With her new book The Possessions out next month, Sara Flannery Murphy shares her summer reading tips.
1. What’s your favourite book about summer?
The Monsters of Templeton by Lauren Groff takes place during a summer when a young woman returns to her hometown. I’m a sucker for books where the protagonists go home for the summer, and this one plays with speculative elements and a complicated family history in a smart way.
2. What’s the book you loved reading last summer?
I loved Under the Harrow by Flynn Berry. It’s a slim book that I read during a single road trip, and it was so engrossing that it made time vanish. This thought-provoking novel about a woman investigating her sister’s murder brought some darkness to my more lighthearted lineup of summer reads.
3. What’s the best place to read during summer?
I love most books that are dubbed ‘beach reads,’ but I’m usually not reading them at the beach. I stick closer to home and read on the porch or patio, where I can enjoy the sunshine and fresh air while still indulging my bookworm side.
4. What’s your ultimate summer holiday destination?
San Francisco. I live in a corner of the world that’s very hot from April through October, so visiting a city with a cooler climate is a wonderful escape. I recommend visiting Alcatraz during the night instead of the day. The place feels especially haunting after sunset, with beautiful views of the city lights across the water.
