Milly~ My Top 3 YA Summer Reads
‘Be a little kinder than you have to’
This novel centres around the Synclairs, a rich and beautiful family who spend their summer holidays every year on their private island of Beechwood. The four teenagers of the family- Cady, Gat, Johnny and Mirren, fondly nicknamed the ‘liars’- create countless memories and have endless fun each year. However, one summer, there is a terrible accident and Cady is found washed up on the beach with severe brain trauma which means she cannot remember what has happened. Two years later, Cady returns to Beechwood, determined to remember what the rest of the family want desperately to forget. The plot twist at the end took me completely by surprise and I would 100% recommend this book to read by the pool or at the beach on holiday!
2) The Midnight Library, Matt Haig
‘The only way to learn is to live’
You know when someone asks you for a book recommendation and your mind immediately jumps to one particular book? Well, this is that book for me! The protagonist, Nora Seed, lives a bleak and monotonous life in her hometown of Bedford and one night, she decides to commit suicide. However, when she does this, she is transported to the Midnight Library, a magical place between life and death. The library is filled with infinite shelves and each book on these shelves represents a different life which Nora has the chance to try. Will she ever find a life in which she feels happy and fulfilled? This book and the questions it raises will stay with you for a long time.
3) The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Taylor Jenkins Reid
‘When you’re given an opportunity to change your life, be ready to do whatever it takes to make it happen’
I read this novel on holiday and found myself completely immersed in Evelyn’s world. This book tells the story of a low-level journalist called Monique Grant who is hired by the retired but ever-glamorous Hollywood star, Evelyn Hugo, to write her biography. However, as the tale unfolds, it becomes apparent that Monique and Evelyn’s lives are interlinked in a way that could have unforgivable consequences. Evelyn’s character holds so much depth and intrigue and that is just one of the things which makes this such a compelling read. I really didn’t expect to enjoy this book as much as I did but Jenkins Reid’s exploration of the price of fame is so engaging and unique that I promise you will fall in love with it.
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