As we embrace the slower pace of summer over the coming days and weeks, many of us in the Antipodes will be making the most of the heat by heading to the beach or spending a languid afternoon by the pool. Few settings are as idyllic for getting stuck into a new book, and with that in mind, we asked literary connoisseur Rachel Soo Thow (aka The Lit List) for her list of reading recommendations to ring in the new year with.
Though she’s a beauty executive by day, it was Rachel’s passion for books that led her to start @thelitlist__ – her Instagram account where she shares in-depth book reviews, insightful recommendations, and glimpses into her eclectic personal style. Offering a space for her followers to engage with literature and lifestyle on a deeper level, she has amassed a large audience of like-minded book lovers on the platform.
Below, Rachel shares her curated round-up of reads that promise to make you think, laugh, and leave you feeling inspired—perfect companions for the lazy summer days ahead.
Slowing by Rachel Schwartzmann
Perfect for the holidays, this novel is a beautifully introspective journey into the art of taking your time in a world that’s always rushing. Through poetic essays, Schwartzmann reflects on the quiet moments we often overlook and how slowing down can be a radical act of self-care. She challenges the constant hustle culture with an invitation to pause, breathe, and reconnect with what really matters. It’s the perfect read for anyone feeling overwhelmed by life’s speed and seeking a gentle reminder that slowing down can be the ultimate form of progress.
Liars by Sarah Manguso
In this memoir, Manguso reflects on the slippery nature of truth, dissecting everything from small, everyday fabrications to the big, existential ones that shape our identities. With sharp wit and searing honesty, she invites readers to question the stories we live by and how they define us. It's the kind of book that lingers long after you've finished it, making you wonder just how much of your own life is built on lies — and whether it even matters.
Penance by Eliza Clark
After a tragic event, the lives of three characters become intertwined in a web of moral reckoning and twisted self-justification. Clark’s writing is sharp, unsettling, and totally gripping, pulling you into a psychological thriller where every character is grappling with their own version of right and wrong. It’s the kind of book that makes you question how far you'd go to atone for your own mistakes — and whether anyone can truly escape their past.
My Sister, My Love by Joyce Carol Oates
My Sister, My Love by Joyce Carol Oates is a chilling, psychological portrait of family dysfunction and obsession. Narrated by a troubled teenager, the novel delves into the aftermath of a tragic, highly publicized crime that tears apart a family. With her signature blend of suspense and emotional depth, Oates explores themes of fame, envy, and the destructive power of secrets. It’s a dark, unsettling read that keeps you hooked, questioning how far people will go for love, attention, and redemption. If you're into twisted family dynamics, and you just recently watched the JonBenet Ramsey case on Netflix, this novel is inspired by the one and only.
The Shards by Bret Easton Ellis
If you're after a wild, razor-sharp plunge into the excess and disillusionment of the '80s, then this is for you. Set in Los Angeles, the novel follows a group of privileged teens as their lives unravel amidst a series of dark secrets, twisted relationships, and a chilling, unsolved crime. Ellis' signature mix of decadence, paranoia, and dark humour is on full display as he examines identity, fear, and the fragility of youth. It’s like American Psycho meets Less Than Zero — but with an even darker, more introspective edge.
Calypso by David Sedaris
In this collection of essays, Sedaris reflects on aging, family, and the awkward, hilarious moments that make life both absurd and beautiful. Whether he's navigating the chaos of a family vacation or grappling with his own body’s decline, Sedaris’ sharp wit and vulnerability shine through, making you laugh out loud while also confronting the more poignant aspects of life. It’s the kind of book that’s both deeply relatable and delightfully offbeat — ideal for anyone who needs a laugh but also a reminder that it’s okay to embrace life’s messiness.
How to Make Herself Agreeable to Everyone by Cameron Russell
How to Make Herself Agreeable to Everyone by Cameron Russell is a thought-provoking exploration of beauty, identity, and the expectations placed on women in today’s world. Drawing from her own experiences as a model, Russell dissects the pressures of conformity and the emotional toll of trying to fit into a mould that’s never quite yours. With raw honesty and wit, she invites readers to question the ways we perform for others, and what it truly means to be "agreeable." It's a powerful, unapologetic read for anyone tired of the cultural scripts and ready to embrace authenticity over approval.
Evenings and Weekends by Oisín McKenna
A novel for modern times- McKenna delivers a sharp, reflective look at the tension between our professional lives and personal identities. In this debut novel, McKenna captures the feeling of being stuck in a cycle of work, social obligations, and the search for meaning in the hours that remain. The story unfolds through the lens of a millennial navigating the pressures of modern life, grappling with relationships, ambition, and self-worth. With its relatable, down-to-earth prose, Evenings and Weekends hits close to home for anyone trying to find balance in an era where burnout feels inevitable but fulfillment is still the goal.
