Summer reads 2017: THIS is the most enjoyable book for relaxing in the sun

From Gone with the Wind to Gone Girl, forget everything you know about recreational reading as a new scientific experiment reveals a distinct difference between the literary choices people think they enjoy and those that produce positive psychological reactions. 

The study, commissioned to mark the paperback launch of The Obsession by Nora Roberts, examined some of the most popular literary genres to see what really goes on in both brain and body when curling up with a good book. 

Despite selling over 100million copies, erotic novel Fifty Shades of Grey scored the least in overall enjoyment (52 per cent) when indicators such as pulse rate, body language, and levels of relaxation were tested by leading behavioural psychologist Jo Hemmings.

Three quarters (75 per cent) of participants said they read to relax, yet the E.L James novel produced a 5 per cent increase in pulse rates indicating heightened physical stress and anxiety.

In fact, erotic romance scored so low (52 per cent), even non-fiction examples such as Jamie Oliver’s 30 Minute Meals pipped it to the post with overall enjoyment levels of 55 per cent.

Instead, romance and suspense produced the most physical enjoyment with an 83 per cent positive engagement rate. When tested, this winning literary combination physically relaxed readers by 13 per cent more than reading pure romance novels, and 10 per cent more than solid thrillers.

The experiment, which saw 50 participants take part in the experiment under controlled conditions in London last month, also uncovered Brits underestimation of escapism and positive physiological benefits of sci-fi and fantasy novels. 

 Initially just 7 per cent said novels such as A Dance with Dragons from the Game of Thrones series are their preferred choice for holiday reading. However, this genre produced a 60 per cent positive engagement and was the third most enjoyable novel overall.

Top five most enjoyable literary genres as measured by physiological indicators in experiment:

Romantic suspense (83 per cent)

Thriller only (74 per cent)

Sci-fi and fantasy (60 per cent)

Non-fiction (55 per cent)

Romance/erotica (52 per cent)

Top five favourite genres anecdotally from questionnaire:

Crime

Romance/erotica

Thriller only

Sci-fi and fantasy

Non-fiction

Based on the research, Jo has picked out her best five summer reads for both men and women. 

She said: “The research showed that men are more inclined to read books with strong characters and plots, rather than romance or gentle settings. Bit of a stereotype of course, but action packed thrillers were cited by a third of men as being the most enjoyable and history seem to be popular too for one in five, along with humour and clever, resonant writing. They also like extreme weather setting for pure escapism.

“The five books I have chosen reflect these results.” 

Predator – Wilbur Smith Action packed, SAS army based, hunting down a killer, warlords, pirates, arms dealers, set in exotic locations, this ticks a lot of boxes for guys.

The Last Kingdom – Bernard Cornwell Combining Dark Ages real-life history with a dash of poetic license, it’s a complex book full of combat and adventure.

Men Without Women – Haruki Murakami Seven tales of men who find themselves alone. Spanning lonely hearts to baseball and The Beatles, this is a clever and entertaining book and pure escapism into another world.

Schtum – Jem Lester Touching, humorous, relatable and heartwarming. This angry and fiercely funny book is a powerful yet entertaining read.

Starter for Ten – David Nicholls A comedy about love, class and growing up. Set in the 80’s this coming-of-age retro read, about hapless yet bright, Brian Jackson, will resonate with many men. 

For women, Jo would especially recommend The Obsession by Nora Roberts, as it scores very highly on all the criteria for the perfect summer read for women. Others include: 

I Let You Go – Clare Mackintosh A compelling debut book from the very talented Clare Mackintosh, this is a twisty, emotionally fulfilling psychological thriller (41% of women love a twist in the tale)

Tipping the Velvet – Sarah Waters Saucy, sensual, romantic and totally absorbing – I loved this book. Like The Obsession, it combines suspense with passion – the perfect literary combination for relaxation. 

Apple Tree Yard – Louise Doughty A truly gripping thriller that shows just how being in the wrong place at the wrong time, especially where desire is concerned, can completely change your life – and not in a good way… Another example of romantic suspense

When She Was Bad – Tammy Cohen I love anything by Tammy Cohen. This is smart psychological thriller that grips right up to the end. Really unputdownable.

The Unpredictable Consequences of Love – Jill Mansell One of my favourite authors for go-to romantic relaxation, ideal for a summer read. Proper grown up chick lit, it’s warm, humorous and full of characters we can relate to.

Charlie Dimmock has also revealed her favourite holiday destination.