Summer is just around the corner, and we’re drawn outside whenever we can. But not every moment has to be active – sometimes it’s about simply unwinding. And what better way to do that than with a good book, a comfortable chair or hammock, and your favorite drink?
We can’t imagine summer without a great read, so we’ve put together 8 book recommendations from our team to accompany you through the season.
For those who love stories of inspiring women:
Michelle Marly:
Die Diva: Maria Callas – die größte Sängerin ihrer Zeit und das Drama ihrer Liebe
Maria Callas, the greatest singer of her time, lived a life full of drama. Exploited by her mother, betrayed by her first husband, and abandoned by the love of her life, even her extraordinary voice came at a price.
This beautifully written novel takes us on a journey through the life of the iconic diva Maria Callas and reveals her emotional depth. Especially captivating is her love story with Aristotle Onassis, a heartbreak she seemingly never overcame.
Cho Nam-Joo:
Kim Jiyoung, geboren 1982
Kim Jiyoung lives in Seoul with her husband and baby. After leaving her job to care for her child, she begins to show unusual symptoms, and her personality seems to fragment.
This international bestseller from Korea portrays the life of a woman who represents many young women in South Korea. It’s hard to put down, as many readers will find moments they can deeply relate to.
An absolute MUST-read!
For travel lovers and adventurers:
Raynor Winn:
Der Salzpad
Moth and Raynor have lost everything: their home, their money, their health. With nothing left to lose, they pack their few belongings and a small tent into a backpack and set out on the famous English coastal trail, the South West Coast Path. Along the way, they face countless challenges, exposing themselves daily to wind and weather – and the risk of being discovered while wild camping.
The book tells the true story of Moth and Raynor Winn, whose lives have been shaped by more than one cruel twist of fate. As you read, you suffer, laugh, and hope alongside them – only to close the book at the end feeling uplifted and inspired, dreaming of setting off on your own hiking adventure.
Joey und Luke Kelly:
Bulli Challenge – Von Berlin nach Peking
Traveling from Berlin to Beijing in a T1 van – that’s something only Joey and Luke Kelly could come up with. But it’s not just the vehicle and the more than 12,000-kilometer route that make this journey a challenge – Joey and Luke travel completely without money or food, relying entirely on donations. What they do have with them, however, are plenty of Kelly Family fan items, which they trade along the way for food, fuel, or spare parts.
The book impresses not only with stunning photographs that vividly capture the challenges the two Kellys faced, the people they met, and the landscapes they traveled through. It also showcases the adventurous spirit of Joey and Luke Kelly – a spirit that is truly contagious.
For fans of suspenseful reads:
Andreas Gruber:
Todesfrist
A serial killer poses a chilling challenge to the police: “If you find out within 48 hours why I kidnapped this woman, she will live. If not – she dies.” Together with Dutch profiler Maarten S. Sneijder, investigator Sabine Nemez discovers that the killer is using a children’s book as the blueprint for his gruesome murders.
The gripping storyline, the dark and brutal crimes, and the eccentric personality of the profiler make it impossible to put this book down. A brilliant start to the Maarten S. Sneijder series – a must-read for all thriller fans.
Julie Clark:
Der Tausch
At JFK airport, Claire – on her way to Puerto Rico to support her abusive husband’s political campaign – meets Eva, who is wanted by the police in California after assisting her terminally ill husband in ending his life. The two women decide to swap tickets and escape their lives. What follows will leave you breathless.
Both women, shaped by difficult pasts, exchange lives in an attempt to break free and start over. Yet their pasts keep catching up with them, bringing new drama to the surface. A gripping novel you’ll want to read in one sitting.
For those who enjoy diving into the past
Jeffrey Archer:
Spiel der Zeit – die Clifton Saga
England around 1930: young Harry Clifton grows up in poor conditions in the docklands of Bristol. He has no father – and his father’s death is surrounded by mystery. After receiving a scholarship to an elite school, his path crosses with that of Giles Barrington, the wealthy son of a shipping magnate. The lives and fates of their two families become tragically intertwined.
Not only the life stories of the two young men, but also the dramatic histories of both families make the first volume of the Clifton Saga truly compelling. Jeffrey Archer masterfully weaves the lives of his characters together with those of historical figures.
For reflection and deeper thinking:
John Strelecky:
Das Café am Rande der Welt
John, a stressed advertising executive, finds himself in a small café in the middle of nowhere. On the menu, alongside the daily specials, he discovers three questions: “Why are you here? Are you afraid of death? Are you living a fulfilled life?” Together with the cook and another guest, he explores these questions – and emerges ready to continue his journey.
This small book is a well-deserved global bestseller that encourages reflection and reminds us to take control of our own lives. Perfect for a relaxing Sunday afternoon on the balcony!
Did you discover your next favorite book?
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