With summer here, it's finally a chance for us to actually be able to sit down with good book, be it while laying on a beach on holiday, or just in the backgarden on a gorgeous sunny day! To help with your summer read options, we at HELLO! have rounded up our top ten favourite reads of 2017. From romance to sci-fi, there is something for everyone on this list! Click through to see our choices...
1. Truly Madly Guilty – Lianne Moriarty
From the author of Big Little Lies, Truly Madly Guilty follows two best friends who are both haunted by a terrible, tragic incident that took place at a barbeque months before. We don't want to spoil too much, but much like the mystery of Big Little Lies, this is a novel that will keep you reading right up until the last page.
2. Orbiting Jupiter - Gary D. Schmidt
A short read perfect for a day at the beach, Orbiting Jupiter follows Jack, a teenager whose parents foster a troubled 14-year-old who is the father of a baby girl, Joseph. As Jack begins to understand and connect with Joseph, his terrible history begins to come out into the open, as well as his fierce desire to be reunited with his daughter. Be sure to have tissues at the ready!
3. The Last Piece of My Heart – Paige Toon
This wonderful and witty novel follows Bridget, a successful journalist who wants to turn her brilliant relationship blog into a novel. However, after receiving nothing but rejection letters, she ends up accepting a new project: to complete the sequel to a bestselling novel written by a Nicole Dupré, who passed away before the work was finished.
4. The Power – Naomi Alderman
The Power follows four characters and how their lives change when women develop a power that makes them physically stronger than men. The novel is a dark look at what would happen if gender inequalities were subverted, and doing so sheds light on the glaring problems in our society today. Not only is it a novel that makes you think, it is a truly great read.
5. Amber Green Takes Manhattan - Rosie Nixon
When Amber Green's TV producer boyfriend Rob reveals he has been offered a job in New York, Amber Green can't wait to accompany him to get into the incredible fashion industry of Manhattan. However, not everything goes to plan! A fun adventure for anyone who loves fashion, this is the perfect book to enjoy during your summer holiday!
6. Small Great Things – Jodi Picoult
Described as the "To Kill a Mockingbird of the 21st century", the novel focuses on the aftermath of a newborn baby dying in hospital after the baby's parents, white supremacists, order the on-duty nurse not to touch their child. Charged with a serious crime, Ruth must try to keep her family together while the court case becomes a media sensation.
7. All the Good Things – Clare Fisher
Beth is in prison after committing a crime so bad that she doesn't think she deserves to be happy ever again. However, her counsellor has her write down all of the good things in her life in an attempt to help Beth comes to terms with her life.
8. The Heart's Invisible Furies – John Boyne
From the author of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, this novel follows Cyril Avery, a young gay man growing up in Ireland in the twentieth century, through his life. Full of highs and heartbreaking lows, it is a novel that will stay with you long after you have read the last page.
9. Sorry to Disrupt the Peace - Patty Yumi Cottrell
After Helen's adoptive brother kills himself, she returns to her hometown to look into his death. On returning, she reunites with her family and her brother's friends and comes to terms with his death. Full of dark humour, Patty's debut novel has been highly praised, and is most definitely worth the read.
10. The Hate U Give – Angie Thomas
16-year-old Starr is devastated after witnessing the fatal shooting of one of her best friends at the hands of a police officer. Torn between two worlds but desperate for justice, Starr struggles to come to terms with Khalil's death while dealing with negative media, false reports and the community's reaction to the murder.
11. The Handmaid's Tale – Margaret Atwood
Although this dystopian novel was published in 1985, it has one of the year's most talked about books thanks to the harrowing TV adaptation starring Elisabeth Moss and Samira Wiley. After birth rates dramatically decreases in the USA, women capable of bearing children are rounded up and forced to act as surrogates for wealthy families. The story follows Offred, a handmaid who is desperate to survive and find her daughter while knowing that she can trust no one. A devastating yet compulsive read.
