By Jude Emanuel
There are always moments of idleness during even the most action-packed summer. Whether it’s hours spent queuing for a plane flight, or sitting in a cramped car during a family road trip, everyone needs a way to pass the time that isn’t dependent on a good Internet connection. Books have always been a good way to occupy the slow moments of summer, so here are four stories you can enjoy during your summer downtime.
1. One Day
One Day is a novel written by David Nicholls, covering the lives of Emma Morley, English and History graduate with a passion for social activism, and Dexter Mayhew an affluent socialite who wants nothing more than to enjoy his life of luxury. The reader sees snapshots of their lives through one day of the year: 15th of July. As time moves between each chapter, the reader sees Emma and Dexter in different stages of their lives and navigating their on-and-off relationship as they move in and out of each other’s lives.
The distinct and opposing personalities of Emma and Dexter gives both characters a dynamic that is entertaining to read and see develop. With each scene taking place on the 15th of July, the setting is always in the heart of summer. This book is perfect for readers navigating a summer fling or those who have experienced or are experiencing a long-distance relationship this summer.
2. Daisy Jones and The Six
This historical fiction is written by Taylor Jenkins Reid and tells the story of a young girl with aspirations of a music career and a six-person band cleverly named The Six. The book is loosely based on the rock band Fleetwood Mac and the events are told through an interview-style format with Daisy, the Six and their people of interest answering questions or giving insights of their lives. Despite the fame and notoriety that these characters receive in the narrative, Reid depicts them as grounded people with believable lives and familiar interpersonal struggles.
Set in the turbulent music scene of California from the mid 60’s to the early 2000’s, Daisy Jones and The Six is perfect for any reader with a love for old rock bands. If you want to get in the mood for the plethora of music festivals and concerts in your calendar then this is the book for you this summer. If you are attending music festivals this summer don’t forget to apply for the ISIC card, an internationally recognised form of student ID that can be used from the age of 16.
3. The Body
Stephen King is well known for his horror novels like IT and The Shining but character dramas are not outside his wheelhouse. In The Body, twelve-year old Gordie Lachance and his three friends discover a dead body of another boy their age. The story is told through Gordie’s perspective but as a memory from the boy as a grown man. Through this short novella, the reader learns about the life of Gordie and his friends but also of the man Gordie grew up to be.
This bitesize coming-of-age novella is perfect to keep your mind busy for a long car ride. The story may be short but King manages to fit in satisfying character development. Don’t let the grisly title and macabre circumstances fool you into thinking this story is one of gore. The ominous focal point of the dead body hides the emotional heart of the story.
4. Into The Wild
Christopher McCandless ventures into the Canadian wilderness under the alias of Alexander Supertramp, leaving behind his life of stability for adventure and exploration. This is a nonfiction story about a real man of the same name who tragically died in Alaska while navigating the Stampede Trail. Jon Krakauer unravels the mystery behind the enigma that is Christopher McCandless and tries to make sense of his daring actions.
This book is perfect for readers with a love for camping, hiking, backpacking or people who love to immerse themselves in nature. Perhaps one can read it on the way to a campsite, putting the reader in the mindset for any kind of outdoors activity.
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