Discover the best books for summer 2023

Whether it’s a page-turner for the beach or a doorstopper to make the most of a lazy staycation, your local bookshop is the perfect place to pick up your holiday reads. There are hundreds of brilliant, and brilliantly unique, bookshops across the UK and Ireland – so plenty of options for spending your National Book Tokens over the summer!

We’ve picked 14 highlights of the season, from novels and short stories to memoir, picture books and YA fiction, all of which you’ll find on the shelves (or a speedy order away) at your local bookshop. For more inspiration, head to your local independent to pick up your free copy of the Summer Books catalogue, bursting with ideas for your TBR pile. Plus, look out for Booktime, the bibliophile’s free magazine, which is your gateway to author interviews, in-depth book reviews, book roundups, and quizzes – available in an independent bookshop near you!

Find your nearest bookshops

Young Mungo by Stuart Douglas

The second novel from the Booker Prize-winning author of Shuggie Bain. Protestant Mungo and Catholic James should be sworn enemies in their working class Glasgow world. But they are falling in love, and this spells danger…

Best of Friends by Kamila Shamsie

A novel following friends Zahra and Maryam, which moves between Karachi in 1988 and London in the present day. Their friendship has always felt unbreakable – can it be undone by one decision?

Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagasawa

A quirky Japanese novel about love and the healing power of books. It is set in Tokyo in a dusty second bookshop in the Jimbocho district, owned by Takako’s uncle Satoru.

The Satsuma Complex by Bob Mortimer

The debut novel by comedian Bob Mortimer, this is an funny and clever story. Gary Thorn  goes to the pub and finds himself on a mission to track down a mysterious girl who was reading a book called The Satsuma Complex.

Marple by Various Authors

A brand new collection of short stories featuring the Agatha Christie’s legendary detective Jane Marple, penned by twelve remarkable bestselling and acclaimed authors.

Nature Poems by Deborah Alma

More than 100 poems about Britain's nature in a beautifully illustrated book. Seven chapters touch on different aspects of the British countryside, including seasons, birds and wildlife, woods, water, moors and mountains.

A Pocketful of Happiness by Richard E. Grant

A heartfelt memoir from Richard E. Grant, which celebrates the life of his wife Joan Washington, who died in 2021. Her final challenge to him was to find ‘a pocketful of happiness in every day’.

The Earth Transformed by Peter Frankopan

A major history of how a changing climate has dramatically shaped the development — and demise — of civilisations across time, from the internationally bestselling author, Peter Frankopan.

The Full English by Stuart Maconie

Join Stuart Maconie on an enlightening, entertaining journey through England, from Bristol's Banksy to Durham's beaches, from Cotswolds corduroy to Stoke's oatcakes. A deft blend of travel, history and politics.

Sea Change: Save Our Oceans edited by Tobias Hickey

Original images and messages from fifty international illustrators capture the beauty of oceanic life and the urgency of the dangers it faces. Each illustrator has provided an image of sealife, with a message of inspiration.

For ages 5+

A Hero Like Me by Angela Joy & Jen Reid, illustrated by Leire Salaberria

A picture book that empowers children to have courage to stand up for what is right and be their own hero. It tells of how a statue of Edward Colston was

was toppled into Bristol Harbour and author Jen Reid became a symbol of power.

For ages 5+

Where the River Takes Us by Lesley Parr

A thrilling historical adventure set against a backdrop of the 1970s miners' strikes. Brothers Jason and Richie are struggling to survive since the death of their parents. Then Jason hears a rumour of a wild cat roaming the valleys…

For ages 9+

Nic Blake & The Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy by Angie Thomas

Bestselling author Angie Thomas makes her middle grade debut with the launch of a contemporary fantasy trilogy inspired by African American history and folklore.

For ages 9+

Broken Hearts & Zombie Parts by William Hussey

A Big Gay Rom-Zom-Com with Heart. Jesse Spark has a broken heart and in a few short weeks he’ll require major surgery. Can he shoot his epic zombie movie before then? And will he fall in love on the way?

For ages 13+

Get your summer reading from your local bookshop

Whatever your plans this summer, don't forget your National Book Tokens! Whether you're on holiday at home in the UK or Ireland, or looking for some riveting reads for your long-haul vacation, there are hundreds of local bookshops ready to accept your gift cards - and to recommend the best reads for the summer months.

Find a bookshop

Quiz: what's your holiday reading style?

We may holiday in different ways, but we all agree that taking a good book on our travels is a must. Take our quiz to find out what type of book matches your holiday style.

Are you a memory-maker or a trend-spotter?