What To Read This Summer: As Recommended By Natio Staff
When the warm golden light and long summer days roll in, there’s a natural inclination to slow down and soak in life’s simple pleasures. Summertime brings ocean swims, weekends away and time with family.
At Natio, we cherish these moments and in particular an activity that pairs perfectly with this season of relaxation: reading!
Reading a book is a moment of self-care bringing a mental escape from the daily grind whisking us away in a good story. Whether you’re in a hammock or a picnic chair, a book is the perfect companion to unwind. I asked the readers of Natio what books they would recommend as a great summer read to help get you started.
Josh from supply chain recommends…
The Catcher In the Rye by J.D.Salinger
Catcher in the Rye is a classic for a good reason - after each read, it gives something important back to you. Its like a warm blanket that you can (and probably should) cuddle up in and read all in one night. Holden (the main character) is so easy to relate to, like a good friend in high school that you don’t talk to anymore, or a family friend that you spent summers with in your teens. Being an adult can be phoney at times and its very fulfilling to move that from the back of your mind and let it live the front for a bit. Life isn’t always the adventure you want or plan for, but there is wisdom in making mistakes and ultimately, despite the ups and downs, you’re on the right track!
Jacinta from digital marketing recommends…
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
This book is in my top 3 books ever. I read it last summer and couldn't put it down (sorry family who I was staying with at the time)! This book is beautifully written, powerful, poignant, heartbreaking and funny all at the same time. It's a coming-of-age story of a boy growing up in the Appalachian Mountains during the 90's who has many odds stacked against him but as dark as this book can get there are shiny bright spots that will reach your heart. This book is a thick one, but every sentence is remarkable.
Ali from product and marketing recommends…
Oryx and Crake, Margaret Atwood
I’m a sucker for a thought-provoking page turner and I absolutely relish a dystopian fiction novel that keeps you enthralled from beginning to end. One of my favourites is from Margaret Atwood’s Madd Adam trilogy, Oryx and Crake which delves into the dark consequences of genetic engineering, environmental degradation, and corporate greed in a futuristic future. Atwood weaves a chilling narrative that questions the ethical boundaries of science, the fragility of human civilization, and the nature of love and loyalty.
This novel makes a fantastic summer read because it’s thought-provoking yet accessible, blending speculative fiction with a thrilling plot. Its vivid imagery and sharp commentary invite deep reflection on current societal and environmental issues, making it not just entertaining but also intellectually enriching. If you enjoy stories that challenge the status quo and spark big conversations, Oryx and Crake is an excellent choice.
Yvette our Account Manager recommends…
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
The Midnight Library is one of my all-time favourite books. This book centers around Nora who believes that her life isn’t worth living anymore and attempts suicide. Nora wakes up to discover that she is in the space between life and death known as The Midnight Library. Nora is given the opportunity to take the paths of life that she didn’t choose and see what her life might have been like had she made different decisions. Not a self-help book but thought provoking and a reminder that the grass isn’t always greener.
Diana our Copywriter recommends…
Naked by David Sedaris
If you’re after a summer read that’ll have you laughing out loud, this collection of bite-sized, bitingly funny stories is a winner. Written with dark, self-deprecating humour, this offbeat collection of nonfiction-ish mini memoirs delves into the hilarious and often deeply personal moments from the author's life, exploring quirky family dynamics and bizarre social encounters, an excruciating coming of age and ongoing wild misadventures in adulthood. Smart, funny, and just the right amount of weird, Naked is the kind of book you can easily dip in and out of - perfect for beach days or lazy afternoons. Recommend!