Landfolk recommends: What to read this summer

Summer is all about slowing down and enjoying that very special feeling of not knowing what time, or sometimes even what day of the week, it is. These pockets of time are precious, and often spent with family and friends. But getting up early to read your book with a cup of coffee in the morning sun before anyone else gets up, or volunteering to go to the market to secretly enjoy an audio book is also a summer essential.

In the spirit of the almost magical atmosphere of scandinavian summer, we have asked three wonderful team members to give us their best summer holiday recommendations – and to share their favourite books. Read on to find inspiration for your summer read.

“Matthew Walker not only explains why we sleep but why it’s so important, as well as the negative effects it has on our bodies, learning abilities, and reaction patterns if we don’t get enough of it. It might be a bit heavy at times, but super fascinating and perfect for philosophising on the terrace!”

Chris, who is one of the co-founders behind Landfolk and our CTO, recommends “Why We Sleep” by the renowned sleep scientist Matthew Walker (Scribner Book Company). “It’s possibly one of the books that has made me change my habits the most,” he says. “Matthew Walker not only explains why we sleep but why it’s so important, as well as the negative effects it has on our bodies, learning abilities, and reaction patterns if we don’t get enough of it. It might be a bit heavy at times, but super fascinating and perfect for philosophising on the terrace!”

Where do you love reading your summer book?
Anywhere and everywhere! As soon as I can have more than 10 minutes of uninterrupted time.

Which Landfolk holiday home would you love to visit this summer?
Right now I’m dreaming of visiting this stunning architectural gem. It closely resembles our dream holiday home: 70s architecture, surrounded by tall grass and with one of the most beautiful views on Mols.

What destination are you currently dreaming about visiting?
We are heading to Norway for the very first time! We have packed our Trangia set and hiking boots for our summer adventure in Gausta, where we will spend time with our good friends and their family.

“The book takes you to idyllic surroundings, where you can immerse yourself in summer dinners and sunbathing by forest lakes, flirting, and falling in love.”

Emma is one of our Guest & Host Care Assistants, and her book recommendation for this summer is the debut novel “Kun til Navlen” written by Linnea Maja Ernst (Lindhardt & Ringhof). “This novel is a perfect companion to the whimsical Danish summer weather. It combines the charm of midsummer with sudden and somewhat unexpected romances. The book takes you to idyllic surroundings, where you can immerse yourself in summer dinners and sunbathing by forest lakes, flirting, and falling in love. With themes such as friendship and unexpected romances among the humorous, intellectual, and conflict-seeking group of friends, "Kun til Navlen" curates the perfect summer atmosphere.”

For those who want to experience the feeling of "Kun til navlen" but can't wait for a potential translation from Danish, Sally Rooney's "Conversations with Friends" (Faber & Faber) is recommended by her.

Where do you love reading your summer book?
Definitely the beach! I love to pack my beach bag with a towel, something cold to drink, and a good book.

Which Landfolk holiday home would you love to visit this summer?
I dream of visiting the idyllic archipelago in Sweden. I am especially in love with Denny's maritime holiday home, which is located right by the sea and has a stunning view.

What destination are you currently dreaming about visiting?
I’m spending the summer in Espergærde with my boyfriend, and I am really looking forward to slow days on the beach and in the forest.

“I love reading fiction that is both entertaining, and has some form of social realism and societal relevance at the same time.”

Cathrine is one of the co-founders of Landfolk, and holds the role as Head of Partnerships & Community, and she has just started reading Kim Blæsbjerg's "De Bedste Familier" (Gutkind). The book is about the transition from the post-war period to the modern welfare society. “I love reading fiction that is both entertaining, and has some form of social realism and societal relevance at the same time,” she underlines.

For those who love fiction that lets us catch a glimpse of history, Merete Pryds Helles' novel "Human Beauty" (Lindhardt & Ringhof) is a true must-read. The novel highlights the struggles of a girl's life in the 1930s and during World War II on the Danish island of Langeland. It's a well-written portrait of family relations in a challenging era.

Where do you love reading your summer book?
I read the most when I'm at our summer house, and if I was to describe the perfect conditions, I would go to bed early and read late into the night. When I do that, I get completely immersed in the book and forget all about time and place.

Which Landfolk holiday home would you love to visit this summer?
I will have the pleasure of spending parts of summer in my own summer house at Sjællands Odde. And I can easily see myself booking an extended weekend on the West Coast when we get to the last part of summer.

What destination are you currently dreaming about visiting?
I would love to go on an outdoorsy trip to Sweden this summer, where my family and I could book a lovely Swedish holiday home as our base, and go on some beautiful hikes in the stunning Swedish nature. Extra bonus points if the holiday home is close to a lake, so we could also go on fishing trips. We’ll plan for that next summer.

If you are an avid reader, you probably have a long reading list for this summer already, but we still hope we might have inspired you to dip into these captivating stories.