Best Summer Reads of 2023

In this article, contributing writer Vivian Adeyemo reveals her top 10 books to read this summer.

Books play an integral part in one’s life and serves a multitude of functions. Whether, for education or entertainment purposes, for inspiration, cultural enrichment or creativity; books are essential.

As we enjoy our summer breaks, losing yourself in a great novel is one of life’s simple pleasures. Whether you choose to spend your vacation by the sea, camping or on a trip overseas. Maybe even an escape to your own back garden! However, you choose to spend it– here at NRTC we’ve got you covered.

In this article, I run through the top 10 novels for summer 2023. The article comes in two parts, with part one and the first top 5 books listed below. 

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These books cover a diverse range of themes and styles. From personal reflections and cultural explorations to suspenseful mysteries and the complexity of family relationships. Happy reading!

1. Hope and Glory by Jendella Benson

Hope and Glory is a powerful and emotional tale. It follows Glory’s journey as she returns to Peckham, London; her childhood home, to mourn her father’s sudden passing. The story beautifully captures the complexities of family dynamics, loss and love. The struggles that each family member faces in their own unique way.

Upon her return, Glory is confronted with the stark reality that her family has fallen apart during her absence. Her brother Victor’s incarceration, her sister Faith’s marriage troubles and identity crisis. Her mother Celeste’s descent into a potential breakdown. All these create a storm of challenges for Glory to navigate.

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As she grapples with her own grief. Glory attempts to come to terms with her family’s struggles and stumbles upon a deep and long-held family secret. This revelation throws her into disarray, forcing her to confront her past and question the foundation of her family’s relationships.

Hope and the power of love

Despite the chaos and turmoil, the story centres around the theme of hope and the power of love. In order to heal wounds and bring people back together. Throughout the book, Glory becomes a pillar of strength. Drawing on her resilience and love for her family to help them find their way back to each other. She embarks on a journey of reconciliation and self-discovery, as she tries to mend the fractures within her family.

As the plot unfolds, Glory must confront buried emotions, make difficult decisions, and face the truth about her family’s past. Along the way, she learns to embrace vulnerability, forgiveness, and the importance of communication. Through her efforts and with the support of her family; she pieces together the fragments of their broken lives.

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Jendella Benson’s debut book delves deep into the complexities of familial relationships. It paints a realistic portrait of the struggles that can tear families apart. The resilience and love that can bring them back together. Hope and Glory is a heartwarming story of redemption, healing, and the enduring power of family bonds.

2. Small Worlds by Caleb Azumah Nelson

Small Worlds is a stunning second novel by Caleb Azumah Nelson, the award-winning author and bestseller. Set in London, the book offers a powerful exploration of love and vulnerability. Through the lens of two young Black artists. As they navigate the complexities of their individual dreams and personal challenges, they form a deep and profound connection.

The novel delves into themes of art, race, masculinity, and emotional intimacy. It provides a poignant and thought-provoking examination of these subjects. The characters’ experiences and struggles reflect the broader issues faced by many individuals, particularly those from marginalised communities.

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Love, vulnerability and the pursuit of dreams

Caleb Azumah Nelson’s writing captures the essence of London and the emotions of his characters with evocative and lyrical prose. Through his storytelling, he invites readers to reflect on their own experiences of love, vulnerability, and the pursuit of dreams. As an award-winning author, his talent for storytelling shines through, making Small Worlds an emotionally resonant and compelling read.

With the success of his critically acclaimed previous novel: Open Water; Small Worlds is a captivating and enriching literary journey. Caleb Azumah Nelson’s ability to tackle complex themes with sensitivity and depth, makes this novel a must-read. This is for those who appreciate powerful storytelling and a nuanced exploration of the human experience.

3. Wahala by Nikki May

Wahala is a compelling and emotionally charged story. It revolves around the lives of three mixed-race friends, Ronke, Simi, and Boo, living in London. They embrace the gift of having two cultures, Nigerian and English, but they each have their own struggles and aspirations.

Ronke desires a Nigerian husband which reflects the importance of cultural continuity in her life. Boo, on the other hand, finds herself grappling with the challenges and joys of being a stay-at-home mother. Meanwhile, Simi dreams of a fashion career but faces frustrations with her boss’s stereotypical perceptions of her “urban vibe.”

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The power of friendships

Their long-time friend Isobel returns to their lives, bringing with her a sense of glamour and ambition. However, Isobel’s attempts to “fix” their futures start to cause friction among the friends. This leads to tensions and cracks in their once solid friendship.

The novel delves into themes of love, race, family, and friendship. This whilst fearlessly addressing political issues such as class, colourism, and the influence of fashion in society.

With its engaging plot and thought-provoking themes, Wahala is a roller-coaster of emotions. Cleverly evoking laughter, tears, and gasps of horror as the characters’ stories unfold. It is a tale that celebrates the power of friendship in all its forms. Offering insights into the human experience, making it a must-read for anyone who appreciates a captivating and socially relevant narrative.

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4. The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris

The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris is a captivating and thought-provoking debut novel. Exploring the themes of race, identity, power, and workplace dynamics. The story follows Nella the only Black employee at Wagner Books. Nella often feels isolated and struggles to fit in at work.

When Hazel, another Black woman, joins the company, Nella is initially excited. Thrilled at the prospect of having a colleague who shares her experiences. She hopes for a sense of camaraderie and understanding in the predominantly white workplace. However, as Hazel’s presence grows, Nella’s expectations are shattered when strange and unsettling incidents begin to occur.

The complexities of racial dynamics in the workplace

As the plot unfolds, the story takes unexpected twists, and dark secrets are revealed. This leads Nella on a suspenseful journey to uncover the truth about what is happening at Wagner Books. The novel delves into the complexities of racial dynamics in corporate settings. Exploring the toll that microaggressions, racial biases, and the pressure to assimilate can take on individuals.

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Zakiya Dalila Harris skillfully weaves together elements of mystery, psychological thriller, and social commentary. The novel’s engaging storytelling and well-developed characters immerse readers in Nella’s world. As Nella navigates the challenges of being a Black woman in a predominantly white environment.

The Other Black Girl is not just a suspenseful tale of intrigue. It serves as a powerful exploration of systemic racism. The ways in which it can manifest in unexpected and insidious ways. The book sheds light on the importance of representation and inclusivity in the workplace. It raises important questions about identity, allyship, and the true meaning of solidarity among marginalised groups.

5. Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson

Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson is a gripping and emotionally charged novel set in present-day California. The death of matriarch Eleanor Bennett; leaves her two children Byron and Benny; with a mysterious and puzzling inheritance. A black cake with a long family history and a voice recording from their mother.

Eleanor’s revelations through the voice recording expose a heart-wrenching story. There are still secrets she holds back, leaving her children with lingering questions about their lineage and themselves. The siblings are faced with the challenge of piecing together their mother’s true history. In turn understanding the significance of the black cake in their family’s legacy.

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The novel delves into the complexities of family relationships and the impact of the past on the present. Byron and Benny’s once-close relationship has been strained. As they embark on this journey of discovery together, they have the opportunity to reclaim their bond and find healing.

Betrayal, secrets and identity

Throughout the book, Charmaine Wilkerson masterfully weaves together themes of betrayal, secrets, memories, and identity. The characters are deeply drawn, and the story is beautifully written, capturing the reader’s emotions and imagination. The narrative takes readers on an extraordinary journey. Through the life of a family that is forever changed by the choices of its matriarch.

As the siblings uncover the truth and navigate the complexities of their family history. They are confronted with the challenge of whether Eleanor’s revelations; will bring them closer together. The legacy of the black cake becomes a symbol of their shared past. The ties that bind them as a family.

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Black Cake is a poignant and evocative exploration of family secrets and how memories can shape relationships and history. It is a tale of resilience, love, and the enduring power of familial connections. Making it a captivating and unforgettable debut novel by Charmaine Wilkerson.

Vivian Adeyemo is a freelance contributory writer for NRTC. She is based in the United Kingdom and has over twenty years experience in corporate leadership roles working with senior executives and non executives.