Reading is the new snogging. Well, not really, but it is a more popular activity, impossible to catch a cold-sore from, and doesn't interrupt your sunbathing. So on our hols, we'll be ignoring the tanned n' tasty sungods and cute-bottomed waiters while we get stuck into one of these lovely books. At least until the sun goes down.
Nasty Glossy Bossy
The Devil Wears Prada
By Lauren Weisberger
You've got to love the title. The book's pretty good too. Andrea Sachs, a small-town girl fresh out of college, bags a dream job on a glossy magazine only to find a boss-from-hell shaped cloud attached to her silver lining.
The author was once assistant to Anna Wintour, Vogue's editor, who has a rep for being a bossyboots. So you can bet some of the book is based on real life - which adds a little extra spice.
The movie of the book will be out in the UK soon starring Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway, so read this if you want to be one step ahead.
Read it if you like.
The 'Shopaholic' series, by Sophie Kinsella
Once Upon Stilettos, by Shanna Swendson
Be Careful What You Wish for, by Alexandra Potter
With wings!
The Fledging of Az Gabrielson
By Jay Amory
Prepare to be whisked away to a future world where people fly like angels through cities in the sky. Az, the main character, is different - because he has no wings. That's why he's given a dangerous mission among the people on the ground.
Az is unprepared, afraid and naïve at first, but the story sees him grow and learn to stand up for himself and what he knows to be right.
Read it if you like.
The Dark Materials trilogy, by Philip Pullman
Harry Potter, by J K Rowling
Artemis Fowl, by Eoin Colfer
Mega-boobed action
Curse of the Mega-boobed Bimbos
By Grace Dent
This one made us gasp, giggle and go green with envy at the characters' seven week sun, sand and surfer boy fest. It's not exactly a masterpiece of high literature, but who wants to go on holiday with Shakespeare?
Although the story's a bit beyond the realms of believability at times, the characters are realistic and likeable - apart from baddies like evil hotel boss Miss Scrumble. Pack this if you're on for a bit of girly fun in the sun and fancy a light holiday read.
Read it if you like.
The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants, by Ann Brashares
The Earth, My Butt and Other Big Round Things, by Carolyn Mackler
Confessions of Georgia Nicholson, by Louise Rennison
Tissues Required
If You Could See Me Now
Cecelia Ahern
A fairytale love story with a twist in its tale. Blurring the boundaries between childhood and adulthood, the story blends magic and innocence with harsh realities. Elizabeth has had a tough time family-wise and is living a pretty joyless life until Ivan comes along.
It'd be a dull book if romance ran smoothly though - so it doesn't. Cue lots of will-they-won't-they and healing of old wounds. Bit of a tearjerker, this one.
Read it if you like.
Not That Kind of Girl, by Catherine Alliott
The One You Really Want, by Jill Mansell
Practically Perfect, by Katie Fforde
When 3-Legged Cats Attack...
Bad Kitty
By Michele Jaffe
Miss Marple meets Mean Girls. Jas thinks of herself as super-sleuth with a face which 'could launch maybe, a science experiment'. So it's a bit of a mystery to us how she ended up hanging with the most 'achingly cool bunch of friends ever.' But it does make for a fun read.
Jas's escapades whilst trying to crack a murder case include getting savaged by a three-legged cat, attending a bevy of glam Vegas parties, and falling for a bad bad boy.
Read it if you like.
Dizzy, by Cathy Cassidy
The Au Pairs, by Melissa De La Cruz
The Gossip Girl series, by Cecily von Ziegesar
