"On the Beach" with Sophie Kinsella

Sophie Kinsella, a former financial journalist who penned the bestselling Shopaholic series, leaves credit card debt behind (maybe it's the economy) and turns to a ghost story in her new book, Twenties Girl. Twenty-something Lara is haunted by her great-aunt Sadie, a determined ghost from the roaring '20s. Kinsella shares her summer faves.




Diary of a Provincial Lady by E.M. Delafield
"This is a gem of the 1930s, with one of the most endearing, funny characters in British literature. It's perfect for dipping in and out—you can open it at random and be instantly entertained."

[image error] Emma by Jane Austen
"This is one of my favorite books ever, always worth revisiting for Jane Austen's elegant style, comedy, and insight."

Riders by Jilly Cooper
"The ultimate big fat 1980s blockbuster, filled with glamorous characters, horses, intrigue, and much sex in gorgeous Cotswolds locations. It's pure escapism."

The Jeeves and Wooster series by P.G. Wodehouse
"Holidays are all about indulgence, and there's nothing more indulgent than opening one of these books and sinking into the happy, sunlit world of P.G. Wodehouse."

His Dark Materials Trilogy by Philip Pullman
"If anyone has not yet read these stunning fantasy novels, then I'm envious of them. Take them on holiday, put your feet up, and prepare to be unsociable for the rest of the week."