Summer is the perfect time to slow down, find a patch of shade, and get lost in a good story. 

To inspire your own holiday reading stack, we’ve asked local booklovers to share their top picks from the past year and reveal where they’ll be curling up with a book this season.

Today, we are reading with Clyde Library assistant Shelley Ludlow.

1. What is a great read from 2025 you would recommend to others, and why?

Shelley: One of my favourite books this year was Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid, set in the 80’s in USA at NASA. You learn and are entertained at the same time by joining in on the main character’s journey. This book is a well researched historical fiction - I was often left thinking is this actually a non-fiction book and going off to Google names and places only to find so many others had too and, no, it is fiction.

Another of my favourites is a children's fiction series my youngest daughter and I have been reading together: Paddock Grove by J. P. Prose. We like to end each day on her bed catching up and then settling into a good story. This series has left us eager for book three that is coming out in June 2026. These stories have us dreaming of being with the characters at their amazing horse-riding boarding school having fun adventures with friends.

My true love is children’s picture books; the beautiful illustrations and kind stories just bring such joy to all ages. Last night we read together David Walliams latest book Bot. It is so funny and reminds us to lean into love and fun and not to stress on the messing things - just laugh it off.

2. What is on your summer reading list, and can you describe your perfect spot to read?

Shelley: I have a large stack of amazing books at home to pour through on this wee summer break; from crafts, travel, puppy training (wish me luck he he) and a Xmas read from my all-time favourite author Jenny Colgan: The Secret Christmas Library.

3. Audiobook, paper, e-reader, or a mix of the three?

Shelley: For me, I love walking with our sweet puppy Luna. With one AirPod in, off we go into nature, listening to a book playing in one ear and to our local birds in the other - it is pure bliss. I’m often strolling along quietly laughing away at the humour the author has flowing throughout the story; maybe in Australia, Italy, Svalbard - somewhere far away, taking me traveling in my mind to another place on this wonderful earth. It can make a day that has been tough melt away and leave me ready to carry on lighter and more upbeat.

4. Tell us about a book that changed how you think.

Shelley: There are always so many amazing books to read and listen to at our local libraries, we are never at a loss for inspiration or enjoyable escapism.