While poolside holidays are great for enjoying hot weather and getting a tan, they also give you an opportunity to read the books that have been sitting on your shelves all year. If you fancy a new book, this list has plenty of enjoyable holiday reads for you to choose from, ranging from chick-lit like the Shopaholic series, to historical fiction such as The Other Boleyn Girl.
1. Anna and the French Kiss – Stephanie Perkins
Anna and the French Kiss is perfect for a poolside holiday. It has a likeable protagonist, a swoon-worthy love interest, and a beautiful setting – Paris. The book follows Anna, who is sent away to a boarding school in France and falls in love with Etienne St. Clair, who, in her eyes, is the perfect guy.
2. Me Before You – Jojo Moyes
If you didn’t get round to watching Me Before You in the cinema and are waiting for it to come out on DVD, why not read the book in the meantime? Although it deals with a heavy subject, Me Before You is unputdownable, and you’ll easily finish it in a couple of days.
3. Perfect Chemistry – Simone Elkeles
Perfect Chemistry is the ideal book for anyone who is a fan of Romeo and Juliet but wants something a bit more modern. Perfect Chemistry centres on popular Brittany Ellis, who falls for Alex Fuentes, a member of a gang, jeopardising her perfect reputation. Compelling and addicting, this book will become your new obsession this summer.
4. Pretty Little Liars – Sara Shepard
Fan of the popular TV series Pretty Little Liars? Why not read the books? Follow Aria, Emily, Hanna and Spencer as they try to find out who killed their best friend Alison and uncover the true identity of anonymous texter ‘A’. Pretty Little Liars has the right amount of secrets, drama and friendship to make it a fun summer read.
5. Chocolat – Joanne Harris
Chocolat is the ideal book for anyone who loves chocolate. Let Joanne Harris’ vivid writing transport you to the French village of Lansquenet-sous-Tannes. Chocolat tells the story of Vianne Rocher and her young daughter Anouk, who move to the village in the middle of Lent. Vianne opens up a chocolate shop, causing havoc among the villagers.
6. The Fault in Our Stars – John Green
If you haven’t read The Fault in Our Stars, I’d recommend you take it on your next holiday. It’s a beautiful book about a teenage girl called Hazel who falls in love at Cancer Support Group. The book explores life and death, as well as first love.
7. Shopaholic series – Sophie Kinsella
Sophie Kinsella’s bestselling Shopaholic series is great for reading by the pool. They’re light-hearted, fun, and hilarious. In the Shopaholic books, shopaholic Becky Bloomwood gets into all sorts of trouble while trying to deal with her obsession with spending. Shopaholic is guaranteed to make you laugh-out-loud.
8. The Carrie Diaries – Candace Bushnell
Pack The Carrie Diaries in your pool bag if you want to find out what the famous Carrie Bradshaw (from Sex and the City) was like as a teenager. In The Carrie Diaries, we meet Carrie in her final year of high school. She tries to deal with becoming a journalist as well as the arrival of new boy Sebastian, who immediately captures the attention of all the girls at Castlebury High.
9. The Other Boleyn Girl – Philippa Gregory
You may be familiar with Anne Boleyn, but did you know that she had a younger sister? Read Mary Boleyn’s side of the story as she deals with her pushy family and living in her sister’s shadow.
10. The Night Circus – Erin Morgenstern
This debut novel from Erin Morgenstern is for anyone who loves a bit of magic. It focuses on a mysterious circus (called Le Cirque des Reves), which arrives without warning. The Night Circus will have you hooked right from the start, and you’ll be eager to find out what happens to Celia and Marco.
What are your favourite poolside reads? Let us know in the comments!
