What could be better than kicking back and enjoying your Summer with a good or better yet, great book? Here are our favorites, so jot them down and get to W.H. Smith quickly...

This French classic by Emile Zola published in 187, is unforgettable. It was one of the first I read. It dives into the problem of alcoholism and poverty in working class Paris. A lthough a bit sad and depressing, this is definitely a great read. This novel made Zola.

Flaubertīs Madame Bovary is another timeless French classic that you must read. The story of a forward thinking French woman named Emma Bovary in an all manīs world...doesnīt sound so distant at times, does it? Flaubert was accused of being obscene for writing this. Get your hands on it and see for yourself.

Ah, Julien Sorel. I had such high hopes for him as I was reading this novel by Stendal. Will he make it? Will he rise above his station? Grab this page turner and find out. This 19th Century French writer is one of the forerunners of realism.

If you haven't yet read the poetry of Charles Badelaire, now is a great time to discover it. The Flowers of Evil (English title) focusses on eroticism and debauchery. Suffice it to say that he was controversial but Hugo loved him, and so do we.

This is my all time favorite of the French classics! The story of Edmond Dantes.Of betrayal. Of love. Adventure. Heroism. And untimately, revenge. This is a book you can read over, and over, and over again!

This lovely book reminds us how to think like a child. It's good for adults and kids alike and very cute and uplifting. Read this one after you've read Zola, for example.

This is another one of Alexandre Dumas' great feats. Weīve all seen the movies, how about picking up the book? Itīs better than every movie version Iīve ever seen. Sorry Leo, that means you too.

OK, so this isnīt a French classic, but how could we leave him out? This is the final take on life at the castle, so itīs a much read for most. Iīve got my copy, but havenīt read it yet because Iīve been re-reading Dumas! Donīt worry Harry, Iīll get to you.

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