When you think of early August, what comes to mind? Beaches, pub gardens, holiday packing perhaps. Or maybe it’s trawling through a lengthy database of football players on your hot laptop in an effort to find the best value full-back for AFC Bournemouth. I used to love the annual pre-season ritual of picking a Fantasy Football squad. At least, I told myself that I loved it. As a “man who likes football”, this is just what you did. On paper, it was harmless, of course, and in my fantasy salad days (2006-2014, my own fantasy equivalent of Chelsea’s early Abramovich era), there was at least some glory to back it up.

We all know the drill. As our summer holiday approaches, we line suitcases and carry-ons with a selection of critically acclaimed books and literary beasts, then purchase one fun read at the airport. A fortnight later, sun-kissed and wine-soused, those heavyweights, still pristine, go back on the bookshelf. It’s time to accept that self-betterment on holiday is the preserve of sadomasochists, but entertainment needn’t equal drivel. Here is a selection of riveting and rewarding reads to toss in your suitcase this summer.

I had just managed to get a seat on the crowded underground train when my iPhone vibrated in my palm. A single notification dropped onto my screen – I’d been sent 120 pictures via AirDrop, a Bluetooth function with a limited range meaning that the sender was nearby. As I looked closer, I saw the images were pictures of a man with his genitals exposed. The initial shock quickly gave way to anger and fear that the unknown man might follow me off the train.

The tradition of offering matrimonial gifts can seem, like many traditions, terribly outdated, recalling a time when it was expected that couples would get married before moving in together. In years gone by it made sense to offer newlyweds a set of bed linen or some new china because you were helping them to set up a home.

When you think of early August, what comes to mind? Beaches, pub gardens, holiday packing perhaps. Or maybe it’s trawling through a lengthy database of football players on your hot laptop in an effort to find the best value full-back for AFC Bournemouth. I used to love the annual pre-season ritual of picking a Fantasy Football squad. At least, I told myself that I loved it. As a “man who likes football”, this is just what you did. On paper, it was harmless, of course, and in my fantasy salad days (2006-2014, my own fantasy equivalent of Chelsea’s early Abramovich era), there was at least some glory to back it up.

We all know the drill. As our summer holiday approaches, we line suitcases and carry-ons with a selection of critically acclaimed books and literary beasts, then purchase one fun read at the airport. A fortnight later, sun-kissed and wine-soused, those heavyweights, still pristine, go back on the bookshelf. It’s time to accept that self-betterment on holiday is the preserve of sadomasochists, but entertainment needn’t equal drivel. Here is a selection of riveting and rewarding reads to toss in your suitcase this summer.