Paperbacks: Wish You Were Here, by Mike Gayle

A gentle guide to men's feelings for those who weren't entirely sure they had any, this has the makings of another Mike Gayle classic. Charlie has been dumped by his live-in girlfriend, making him that most tragic combination of words in the English language: a single thirty-something.

This is where a lads' break in Malia comes in. Though some readers won't need the symbolism of an empty suitcase spelling out, this is a spot on, easy beach read. Just add sangria.