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.

It’s July, it’s high summer and Wimbledon is in full swing. Feeling inspired to pick up a racket? You’re not alone. But before you join the frantic rush to book the last of your local courts, it’s worth taking a moment for a quick inventory check. Tennis, thankfully, isn’t a sport that requires a huge amount of kit; if you can get your hands on a racket and a tube of balls – ideally not the same ones you use to play fetch with the dog – then you’re more or less good to go. One thing you might want to invest in, however, is a proper bag.

The tradition of offering matrimonial gifts can seem, like many traditions, terribly outdated, recalling a time when it was expected that couples would get married before moving in together.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.

It’s July, it’s high summer and Wimbledon is in full swing. Feeling inspired to pick up a racket? You’re not alone. But before you join the frantic rush to book the last of your local courts, it’s worth taking a moment for a quick inventory check. Tennis, thankfully, isn’t a sport that requires a huge amount of kit; if you can get your hands on a racket and a tube of balls – ideally not the same ones you use to play fetch with the dog – then you’re more or less good to go. One thing you might want to invest in, however, is a proper bag.