Summer Reads: A Few Books to Slip Into Your Suitcase
The holidays are just around the corner!
Whether you're heading to the beach, the countryside, the mountains, or simply staying cozy at home, summer is the perfect time to slow down... and take time to read.
A good book is the perfect companion for long train rides, sunny afternoons, or quiet evenings.
Here’s a selection of summer reads — French, Belgian, and international novels — to enjoy wherever you are. And why not read them in their original language to improve your language skills?
French Novels to Discover or Rediscover
- “Hunting and Gathering” (Ensemble, c’est tout) – Anna Gavalda : A beautiful story about friendship, healing, and the little joys of everyday life. Best read while lying in the grass or under a beach umbrella.
- “The Elegance of the Hedgehog” (L'Élégance du hérisson) – Muriel Barbery : A funny, clever, and touching novel with two unforgettable characters.
- “Three Strong Women” (Trois femmes puissantes) – Marie NDiaye : Three stories of women whose lives are shaped by strength, resilience, and family bonds. A powerful and masterful novel that won the prestigious Prix Goncourt.
- “The Unfinished Manuscript” (Le Manuscrit inachevé) – Franck Thilliez : A gripping thriller with a brilliant structure that pulls you into a maze of clues and deception. Maybe don’t read this one right before bed!
Unmissable Belgian Books
- “The Very Little Boy” (Le tout petit garçon) – Jean Louvet : A short and sensitive play — perfect for a quick yet meaningful read.
- “The Man Worth 35 Billion” (L’homme qui valait 35 milliards) – Nicolas Ancion : An original, fast-paced novel set in the world of contemporary art, with a dash of humor.
- “The Future Behind Us” (Le passé devant soi) – Gilbert Sinoué : A multicultural, historical saga that will take you far beyond Belgium.
And of course, no mention of Belgian literature would be complete without comic books! Here are two classics to (re)read this summer:
- “Gaston Lagaffe” – André Franquin : A must-read full of absurd humor and office antics. Light, funny, and perfect for relaxing in the sun.
- “The Adventures of Tintin” – Hergé : Mystery, travel, humor... Tintin is the ultimate adventure companion, no matter your age.
Check out our article on his creator here: Hergé : Père de Tintin et Légende de la Bande-Dessinée ("Hergé: Father of Tintin and Comic Book Legend")
And From Around the World...
- “Normal People” – Sally Rooney (Ireland) : A modern, complicated, and realistic love story. Available in French, or read it in English if you'd like to practice.
- “The Alchemist” – Paulo Coelho (Brazil) : A short, inspiring philosophical tale — perfect if you’re questioning your life path. (I read it and absolutely loved it!)
- “The Midnight Library” – Matt Haig (United Kingdom) : A novel that blurs the lines between reality and imagination, inviting you to reflect on all the “what ifs” of life. Read it all at once or little by little.
Reading during the holidays is a fantastic way to improve in a foreign language without pressure, escape if you can’t travel, discover other cultures through literature — and above all, take some time for yourself.
So go ahead, slip a book into your suitcase, beach bag, or backpack, and let yourself be carried away.
And if you fall in love with a book, come share it with the community in the comments below.
Happy reading and have a great summer!
Lilas, OLS Community Manager — French