We've asked a few of our teachers and studio team to share the books they'll be reaching for this season. From inspiring novels to thrillers and thoughtful non-fiction, it's a collection of personal favourites to enjoy over the summer months.
AMBER
All Fours — Miranda July
All Fours touched something in me that I didn’t even have the words for. In my 40s, it made me feel deeply seen—the longing, the restlessness, the questions about who you are beneath all the roles you’ve played for so long. Its honesty about ageing, desire, and the possibility of becoming someone new felt both comforting and freeing. It reminded me that it’s never too late to rediscover yourself, and that’s why it means so much to me.
DILEM
The Wedding People — Alison Espach
This book quickly became one of my favorites because I immediately connected with the main character and her emotional journey. It beautifully captures the idea that life doesn’t always unfold the way we imagine, but sometimes the unexpected moments are the ones that change us the most.
I loved seeing her perspective shift and watching her rediscover the beauty of life, connection, and the simple joy of being alive. It reminded me that every chapter of life has something to teach us, and that new beginnings can appear when we least expect them.
It’s a heartfelt, uplifting read that made me slow down, appreciate the little moments, and look at life with a little more gratitude.
NOORTJE
Where the Crawdads Sing — Delia Owens
If you’re looking for a novel that’s both atmospheric and suspenseful, this is one I’d definitely recommend. Where the Crawdads Sing is one of those books that completely pulled me in. Part coming-of-age story, part mystery, it’s beautifully written and keeps you guessing until the very end.
DANIEL
Shantaram — Gregory David Roberts
My all-time favourite book. An incredible story about an Australian fugitive who escapes prison in the 80’s and ends up in the slums of Bombay, India. Gripping, unforgettable, and impossible to put down. There’s also a great TV series based on it.
RACHEL
Lichter dan ik — Dido Michielsen (Dutch)
My favourite book is Lichter dan ik. It tells the story of Indonesia during the time it was still a Dutch colony. My father’s family is from Indonesia, and this book beautifully captures what life there must have been like. It’s a moving story, rich in history.
ELIANE
Al het blauw van de hemel — Mélissa Da Costa (Dutch, French and Spanish)
Al het blauw van de hemel by Mélissa Da Costa is a moving novel about Émile, a young man who is told that he has early-onset Alzheimer’s. Instead of waiting for his final years to pass, he decides to travel through France together with the mysterious Joanne. During this special road trip, they get to know each other better and better and discover what is truly important in life. Along the way, they experience beautiful, sad and surprising moments, and they learn a lot about themselves and each other.
I recommend this book because it deeply touched me. The story is moving, but also warm and hopeful. I really felt completely connected to the characters. The book makes you stop and think about how valuable life is and how important it is to try to enjoy the small moments. They are often so beautiful, but they are not always noticed. We should all take more time to reflect on this. It is a book that touches you and stays in your thoughts for a long time.
French title: Tout le bleu du ciel
Spanish title: Todo el azul del cielo
NITA
The Choice — Edith Eger
The Choice by Edith Eger is a book I carry with me. It reminds me that even after the deepest pain, we own our power; not what happened, but who we become. For me, it’s a book about remembering our innate freedom, reclaiming our agency, and discovering that healing begins the moment we come home to ourselves.