What are you reading this summer? From buzzed new bestsellers to enduring old favourites, take some inspiration from the ELLE team...

Go Set A Watchman by Harper Lee

Nominated by Culture Director, Lena de Casparis

The book everyone will be Instagraming from their sun loungers this year will be Go Set A Watchman by Harper Lee. I’ve only read the first chapter so far but I’m already hooked. The story is almost a follow on from To Kill A Mockingbird, and sees Jean Louise Finch (that’s Scout taking her baptised name) return from New York to visit her dad Atticus, now 72, in Maycomb. Of course, expectations are huge – To Kill A Mockingbird was, and still is, mine and many other’s favourite book, but no matter the review, this will be one I read immediately. 

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

Nominated by Debbie Morgan, Head of Editorial Business Management

'Having fallen in love with Donna Tartt after reading The Secret History, I was desperate to read The Goldfinch. And it does not disappoint. An un-put-downable book from the off, it is Tartt at her best. Dramatic, thrilling and unforgettable – I want more. Please let it not be a ten year wait for the next novel!'

Freedom by Jonathan Franzen

Nominated by Natalie Lukaitis, Beauty & Health Freelancer 

When I finished this book I felt like like I’d lost a family I knew really well. There’s no mystery to it, it doesn’t have any crazy twists but the way Franzen writes makes you feel as though you’re not just reading a book, but watching the characters in their day to day life like a fly on the wall. It’s engrossing.

The Life-Changing Art of Tidying Up by Marie KondoNominated by Maggie Wicks, Deputy Chief Sub Editor

I am already an anti-hoarder but having read this book, I can't wait to blitz my place of everything that isnt needed or wanted – clothing, books, that drawer full of pins, lightbulbs and rubber bands. This book is inspiration for a serious summer clear-out – and you can finish it in a weekend. 

His Dark Materials by Phillip Pullman

Nominated by Sunil Makan, Picture Editor: Multimedia

I just love getting lost in the otherworldliness of this book and I am positively enamored with all the characters names, like Lyra Belacqua and Serafena Pekkala. Just brilliant. I probably read this book once a year and it never gets old. 

The Road by Cormac McCarthy

Nominated by Rosie Williams, Freelance Fashion Assistant

This book came highly recommended by my boyfriend so it’s on my list for the summer. It’s supposed to be a chilling read and I love to be spooked.

You by Caroline Kepnes

Nominated by Fern Ross, Chief Sub Editor/Production Editor

I loved Gone Girl, so I'm looking forward to getting stuck into this book, another thriller, this summer.

Bossypants by Tina Fey and and Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay

Nominated by Kenya Hunt, Acting Content Director

Two favourites that I've been returning to throughout the year for inspiration, LOLs, motivation and it's-not-just-me reassurance. Love them both. 

Personal by Lee Child

Nominated by Billie Bhatia, Fashion Assistant

The Jack Reacher books are all I want to read at the moment: a (really hot) ex military police officer keeps finding himself in tricky situations where he has to save the day. The stories usually involve a strong female lead who Jack falls for and the descriotions are heart racing. There are 19 in the series and they don't have to be read in order. 

Headshot of Hannah Swerling
Hannah Swerling
Content Director
Hannah Swerling is ELLE's Content Director. She is a shameless TV addict and serial T-shirt buyer, never leaves the house without her headphones and loves Beyoncé more than you.