Bookworm summer: Reading as stylish rebellion

Move over, Brat Summer. The era of ironic chaos and glam messiness is giving way for something quieter, more cerebral, and, dare we say it, more enchanting. Welcome to Bookworm Summer, where reading isn’t just cool again; it’s the season’s most coveted accessory.

From Dior’s limited-edition Dracula book tote to Dua Lipa’s Instagram book club and Kaia Gerber’s annotated paperbacks, literary flair is everywhere. Celebrities aren’t just posting reading lists for show; these curated collections have become a way to express identity, mood, and even political consciousness.

Dua Lipa, for instance, has turned her Service95 platform into one of the most interesting celebrity-led book spaces today. Her picks range from the lyrical (Grief Is the Thing with Feathers by Max Porter) to the politically potent (There There by Tommy Orange), all chosen with an eye toward emotional resonance and global storytelling. It's less about glossy endorsements and more about creating a reading culture that feels thoughtful, engaged, and surprisingly intimate.

In an overstimulated world, reading is a mindful act of resistance, a subtle yet powerful refusal to be constantly seen. It’s aesthetic, yes, but also quietly radical.

There’s something delightfully subversive about devoting a summer to silence, story, and inwardness. Unlike performative trends, Bookworm Summer is rooted in nourishing our inner lives. We often talk about slow fashion and mindful consumption; Bookworm Summer epitomises slow culture. It rejects the urgent scroll and welcomes presence. In reading, we create a moment where nothing is asked of us but attention.

Here are five books to anchor your Bookworm Summer Each pairing literary depth with a distinct aesthetic mood. Think of them as your seasonal reading wardrobe:

1. The Idiot by Elif Batuman

Mood: Earnest meets ironic. For the soft-spoken intellectual with a love of awkward brilliance. Pair with vintage denim and a well-worn tote.

2. Cleanness by Garth Greenwell

Mood: Lyrical and raw. For lovers of language and emotional precision. Best read in the golden hour with Leonard Cohen playing low.

3. The Hour of the Star by Clarice Lispector

Mood: Existential chic. Slips easily into your favourite oversized blazer. Short, sharp, unforgettable.

4. Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson

Mood: Romantic and rhythmic. Best enjoyed during a solo afternoon in the park with headphones and iced tea. A love story that reads like music.

5. Heartburn by Nora Ephron

Mood: Witty resilience. For when you’re sunburnt, cynical, and still hoping for a second act. Serve with pasta and sarcasm.

Let your reading list be as expressive as your wardrobe.

Bookworm Summer isn’t about perfection. It’s about savouring slowness, curating your inner world, and letting your current read speak for you. Whether you’re diving into experimental fiction or rereading old favourites, there’s elegance in a moment of stillness.

Trends may come and go, but books remain timeless companions. They ask only for your attention and reward it with perspective, empathy, and style. So, this summer, make space in your bag for a paperback, wear your library card like a badge of honour, and post that #shelfie. The smartest accessory is the book in your hand.