The competition has closed, and the winners are hard at it reading the spoils, but there are plenty of great reading recommendations below……
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To be in the running to win one of four prize packs of 10 great Summer reads, all you have to do is recommend 5 books that you think would make good Summer reads.
You could also tell us what it is about them that makes them perfect for reading in Summer.
It’s pretty simple: just comment on this post, below, and you go in the draw.
(Check the terms and conditions to make sure your entry is valid…)
Here are some of the books that will be in the prize packs, just to get you thinking about what you’d like to recommend….
You have until midnight Thursday 31 January 2013 to recommend 5 books and go in the draw to win 10.
(If you are reading this on our Home or Archive pages, click the title to comment. Alternatively, there’s a “(Number) comments” link in grey, under the share icons.)
1. The Three Door Trilogy – Emily Rodda: Even though this trilogy is for kids (9-15 I guess), it makes fascinating reading, I thouroughly enjoyed all three books and got surprised by a twist I hadn’t anticipated.
2. In The Middle of Nowhere – Terry Underwood: An enjoyable autobiography of life on a cattle station in outback Australia
3. Fifty Shades of Grey (all 3): Much of the hype around this series has not mentioned that there is actually a great psychological storyline to the book, a thought-provoking story that looks at how a persons past can affect their future and if that can then be changed
4. Chicken Soup for the Soul – any in the series: For the busy person, these books provide lovely, inspirational, short stories. Read a story at a time, or a book at a time, they are perfect for Mums, Dads or anyone else who may only have a few moments here and there to read
5. Losing My Virginity – Richard Branson: Finish off summer reading this book to help motivate you to go out and challenge yourself!
Tanya, if you’d split out your trilogies, and added one book, you could have entered twice. 8)
I’ve never read the Branson book: I think the title put me off. It seemed a bit too Benny Hill. What’s the tone of the book like?
Chicken Soup for the soul is a must – there is so much sad and horrific stuff around that it’s a real pleasure to have some “feel good” stuff. It really does improve your mood!
Estelle says:
1. The Secret Keeper – Kate Morton. Beautiful prose, easy reading and easy to follow the story because it is a daughter finding out her dying mother’s secret during
WW ll and a daughter trying to uncover it. The story moves back and forward in time between London 1941 and London 2011. It is a page turner, never dull and what a twist in the tail.
2. Heart of a Killer – David Rosenfelt. A mother in prison for confessing to cutting her husband’s throat – a daughter who must have a heart transplant – the mother in prison who wants to commit suicide to give her daughter the perfect transplant match and a lazy lawyer who changes his ways and wants to save them both. Funny, emotive and absorbing to the last page, just my cup of tea.
3. The Shoemaker’s Wife-Adriana Trigiana. Two boys grow up in a convent in the Italian Alps. One of the boys Ciro meets a girl Enza and falls in love. They will lose contact, both travel to America where their paths will cross. A delightful romance.
4. The Good American – Alex George. A man and a woman immigrate to America in 1902 and struggle to raise have children and grandchildren and bring them up to be “good Americans”. A feel good, beautiful story.
5. Mr Penumbra’s 24-Hour Book Store- Robin Sloan. Beautifully written, descriptive language and lyrical prose, an adult fairytale about my favour topic….books.
Thanks, Estelle! Friends keep telling me I have to read Mr Penumbra’s 24 Hour Book Store because I will love it, but you’ve convinced me in 5 words – an adult fairytale about …books. Sounds perfect – onto the must read list it goes.
Behold, my top 5 books!
I. The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak – Extremely powerful and readable novel set during Holocaust
II. Mao’s Last Dancer by Li CunXin – A young boy’s journey to a better life through dancing during the Communist revolution in China
III. A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth – One of the longest books I have ever read (my arm hurt from carrying it around for a month) but well worth it. Set in post-independence India where an intertwining of families help to find a worthy suitor for the apple of their eyes.
IV. Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom – Many life lessons learnt from this university Professor, long after academia has been completed.
V. Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts – Based on the life of a convicted Australian fugitive embracing life in an Indian village, who ends up finding himself.
1) Daughter of Smoke and Bone – Laini Taylor. A beautifully written fantasy where wars in Elsewhere are fought over the definition of monster and in Prague, for one girl, hope is the most powerful magic.
2) Soulless – Gail Carriger. A Witty Victorian Steampunk where a Pragmatic English Spinster controls vicious vampires and barely civilized werewolves through the search for missing supernaturals.
3) Cold Days – The latest in the gritty urban fantasy series The Dresden Files. Once again Harry Dresden goes up against the immortal and the major league magical, but now with newfound powers that may just claim his soul.
4) Poison Study – Maria V. Snyder. After trading the executioner for a poison tasters job, Yelena is forced to navigate politics in a country plagued by rebels both inside and out while trying to keep a growing pile of secrets to herself.
5) The Night Circus – Erin Morgenstern. A dreamy look behind the black and white striped tents of the Circus where magic wars of imagination and wills are fought. A game between two opponents trained from birth to perform in a circus where the fates of the patrons and performers are intertwined.
Oh, Cold Days is out early! Great news!
Hi Heather – Daughter of Smoke and Bone was one of my fav’s two. Great Book!
1) Where’d you go Bernadette – Maria Semple. An amazing first book by this author. An architect mother, a Microsoft whizz husband and 15 year old Bee navigate through a breakdown experienced by the mother. Begins in Seattle and ends in the Antarctic.
2) A Tale of two Cities – Charles Dickens. What can be said except brilliant when I was 17, super brilliant at a much later age. The two cities are Londen and Paris around the time of the French Revolution.
3) Fifty Shades of Grey – E.L.James. Not so much soft porn as a portrayal of relationships which are off kilter with the story perhaps leading to why the male became a ‘dominant’ with regard to his sexual practices.
4) The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo – Steig Larsson. My favourite book thus far. Plot line that keeps developing with memorable lead characters.
5) To Kill a Mockingbird – Harper Lee. This book is an american classic. Touching on rape, racial inequality and a corrupt legal system in the deep south of America.
Inspired by the 200th Anniversary of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, and the upcoming celebrations in late January-early February throughout Gold Coast Libraries, my Summer Reading List is, indulgently, classic romance!
1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (1813). The author’s personal favourite and also her most popular novel, I can’t wait to dive back into the world of Elizabeth Bennet, Mr Darcy and Lady Catherine. I’ve borrowed a beautifully illustrated and annotated edition from the library; entirely impractical for bed, beach or bath … but so deliciously Austen!
2. The Pursuit of Love by Nancy Mitford (1945). Mitford’s ability to mock her eccentric characters (based on her own unconventional family) and the disappearing world of aristocratic country life in England is just good fun and perfect summer escapism.
3. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier (1938). In this gothic romance the new Mrs de Winter grapples with the impossible-to-live-up-to shadow of her recently deceased predecessor, Rebecca. A hauntingly good read.
4. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte (1847). More mystery and madness in this gothic romance set on the atmospheric moors. I’ll deliberately separate reading this and Rebecca with something offering a trifle more gaiety. Wuthering Heights will be perfect for a dark and stormy summer afternoon!
5. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (1868). I’ve seen the movie but am yet to read the book. I love the scene in tv show Friends where Joey is so upset by Beth’s imminent departure he puts the book in the freezer!
To split your two darker novels, perhaps you might try “Cold Comfort Farm”? It’s Nancy Mitford, but its a parody of contemporary gothic romances.
Oh – ignore me, I’d tangled “Cold Comfort Farm” and “Love in a Cold Climate” in my mind. CCF is from the 1930s and is by Stella Gibbons. 8(
Thank you Timothy, now I’m keen to read “Cold Comfort Farm” too. The GC Library’s copy of “The Pursuit of Love” I borrowed conveniently has “Love in the Cold Climate” as well in one book, so I can just turn the page and keep reading! Love the library …
great choice Katrina
Thanks Estelle! From your list I’ve added The Secret Keeper and Mr Penumbra’s 24-hour Book Store to my “must get” summer reading list. With my growing pile of books I think it will be my Summer-Easter reading list!
1. THE RED TENT – Anita Diamant. Based on the life of Women from the Book of Genesis and narrated by Jacob’s only daughter Dinah. Even if you have none or little knowledge of the bible this book is vividly beautiful with Dinah’s recount of herself and those around her. You will feel like your sitting in the red tent!.
2. SEX AND THUGS AND ROCK ‘N’ ROLL A year in Kings Cross 1963-1964 – Billy Thorpe. The rock god himself makes you laugh out loud till your crying (on a packed train) and makes you cry as this autobiography of 12months in his life feels like a lifetime of highs and lows. The funniest book I have read!.
3. BREATH – Tim Winton. Winton captures the surf culture and took me back in time to my own childhood living near the ocean. Despair of losing what feels like everything and joy in the simple things like the beauty of the ocean. One of the most memorable books I have had the pleasure of reading and this book confirms Tim Winton is more than a fantastic writer and this book is his best by far.
4. GOD ON A HARLEY – Joan Brady. A book of self discovery, healing, and the truth. A feel good book which is simple to read but has general underlying and obvious lessons for us all.
5. SCAR TISSUE – Anthony Kiedis. From horrific drug addiction, to homelessness and health issues Kiedis triumphs eventually after many years of partying, women and maybe being a result of being surrounded by stars from a young child. An understanding of those who follow the wrong path even though there heart is beautiful. An inspiring person.
My top 5 books are -
#1 The Frozen Thames by Helen Humphreys. This one will cool us all down in our Summer heat! A beautifully presented little book of tales of the freezing of the River Thames in England, from the years 1142 to 1895, when the river did not freeze solidly as it did before 1831 when the new London Bridge was built which did not impede the waters flow as the older bridges had.
#2 The Sparrows of Edward Street by Elizabeth Stead. The main Characted, Aria caries us though a bleak period in her and her family’s life with optimism and humour. I ‘d love to have her on my side in any crisis!
#3 The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. This book is a powerful read set in 1939 Nazi Germany. Though sounding a bleak story it outlines the love of words and books by a small girl, Liesel, who is thrust into unfamiliar territory, in a foster home where she learns to read which changes her life profoundly.
#4 The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barberry. Set in an appartment block in France, This beautifully written book follows the lives of the tennants and the concierge who almost invisibly deals with their needs. Great read!
#5 Coronation Talkies by Susan Karasawa. A delightful read about a woman who travelled to the high country of India to open a Cinema. This one has everything, humour, despair, intrigue…. I loved it and have returned for another read twice more since my first time.
Oh, thanks Jean! I shall have to try The Frozen Thames – it sounds intriguing.
1. The Happiest Refugee by Anh Do – There’s a legitimate reason this won so many awards, as Anh Do’s memoir is as hilarious as it is insightful.
2. America Again: Re-becoming the Greatness We Never Weren’t by Stephen Colbert – I have never laughed out loud at a book before like I did while reading this. Pure comedy gold.
3. The History Of The World According To Facebook by Wylie Overstreet – Short but sweet, this was perfect on a recent short flight. Ridiculously funny.
4. 50 Shades of Grey Matter by Dr Karl Kruszelnicki – One of Australia’s smartest and most trusted people explains the science behind many fun and interesting random topics.
5. Undisputed by Chris Jericho – The second autobiography for Jericho is split evenly between his elite pro-wrestling career and his rise as a legitimate rock star. He simultaneously offers a unique behind-the-scenes view of both the sports-entertainment and music worlds. Amazing stories with great wit and humour, Chris Jericho is as great a writer as he is at everything else.
Great list Alister. Learning and laughing with good books … perfect summer relaxation!
Great list Alister. Perfect time for a laugh. I am going to be heading for the library for these. Estelle
Five books you’ll love to read:
1. Shantaram – by Gregory David Roberts. It’s 1000 pages of laughter, tears and wonder!!
It took me two days to pick it up as it looked truly intimidating a tome to be tackled, but turned out to be amazingly easy and wonderful to read, put down, pick up again and carry on. Loved it!
2. Liz Byrzki’s Last Chance Cafe is a perfect reading for anyone over Fifty!! She’s one of those writers who seem to know what’s in your heart and mind when you reach your senior years. Absolutely gorgeous – you keep thinking, gosh I could have said that, or that could havebeen me talking or thinking. It’s surreal!
3. The Mystery of Mercy Close by Marian Keyes is another thoroughly enjoyable books – very funny with great characters. Helen is back to her detecting and continuing her mad tastes in men and fashion.
4.Harlan Coben’s new book Seconds Away is different in that the young nephew Mickey takes over – enjoyable and very easy reading.
5.The Shoemaker’s Wife by Ariana Trigiana – First book of hers I’ve read and absolutely loved it.
A must read – exotic and joyful
My Five Books are as follows:-
1. SILENT VALLEY by Malla Nunn.
The murder of a beautiful Zulu girl and a Detective determined to solve the mystery. I couldn’t wait to find out who was responsible.
2.THE LIGHT BETWEEN OCEANS by M.L. Stedman.
About a young lighthouse keeper and his wife who live on a remote island. This was a truly beautiful story of love in its many forms and the secrets we keep. I have recommended it to all my friends.
3.THE GOOD DREAM by Donna Van Liere
A story set in a small town in Tennessee in the 50s. It tells the story of a courageous young woman whose love, sacrifice and bravery against all odds saves the life of a small wounded boy. Unforgettable!
4. THE SLAP by Christos Tsiolkas
A family gathering and someone slaps a child who isn’t his. This cleverly written novel is all about relationships and feelings and the characters are so real that you feel you know them.
5.MAN AND BOY by Tony PARSONS About a man left to bring up his son after a marriage break-up. A deeply touching book, made me want to read all his other novels.
Jennifer what a good selection. I loved The Light Between Oceans but I haven’t read any of the others you have chosen but they sound so good I will put them on hold at the library. Thank you.
1. The vanishing act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O’Farrell
A seriously neglected author who writes beautifully about often tragic family relationships.
2. Past the shallows by Favel Parrett
A fabulous Australian book.
3. Acqua alta by Donna Leon
An early Commissario Guido Brunetti book. Fantastic detective fiction set in Venice.
4. The sense of an ending by Julian Barnes
An award winner that is still readable!
5. The grapes of wrath by John Steinbeck
A 20th century classic.
1:Upside Down Inside Out – Monica McInerney, a great read, a great romance (modern).
2: Lola’s secret – Monica McInerney, a great storey told by an Australian author
3: At Home with the Templetons – Monica McInerney, a book to keep you wanting to read more, lots of twists.
4: The Plantation – Di Morrissey – a great story which can you picture in your mind especially when one of the towns is Brisbane.
5: Eurika – Peter Fitzsimmons – a wonderful storyteller about a story that is true. Great to picture it.
Hmm, you’re a bit of a Monica McInerney fan, then Julie? Have to admit I haven’t tried any of hers….yet…but they do look like good Summer reading.
1. Start Where You Are by Pema Chodron
A soothing antidote to modern stresses.
2. You Can’t Drink All Day If You Don’t Start in the Morning by Celia Rivenbark
So funny it made me pee myself.
3. Closing Time By Joe Queenan
The best memoir written by anyone. Ever. Painful to read.
4. Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
Approaching the topic of veganism from a more open-minded, less radical perspective.
5. I Curse The River Of Time by Per Petterson
Beautiful writing, with absolutely nothing lost in the translation. I want to live in Petterson’s books and breathe the air his characters breathe.
1. Definitely a re-read of The Hobbit J R Tolkien
2. Just finished The Fifth Witness by Michael Connelly, part of the Lincoln Laywer series good as always
3. The Slap by Christos Tsiolkas, I keep passing this one by but someone else’s description above means It’s now on my list.
4. People of the Book Geraldine Brooks, so gripping, I’m pleased I made it through the blurb because it was fantastic
5. A Wish and a Prayer Beverly Jenkins warm and funny small town gossip, loved it.
Notorious nineteen by Janet Evanovich
Sure it predictable but it sure is fun. I read it in one sitting and a couple of glasses of wine. There are some laugh out loud moments and an overwhelming desire to eat fatty food when you read Stephanie Plum novel!
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
This became my new favourite book this year. It is one of those reads, like the Time Traveler’s Wife, that you so wish that the events could actually happen. I love a bit of magical realism and I love a circus. Combine the two and I am one happy reader.
The Woman Who Died a Lot (Thursday Next, #7) by Jasper Fforde
There is so much happening in this book that sometimes I wondered if I was going a little loopy. Working in libraries I found the armed library agents most amusing. Fforde is always a clever and funny read.
Andrew Kaufman
Can I pick an author for a favourite Summer read? Andrew Kaufman should be read by more people. His ideas wacky but somehow believable. Again, there is magic realism mixed in with questionable relationships and a dash of odd ball religion. Easy reads and The Tiny Wife is so beautifully presented that you want to just hold on to it.
Carl Hiaasen
As far as a good summer read goes you can’t go part Carl Hiaasen. They are outrageous, politically incorrect adventures mainly set in the Florida Everglades and Miami. If I had to pick I would say Tourist Season.
My 5 favs are:
1) Night Fall, by Nelson deMille – a novel based on true eyewitness accounts that the TWA flight that crashed off Long Island in 1996 was shot down by a missile. A great read, and a clever ending.
2) The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini. I think if I had read the summary of this – I would never have actually read the book. So all I can say is – just read it!
3) Open, by Andre Agassi. The autobiography of his life growing up to be a tennis star. Well written, in some ways shocking, but also witty.
4) Room, by Emma Donoghue. A novel of a woman and child held captive in a shed, seen through the eyes of the child, who has never seen the outside world.
5) The Light Between Oceans, by M L Stedman. A moral dilemma. You think you’ve made the right choice and that it was meant to be. But was it really right?
Loved these books!
January is a readathon month for me. I just abandon all other jobs and hope for rain! .
Best book of the summer:
1 – The Garden of Evening Mists by Tang Twan Eng
this was shortlisted for the Booker 2012 but has never been mentioned since! it is set in malaysia during WWII and the present and follows the writer, a chinese malay. she stayed with friends on a tea plantation in the Cameron Highlands and help build a japanese garden. In the present she returns to the now overgrown garden. The language is very evocative but it is still easy to read.
2 – Two brothers by Ben Elton
I have enjoyed any book I have read by Ben Elton. This one is very readable and about 2 ‘twin brothers’ though not actaully born of the same mother who were born in Berlin in the 1920′s. It has many historical references to life in Berlin at that time.
3 – The light between oceans by M L Steadman
This is a quick read and set in WA on an isolated small island inhabited only by the lighthouse keeper and his wife. a baby girl washed up on the island in a dinghy seems like a gift from God, until they realise who she actually belongs to and guilt sets in and deepens.
4 – Hunting and Gathering by Anna Gavalda (translated from French)
a tale of a mismatched household of (French) strangers. One, a chef, visits his grandmother who needs to no longer live alone but the only alternative is a nursing home. the grandmother is eventually brought to live in his strange household, cared for by himself and a girl who also inhabits the house.
5 – the Crowded Grave by Martin Walker
Set in the French countryside this is a crime/thriller. Makes a good read particularly if you are interested in some local French colour.
Back to my pile of books; I’ve still got 10 days left……….
My 5 favourite summer reads are:
A week in winter by Maeve Binchy
The life and times of call the midwife by Heidi Thomas
His bright light by Danielle steel
A decadent way to die by G.A.McKevett
The mystery of mercy close by Marian Keyes
1. The Little Coffee Shop of Kabul by Deborah Rodriguez
2. Hanoi Stories by Pamela Scott
3. Paris in Love by Eloisa James
4. The Beach by Alex Garland
5. Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
These books are target at mainly teens, they are very relate-able and realistic showing the truth in growing up, all of the books listed are styled in a similar fashion
1) LOOKING FOR ALASKA -John Green
Miles “Pudge” Halter’s was an outsider for most of his life until he heads off to the Culver Creek Boarding School, and there he meets the utterly fascinating Alaska Young, pulling him into her world and turning his upside down.
2) A FAULT IN OUR STARS- John Green
Hazel is a young girl who was diagnosed with cancer at 13. At 16 Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, then comes Augustus Waters. A boy going through the same situation as hazel pushing her to re-evaluate her life and the legacy she will leave behind.
3) THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER- Stephen Chbosky
Charlie was always an outsider, observing in the background until he met two people who changed his life Sam and Patrick, coming from a somewhat dysfunctional home, charlie went through several traumatic experiences and as he grows he is finally able to let go of his past and start a future, with a whole new group of friends by his side.
5) AN ABUNDANCE OF KATHERINES – John Green
Colin Singleton’s the child prodigy has never had any luck with Katherine. He is set out to prove a theory, transforming him from a fading prodigy into a true genius, and finally win him the girl.
6) PAPER TOWNS – John Green
This is a book full of mystery and excitement showing the lives of Quentin Jacobsen and Margo Roth Spiegelman.
5 of my favourite reads are:
The Happiest Refugee, A Memoir by Anh Do.
Left for Dead, the 1979 Fastnet Race – one man’s epic story of survival, by Nick Ward & Sinead O’Brien.
Murder by Family, the incredible true story of a son’s treachery and a father’s forgiveness, by
Kent Whitaker.
The Sins of the Father, by Eammon Duff.
First Time Mum at 50, my inspiring story of overcoming incredible odds, by Anthea Nicholas.
Lots of true life stories for inspiration, thanks Estelle.
We will have the fifth author, Anthea Nicholas, speaking at Robina Branch Library on Thursday 14 February from 10am to 11am. Should be fascinating to hear about her journey as a mum, and as an author.
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
Cloudstreet by Tim Winton
My Brother Jack by George Johnston
Levins God by Roger Wells
Mateship With Birds by Carrie Tiffany
Harlan Coben – Tell No One
The Fifth Assassin – Brad Meltzer
Mrs Lincoln’s Dressmaker – Jennifer Chiaverini
The Racketeer – John Grisham
Winter of the World – Ken Follett
Awesome recommendations everyone, thank you! Over 120 books to read which should mean there’s something here for everyone. The competition is now closed, but please feel free to keep on recommending books on book coasters.
The winners will be contacted and announced here next week.
And the winners are….Estelle, Kim, Belinda and Alicia who were the first four names out of the hat. Well done to you all! You will each have a lovely library bag, containing 10 books for you to enjoy, winging its way to your local branch libraries this week for you to collect. Thanks to everyone who joined in and made recommendations – now I think I need to compile a complete reading list from all of the suggestions.