The Power of a Perfect Summer Read
When you imagine the ideal summer escape, it’s likely that a book is part of that vision. Not just any book, but the one you’ve been saving to dive into on a sun-drenched terrace, or waiting to open as a plane takes you high above the clouds, or getting lost in as a train glides through scenic landscapes. This book is more than entertainment. When chosen thoughtfully, it can offer space for reflection, reset your emotional rhythms, or help you feel like yourself again after months of busy life.
So why do so many of us get our holiday reading wrong? According to bibliotherapist, counsellor, and author Bijal Shah, the key to selecting a summer read lies less in genre and more in psychology. In her book Bibliotherapy: The Healing Power of Reading, Shah explores how the right book at the right time can act as a form of therapy—not in a clinical sense, but in a deeper, personal way that stories reach us where other things cannot.
“Reading is not just a leisure activity, but an intimate form of self-care—especially on holiday, when we finally create space to pause,” she explains.
What Makes a Good Holiday Read?
According to Shah, the belief that a holiday read must be “easy” is a myth. The most impactful summer reads aren’t necessarily those that can be quickly devoured without much thought—they’re the ones that align with what you need emotionally at that moment.
“From a bibliotherapeutic perspective, a perfect holiday read is one that meets the reader where they are emotionally and gently nudges them toward where they might want to be,” she says. “If you’re seeking escape, it might transport you; if you’re feeling stagnant, it might awaken a new part of you. So it doesn’t always need to be ‘light’—it just needs to be what your psyche is quietly calling out for.”
This inner resonance is crucial. The goal isn’t to tick off reading goals or chase trends. It’s about finding a story that reflects something back to you—something you might not even realize you’re looking for. “A sense of connection to the writer or narrative is key,” Shah emphasizes. “Resonating with its themes is a big part of engaging with a book emotionally.”
How Destination Influences Your Reading
While your emotional state should guide your reading, the destination also plays a role. According to Shah, where you are physically changes how you connect with a book. “A mountain retreat might suit a meditative memoir or nature writing. A vibrant city break could pair well with contemporary fiction or urban poetry. The physical and emotional energy of a place can mirror or complement the story you’re engaging with.”
She also suggests reading stories set in the location you’re visiting to add cultural depth to your travel experience. “Reading Sayaka Murata while in Tokyo, for instance, or Karen Blixen on a trip to Kenya can enhance the journey.”
But contrast can be powerful too. “Reading dystopia in paradise can cast light on privilege, just as magical realism in the mundane can refresh your perspective on daily life,” she adds.
The Best Genres for Rest
It doesn’t matter if it’s a thriller or a romcom—“any book or genre that we enjoy or connect with can induce rest,” says Shah. However, some genres tend to be better suited for this purpose.
Literary fiction is particularly effective. “It is usually character-driven rather than plot-driven, which allows readers to connect deeply with the protagonist’s emotional journey,” she explains. “That resonance helps readers acknowledge and process their own emotions, which can lead to a form of catharsis.”
Memoirs offer a similar experience with the added weight of real-life transformation. “They often follow a narrative arc similar to fiction, but knowing it’s a true story can make it even more affecting,” she says.
Poetry, too, can deliver powerful emotional shifts in a short time. “The lyrical, metaphorical, and rhythmic nature of poetry allows us to connect with emotions more immediately,” Shah explains. “It’s perfect for reading mindfully—even when time is short.”
Avoiding Common Summer Reading Pitfalls
Even committed readers often struggle when packing for a trip. According to Shah, one of the most common traps is what she calls “status reading”—bringing a classic or culturally important book out of obligation, not desire.
“Packing that dense literary classic you’ve meant to read for years—or because you feel you should—can backfire. It’s not about what looks good. It’s about what will actually nourish you now.”
Another issue is over-packing. “Bringing too many books can create pressure to read them all and take away from the restorative nature of reading,” she says. “It becomes about getting through them, not enjoying them. Sometimes just that one book that is calling out to you is key.”
Readers also tend to forget that their mood might shift once they arrive. That thrilling page-turner might not match the calm you feel after three days of no emails. Or something that felt therapeutic when packing might feel heavy by the pool. That’s why Shah recommends packing at least two contrasting reads—one for stimulation, one for escapism, for instance—to allow for emotional flexibility.
Format also matters. If you’re travelling light or won’t have long stretches of reading time, “then perhaps a short story or essay collection might be suitable, or listening to an audiobook while travelling to your destination,” she says.
The Five Types of Book for a Perfectly Curated Reading List
If you’re heading off for a longer break, Shah recommends thinking about your book choices the way you’d pack clothes—with function, mood, and purpose in mind.
Depending on how long you are away, she suggests a five-book framework that she often uses with clients. Start with an “anchor book,” which is something emotionally nourishing or affirming. Add a “challenger”—a book that stretches or provokes you, whether by theme, form, or genre. Include both an “escape book”—something purely immersive and page-turning—and a “companion book,” which could be nonfiction or poetry that mirrors your inner journey. Then, last but not least, “the wildcard”—a book chosen spontaneously and often the one that surprises you the most.
Having this mix of books will also afford you some flexibility in case you don’t end up enjoying any of your choices. “If you’re not connecting with a book, do not feel compelled to finish it,” she says.
Recommended Reads for Your Summer Escape
Asked for universal recommendations, Shah doesn’t hesitate. “Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman,” she says. “It’s beautifully written, quietly profound, and offers a deeply satisfying emotional arc. It’s healing without being heavy, with a protagonist who grows on you.”
Another favourite is The Summer Book by Tove Jansson. “It’s set on an island, full of tender wisdom, and quietly philosophical. It’s the kind of book that resets your nervous system.”
As for what she’s reading herself this summer, Shah’s stack is as intentional as you’d expect. First up is The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter, an “anchor book” which she will be re-reading. “It is a brilliant feminist reworking of classic fairy tales, deeply empowering.”
For a dose of escapism, she is also looking forward to reading The Vanishing World by Sayaka Murata. “She’s one of my favourite Japanese authors, and her writing is always a refreshing and radical challenge to societal norms.”
And finally, she is packing The Next Day by Melinda French Gates. “I was lucky enough to see her speak in London recently, and her reflections on change, identity, and transitions are something I feel many of us need right now. It is the perfect reminder that reading can be one of the most transformative parts of a holiday—not because it takes us away from ourselves, but because it returns us to ourselves.”