The summer reads our team simply can't put down
While the holiday season might be reaching its bitter end, there are still plenty of summer weekends to go.
We don't know about you, but we're still looking forward to beach days spent captivated by a book, or something to help us tune out the cricket and the tennis.
We've collected recommendations from our wider team on the summer reads they couldn't put down, and whether you're a fan of fiction, self-improvement, or memoir – there'll be something for you on this list.
NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.
Best thought-provoker
Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention, by Johann Hari
"I've kicked off 2023 with a goal to reduce my reliance on my phone, which feels ambitious. However, British journalist Johann Hari has been the perfect guru. Feeling as though things were getting dire when it came to his phone addiction, Hari packed up his life and moved to a small Cape Cod town for three months, leaving all electronic devices and internet connections behind.
Taking his learnings from his time away from screens, he went on to interview some of the greatest researchers in the fields of willpower, dependency, and tech, putting all his research into Stolen Focus, which answers the question - why can't we pay attention anymore? What he ultimately discovered is that the forces behind our screens that keep us looking and checking and looking and checking are much more insidious than we know.
While this one is available on Kindle or in hardcopy, I'm currently listening to the audiobook version, because ultimately, I am still learning how to pay attention." – Erin
Best autobiography
I'm Glad My Mom Died, by Jennette McCurdy
"My kids grew up watching the TV show iCarly and I have to admit that I really liked it too. Like the rest of the world we thought Carly's sassy sidekick, Sam Puckett, played by Jennette McCurdy, was the true star. We all thought she must have a perfect life behind the lens, but her autobiography, I'm Glad My Mom Died, is an eye opener and one of the most powerful memoirs I've ever read.
"It's a heartbreakingly true account of how Jennette was pretty much forced into stardom by her mum and the years of emotional and physical abuse she suffered. This book is a must read or go one better and buy the audio book read by Jennette herself. It will stay with you long after the final chapter." - Kerri
Best beach read
Carrie Soto Is Back, by Taylor Jenkins Reid
"I devoured the latest novel from Taylor Jenkins-Reid, the same way I do with most of her books. Although I'm a little late to the party (Carrie Soto dropped in August last year), I finally found some time to read this while I laid on the beach over Christmas and New Year. A quick, easy read, this is perfect for your upcoming holiday, or for regaining that summer feeling of polishing off a book in a day or two.
The novel follows US tennis great Carrie Soto, who has come out of retirement at 37 to defend her world record for most grand slam titles held by a woman in the sport. Carrie is abrasive, a little scary, and sometimes downright nasty, but her journey to find a softer side of herself will also have you rooting for her. And with the Australian Open just getting started, there's no better time to read this one!" – Erin.
READ NEXT: Caught the tennis bug? Here's how to bring the Australian Open-style competition into your home
Best fantasy book
The Priory of the Orange Tree, by Samantha Shannon
"Priory of the Orange Tree is such a fun, unique take on the classic fantasy novel and really puts women front and centre in a way you don't always get to see in this genre. The story is told from multiple perspectives that often intertwine and overlap (much like George R. R. Martin's A Song Of Ice And Fire series) and it's so fun to try to piece together the book's twists with the little clues littered throughout each character's chapters. Plus there are multiple queer characters and two of the main characters are women of colour, which is really refreshing for a mainstream fantasy novel." – Maddison
Best political book
Not Now, Not Ever, by Julia Gillard
"As someone who has always been interested in news and politics, I was excited to read Not Now, Not Ever. Most people would be familiar with Julia Gillard's misogyny speech but I found the detailed context Julia gave about the events leading up to the speech very interesting.
The book takes a deep dive into misogyny, with various contributors examining different aspects. It had a great balance of information and storytelling to keep me engaged. I felt grateful for the knowledge the book gave me because it's already helped me in everyday life. If everyone read this book, the world would be a much better place." - Lucy
Best biography
Anna: The Biography, by Amy Odell
"As someone who always wanted to work in media, I was also obsessed with high-profile figures in the media – and they don't get much bigger than Anna Wintour, the famed editor-in-chief of Vogue. Anna: The Biography by journalist Amy Odell doesn't have any direct input from Wintour, but it's the most official version of a biography we're likely to get, since Wintour gave many of her close associates the OK to speak with Odell for the book.
The juiciest parts are the chapters about Wintour's time at Vogue and her relationships with various people, but it was also interesting to learn about her upbringing – her father, Charles Wintour, was the editor of the London Evening Standard for a number of years and a big inspiration to her – and how she rose the ranks at Conde Nast. This is a woman who kept her eyes firmly on the prize and I was impressed with how she navigated her career to get to where she is now. I read it mostly on trains while travelling through Italy, and while I do recommend it, it is a chunky book to lug around – if you have a Kindle you're better off carrying the digital version!" - Jessica
Best fiction
Seeing Other People, by Diana Reid
"After two years of lockdown, sisters Eleanor and Charlie are ready to restart their lives. However, after those two years, they need to figure out what they really want from life and from each other.
"Reid's rich and deep tale brings up so many emotions and feelings younger Aussies are feeling at the moment and have felt during the pandemic in terms of where their lives and relationships are heading. It's a genuine take on what young adulthood is really like while being witty and engaging." - Sam
Whereabouts, by Jhumpa Lahiri
"Whereabouts is a book about everything and nothing. We follow the main character through the mundanity of her everyday life in an unnamed Italian city and the thoughts that swirl through her head as she undergoes her silly little tasks.
I'm so drawn to the book because that is exactly what I do, acting like both a main character in my own head but a supporting character in the grand scheme of things. I also feel inexplicably drawn to it because, like me, the author is Bengali. And even though there is no mention of the character's race, or even of her appearance, it makes it that much easier to slot myself into her life. If you love easy going reads that encapsulate the human experience, this book is for you." – Madhurima
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, by V.E. Schwab
"A really different read which spans history, from modern New York City to France hundreds of years ago and has a sweet love story at its heart. It's a fantasy book which managed to successfully blend real life with make-believe. It made me want to read other books by this author." – Sarah
Best non-fiction
The Patient Doctor, by Dr Ben Bravery
"Ben Bravery's book The Patient Doctor is about how the Sydney man was diagnosed with bowel cancer – and then went on to retrain as a GP. It's a surprisingly interesting insight into hospitals with anecdotes which will stay with you. Fans of the popular book and TV show This is Going to Hurt will love it." - Sarah
Best self-help
Investing with She's on the Money, by Victoria Devine
"My finances owe a lot to Victoria Devine. Having graduated from her first book She's on the Money, I'm now dipping my toes into investing with the help of her latest release. It's full of helpful (general, of course) advice, that's easy to understand for anyone who finds investing overwhelming (i.e. me!).
"This quick read will have you making sensible money decisions, without the stress, or confusion. It's one of those books you'll write in, dog-ear pages, and bookmark to return to as you progress on your investing journey. And then gift copies to every woman you know!" - Carina
Best of the 'COVID-era'
How High We Go in the Dark, by Sequoia Nagamatsu
"The novel follows scientist Dr. Cliff Miyashiro who is continuing his late daughter's scientific work, when he discovers a brand new virus that can take the world apart. From there, the novel follows the impacts of this virus on the world (it should be noted this virus is nothing like COVID-19, so don't fear, there won't really be any triggers that take you back to lockdown 2020).
"As the world becomes so accustomed to death, crazy concepts and ideas take over – including a euthanasia theme park. I won't give much else away, but just be assured, it is epic." - Kate
Best tear-jerker
Found, Wanting, by Natasha Sholl
"I'm a crier which is probably why I'm drawn to books about grief. Found, Wanting by Natasha Sholl tells the story of how one Valentine's Day, her partner Rob – who is only 27 – dies.
It's refreshingly honest, raw, and at times, funny and dark as she navigates her way through the grief landscape. As anyone who has lost anyone knows, there is no right way to grieve, no linear process and no set timeline. It's learning to live with loss; something Sholl has encapsulated perfectly in her book." - Sindy
Best of Australia
Heartstrong, by Ellidy Pullin
Written by the widow of Australian Winter Olympic snowboarder Alex 'Chumpy' Pullin, author Ellidy takes you through all the feelings of grief and despair after losing her partner and how she coped with the thoughts of living without him.
Her steps towards motherhood and the baby she and Alex dreamt of make for a touching tale that will tug at your heartstrings. It's a heartbreaking yet beautiful glimpse into how tragedy can be turned into something wonderful.
Best of the Royals
The Palace Papers: Inside the House of Windsor, the Truth and the Turmoil, by Tina Brown
"This brick-sized book is the ultimate guide to the biggest scandals, events and key players of the British royal family. From the marriage of Queen Elizabeth to Prince Philip, Camilla's enduring love affair with King Charles, Prince William and Kate's fairy tale union to Prince Harry's turbulent teens, this book really does cover it all. It investigates the damaging phone-hacking scandal and how it hurt the younger royals the most and takes an in-depth look at the monarchy's newest member Meghan Markle and why the Prince Andrew affair has been so damaging.
"The author describes the book as one Meghan should have read before she married into the royal family to give her a better understanding of the monarchy's innerworkings, including the highs and lows of royal life. The book covers more than 25 years of history and is a fascinating insight into the House of Windsor." - Natalie
READ NEXT: The best autobiographies to read in 2023