Hello, dear friends of the FRIDA community!
With summer in full swing, I find myself reminiscing about my favorite childhood memories of long, sun-drenched days spent reading. Picture this: a young me, nestled in the back of our old-timer Citroën DS, embarking on epic road trips to France and Portugal with my parents. Our car was equipped with a special crate brimming with an endless supply of books. As the picturesque landscapes whizzed by, I’d lose myself in stories for hours on end, consuming every book from my stack and then eagerly diving into my mother’s collection. Through these books, I discovered new worlds, encountered profound subjects like women’s rights in Africa, and learned about the oppression of individuals. Those magical hours of reading, uninterrupted by motion sickness, are some of my fondest summer memories.
Though those days of car-bound reading marathons are behind me, my love for summer reading remains as strong as ever. This year, I've carefully curated a summer reading list that I can't wait to dive into during my holiday. Here are the three books I'll be taking with me:
1. Virginia Woolf's "Street Haunting"
First on my list is Virginia Woolf's "Street Haunting." This classic keeps me grounded and connected to the literary greats of the past. In this enchanting essay, Woolf takes us on a seemingly mundane journey through the bustling streets of London, all under the guise of buying a pencil. Yet, as Woolf's keen eye for detail transforms this ordinary errand into an extraordinary meditation on existence, we find ourselves pondering the intimate interplay between the external environment and our inner thoughts.
With her poetic prose, Woolf blurs the boundaries between the self and the world, inviting us to discover the beauty in wandering and the richness in the everyday. This timeless piece reminds us of how our surroundings subtly shape our sense of being, making it a perfect read for those introspective summer moments.
2. Sarah Adams' "When in Rome"
To balance out the heavier classic, I've chosen a light and airy romance: "When in Rome" by Sarah Adams. This charming love story follows Amelia Rose, a pop star burnt out from the pressures of fame, as she escapes to the small town of Rome, Kentucky. Here, she meets Noah Walker, a grumpy yet endearing baker with little patience for celebrity problems.
As Amelia, or Rae Rose to her fans, adjusts to small-town life, she and Noah find themselves drawn to each other in unexpected ways. This delightful tale of opposites attracting is filled with heartwarming moments and the kind of small-town charm that will make you wish you were there. It's the perfect book for a sunny afternoon, offering a sweet escape into a world of romance and self-discovery.
3. Shannon Chakraborty's "The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi"
Lastly, for those who crave excitement and a touch of fantasy, I recommend Shannon Chakraborty's "The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi." This thrilling novel introduces us to Amina, a retired pirate who gets pulled back into a world of magic and mayhem. Tasked with retrieving a kidnapped girl, Amina embarks on one last adventure that promises danger, intrigue, and a quest for glory.
Set against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean, Chakraborty weaves a tale of pirates and sorcerers, forbidden artifacts, and ancient mysteries. Amina's strong, female character and the blend of history and fantasy make this a captivating read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It's the perfect book for anyone looking to add a bit of excitement to their summer reading list.
Your Summer Reading Awaits
All the books I've mentioned are available for purchase in my bookshop, both in our physical store and online. And when you place an order this month, you even get a 10% discount with the code HOMEUNBOUND. So, why not treat yourself to a literary adventure this summer? Happy reading, and may your summer be filled with the joy of great stories!
I hope this blog inspires you to dive into your own summer reading adventures. Feel free to share your thoughts and favorite summer reads in the comments below. Happy holidays and happy reading!
Love,
Gemma
Founder of FRIDA book café
