piece will bring so much joy and peace to many. The book follows the story of a man Eddie, who has recently passed away and is now in the afterlife, meeting five different people who have impacted his life and need to teach him a lesson about it. The conversations between Eddie and the five people, diving deep into his feelings and his childhood, are such a surreal experience that reminds me of what life is about, and are an absolute celebration of humanity. Many students, like myself, will be spending their summers in the midst of graduating, and may be confused regarding their futures - I believe this book could be your comforting buddy and remind you of how 'undeep' everything really is.
Silver Elite by Dani Francis
Summer is the time for a cosy romance to read by the beach, but many people consider this book the dystopian book of the summer. Set in The Continent, Wren Darlington hides a secret - her psychic powers and the rebels' uprising - and if the enemy finds out about her developing powers, she'll be executed. When a mistake puts her in trouble with the Continent's military, she is forced into training for the elite Silver Block. She must find a way to hide her powers from her commanding officer, Cross Redden, who can't stay away from her.
This is the perfect book for the summer: fast-paced, exciting and easy to binge read. Honestly, one of my favourite books this year.
Happy Place by Emily Henry
Emily Henry is the definition of a good summer book. Who doesn't love a good second-chance romance? Harriet and Wyn met in university and they broke up six months before their yearly trip with their mutual friends. Have they told their friends that they broke up? No. Do they share the biggest room in the house? Yes. This book is my Roman Empire, I think about their story too much in my opinion. It's the perfect book to read during a family vacation or a day at the beach. It's funny, but it can also make you cry (a lot, from my experience).