A Summer Well-Read: Pegasus Homes recommended reads
05 August 2026
Posted under: Hobbies & interests
Sun on your skin, waves in the background, and an ice cream in hand, all that's missing is a great summer read. Explore our curated picks, recommended by Pegasus Homes residents and staff nationwide, from adventure to historical page-turners.
Which title will be your next read?
Biographies, Memoirs and Self-Help
I May Be Wrong Björn Natthiko Lindeblad - Self-Help
Let me tell you what this book is not. It's not about telling you how to live your life. It's not about taking on a new set of beliefs. Plain and simple, it's about how to relate to your own thoughts and emotions in a way that makes your life more enjoyable, more free, brighter, clearer and wiser. Infusing the everyday with heart, grace and gentle humour; this is a book to help navigate the realities of modern life.
- Recommended by a Paignton Resident
Llama Drama, Anna McNuff - Travel Memoir
A two women cycling tour of the Andes. I have always wanted to go to South America — the descriptions of the landscapes have made me want to go even more! The characters are very funny also. A very easy read for your summer holiday.
- Recommended by a Hortsley Resident
The Let Them Theory Mel Robbins - Self-Help
Something different to mix in between fiction books. I thoroughly enjoyed, it gives a new perspective on the way we view things in our everyday lives. Written well and accessible.
- Recommended by Megan, Marketing Executive
Non-fiction
Jerusalem: The Biography Simon Sebag Montefiore - Historical non-fiction
- Recommended by a Paignton Resident
Space: The Human Story Tim Peake - Science non-fiction
An incredible insight into life as an astronaut; the training, the sacrifices, the tragedy and the unimaginable wonder of being weightless out in space looking back at our planet. Genuinely very interesting with some amazing photos of the universe in there too.
- Recommended by Charlotte, Marketing Director
Fiction
The Architects Apprentice, Elif Shafak Historical - Fiction
If anyone is off to Istanbul then the Architects Apprentice is the perfect title for you. It is set in 16th century, Istanbul - it follows the story of a young boy and his elephant and their journey and rise through the Sultans kingdom. This one was short listed for a Booker prize!
- Recommended by Sally, Roving Building and Community Coordinator
A Single Thread, Tracy Chevalier Historical Fiction
- Recommended by a Hortsley Resident
The Dictionary of Lost Words, Pip Williams - Historical Fiction based on real events
- Recommended by a Hortsley Resident
Famous Last Words, Gillian McAllister Thriller - Mystery Fiction
It is original and encourages the reader to read further. I also love the 'Wrong Place Wrong Time' from the same author.
- Recommended by a Paignton Resident
The Help, Kathryn Stockett - Historical Fiction
About the black maids working for middle class families in 1962. Reminded me of "To kill a mocking bird". Very moving and hilarious. It got made into a film but the book is much better!
- Recommended by a Hortsley Resident
Midnight's Children, Salman Rushdie - Historical, Magical Realism Fiction
- Recommended by a Paignton Resident
The Nightingale, Kristin Hannah - Historical, War Fiction
It’s about two sisters living in the Nazi occupied area in France during World War II, both choosing different paths to survive. The younger one joins the French resistance and helps guide downed Allied airmen across the Pyrenees Mountains to safety. It’s a bit sad but very inspirational.
- Recommended by Natalie, Senior Marketing Manager
Orbital, Samantha Harvey Science - Philosophical Fiction
I’m only half way through this very short book, but it is a fictional novel about six astronauts out in space when news reaches them of the death of one of their mothers. It’s beautifully written and asks all the big questions you’d expect from a book about life, death and outer space.
- Recommended by Charlotte, Marketing Director
The Return, Victoria Hislop - Historical Fiction
A fabulous read with wonderful characters and a gripping storyline. Set in Granada at the time of the Spanish Civil War.
- Recommended by Sally, Roving Building and Community Coordinator
The Silk House, Kayte Nunn Historical - Gothic Fiction
- Recommended by a Hortsley Resident
The Women, Kristin Hannah Historical - War Fiction
I've only just started this book but I’m already hooked!
- Recommended by Natalie, Senior Marketing Manager