The Know’s summer reading list
‘Tis the season of long beach days, lazy afternoons and books you can’t put down. We’ve rounded up the summer reads everyone’s been talking about – from thoughtful picks shared by our team to brilliant recommendations sent in by our readers. Whether you’re after a heartwarming story, a page-turning debut or something beautifully written, here are the books making our summer reading list:
If you love stories in a quirky format 💌
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans: This is a beautifully observed novel about connection, loneliness and the unexpected relationships that can grow through the written word. Warm, thoughtful and quietly uplifting, it’s perfect if you enjoy character-led fiction.
If you love clever, feel-good mysteries 🔎
The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett: From the bestselling author of The Help comes an entertaining story packed with memorable characters, Southern charm and plenty of twists. It's the kind of book you'll happily lose an entire weekend to and this one got a lot of shoutouts from our readers when we asked for recommendations.
If you love quiet, character-driven stories 🧘♀️
Leonard and Hungry Paul by Rónán Hession: A gentle, life-affirming novel that celebrates kindness, friendship and the beauty of ordinary lives. Leonard and his best friend Hungry Paul quietly navigate work, family and change in a story that's both witty and surprisingly profound. (And if you’re more of a TV-lover than a bookworm, there’s a fab adaption on iPlayer!).
If you love thought-provoking contemporary fiction 🌍
Poor People With Money by Dominic Hoey: Written by a New Zealand author, this sharp, compassionate novel explores class, family and the realities of modern life with humour and heart. It’s a standout local read and one of those books that just feels deeply human.
If you love a bit of undergrad nostalgia ❤️
Heart the Lover by Lily King: Lily King has a gift for capturing the complexities of relationships with honesty and elegance. Tender, emotionally rich and beautifully written, this is a thoughtful exploration of love, longing and what it means to truly know another person.
If you love heartwarming stories with a touch of whimsy 🌼
The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett: An incredible blend of humour, hope and unforgettable characters in this moving novel about grief, healing and finding your way back to joy. Quirky, heartfelt and full of unexpected moments, it's an ideal summer read that will leave you smiling.