Books by Faye, Garmus and more on PA’s summer reading list for parliamentarians

The Publishers Association (PA) has launched its third annual summer reading list for parliamentarians, with books such as The Transgender Issue by Shon Faye (Allen Lane), Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus (Transworld) and Still Life by Sarah Winman (Fourth Estate) named.

The idea behind the campaign is to inspire parliamentarians and members of the public to pick up a new book this summer. Titles included in the list have been highlighted by MPs and peers as their recommended read for the summer recess.

Contributors to the list include Alexandra Davis, shadow minister for tech, gambling and digital economy, who chose Lessons in Chemistry for having “female empowerment at its heart” and Mims Davies, minister for social mobility, youth and progression, who chose Still Life as “a great summer read that you can truly lose yourself in". Ben Bradshaw chose The Transgender Issue, saying: “There is much ignorance and prejudice about transgender people and this is an excellent start for those who wish to be better informed.”

Other choices include Baroness Berridge’s choice of Blood Legacy: Reckoning with a Family’s Story of Slavery by Alex Renton (Canongate) and Sally-Ann Hart MP’s choice of The Joubert Family Chronicles series by Kate Mosse (Mantle).

Hitler, Stalin and Mum and Dad by Danny Finkelstein (William Collins), We Need To Talk About Inflation by Stephen King (Yale University Press) and Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver (Faber & Faber) have also been chosen. The full list can be found here.

Nickie Aiken, MP for Cities of London and Westminster and sponsor of the Publishers Association’s Parliamentary Book Club, said: “There is something for everyone on the summer reading list. I would encourage everyone to try a book they would never usually consider. You never know where it may lead.”

Dan Conway, c.e.o. of PA, said: “We’re delighted to launch our summer reading list again this year, and it’s great to see such a variety of submissions from across Parliament.

"Reading is one of the best ways to escape from our everyday routines, and it is a great way for us to connect with our friends and family. I encourage everyone to pick up a book as we head into summer.”