As the weather gets hotter, and grazing by the pool becomes the new normal, the Carrot Editorial Team share their favourite summer reads.

With temperatures reaching up to 40C, sunbathing by the pool feels like heaven; but as you’re treating your body to some well-deserved Vitamin D (make sure you put sunscreen on first though!), why not stimulate your brain too with some light reading? Here are the Carrot Team’s favourite summer reads to help you pass the time AND take you on an adventure.

Arya Jyothi – Editor-in-Chief

Second First Impressions by Sally Thorne

As a self-confessed romantic, I love a good romance novel so this one was an easy choice. I actually only finished reading it a few weeks ago, and I really enjoyed the light enemies-to-lovers trope. But it’s not all romance; the book covers a lot of different themes – each intertwined within both the main characters, Ruthie and Teddy, as well as the supporting characters – including ambition, loneliness, social justice, change and friendship.

It’s a sweet, easy-to-read love story which I couldn’t put down. There’s one piece of dialogue from the book that stuck with me: “My mother says in any relationship, there’s an adorer and and adoree. One who loves and the one who is loved. You’ll need to know which one you are.” Make of that quote what you will; I don’t know how accurate or inaccurate it is, but that’s the kind of book it is – it makes you think, and maybe even hope…

Megan Geall – Executive Editor

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

If you were a bookworm in the early 2010s then you’ll most likely know the hype around this book. Reading the book in approximately two sittings, the novel left its mark on my literary wall of fame. It’s difficult to share many details of the book without spoiling anything but here goes:

The story takes place on a private island off the coast of Massachusetts, where the Sinclair family spends their summers. Cadence narrates her story, describing the lives of the family and the ‘Liars’; her two oldest cousins, Gat and herself. Cadence and Gat fell in love when she was fourteen, but Cadence suffers an accident and doesn’t recall much. Suffering from migraines and on pain medication, her recovery journey is lonely with the Liars losing contact with her.

Reunited this summer, the Liars and the Sinclair family are a beautiful but privileged family that are, in fact, broken and surrounded by lies, delusion and tragedy. It is only at the very end that you realise what the lies and the truths really are.

Alessandra Iellamo – Managing Editor

Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardino Evaristo

After hearing so much about this book, I was incredibly keen to read it. She writes about a broad and diverse spectrum of black women’s voices, all distinct, from different backgrounds, ages, roots, class, occupations, families and sexuality. Thoroughout her book, she touches on a lot of important themes such as race, living and surviving in a white dominant culture, its implications and repercussions, the broad way of thinking when it comes to the definition of black and identity. I found this book to be profoundly moving, beautifully written, very sensitive, compassionate, so human and ingenious in its portrayal and focus on women, with their similarities and connections. Highly recommend.

Cerys Williams – PR and Communications Director

Two Nights in Lisbon by Chris Pavone

One of the best releases right now, the book is set in Lisbon over the Fourth of July weekend. An American woman finds herself entangled with the Portuguese police, CIA, and a harassing journalist after her husband is kidnapped. When the kidnappers demand €3million for her husband’s safe return, she is forced to contact the one person she hates most in the world. A complex thriller filled with secrets and lies, this book is so addictive that I read it all in one day.

Ruth Almodal – Politics and Current Affairs Editor

The Gods Lie by Kaori Ozaki 

I read this in two sittings (only because I had to sleep in between)! An incredibly short and bittersweet manga about two kids spending a summer together and falling in love. The story and art are beautifully heartbreaking, but it was a wonderful experience to read Kaori’s renderings of the flutterings of first love. 

Milena Cherry – CityNews Editor

Circe by Madeline Miller

As a Greek mythology geek, I was gripped by Circe from the first page. Miller’s commitment to detail absorbs you into the story and makes you feel like you’re sharing the journey with Circe. It’s a cinematic adventure that’ll stay with you forever.

Alex Lawrence – Arts and Culture Editor

Still Me by JoJo Moyes 

Still Me is the third book based on the love story that stole the nation’s hearts in Me Before You when the book was adapted into a film. It follows Louisa Clark arriving in New York ready to start a new life, confident that she can embrace this new adventure, keep her relationship with Ambulance Sam alive, and learning to discover who she is. I love this book because it is funny, romantic and poignant. But because I’m not a massive reader, I like how I could easily follow the storyline just as I felt all the emotions when watching the Me Before You film.

Kira Richards – Opinions Editor 

Love In Colour by Bolu Babalola

Love In Colour is a bold retelling of the oldest mythical tales in history, reimagined by writer Bolu Babalola. The book envelopes readers into intricate worlds, following relationships in every form, spanning friendships, romances and familial ties. My favourite thing about the book is the way Babalola plunges her audience into deeply satisfying tales that feel like masterclass in romantic storytelling, even when they end on a cliffhanger or take an unexpected twist! The anthology makes essential summer reading, perfect to dive into on a long beach day, or even dipping into a chapter or two during a packed summer’s day.

Megan Hales – Head of Social Media

A Room with a View by E. M. Forster

This is a really beautiful (old) book set in Italy in the summer all about forbidden love in the Edwardian Era of England. It’s romantic and funny at times. The beautiful description of Italy will get get you wanting to go to Florence this summer!

Michaela Vickers – Social Media Manager

My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

Really great summer read because it’s light and short, perfect for a beach holiday or plane ride! The thriller element will keep you gripped! 

Zainab Iqbal – Social Media Manager

Beach Read by Emily Henry

This incredible romance book has two main characters who are incredibly relatable and have such depth and vulnerability that we see personal growth alongside the adorable budding romance! A truly fun read. 

Read more: Harry’s House: Home is Where the Harry is