As you settle into your beach chair, cozy cabin in the mountains or hit the road in your RV, there’s one essential item to pack: a great book. The right novel can transport you to a different world, provide entertainment, and even inspire new perspectives. Whether you’re seeking adventure, romance, or a thought-provoking journey, there’s a book out there tailored to your vacation vibe. From light-hearted page-turners to big books that you can get lost in, here are five types of books that are perfect for reading on vacation, guaranteed to elevate your relaxation and make the most of your downtime.
Mystery Books
Apples Never Fall, Liane Moriarty
Liane Moriarty’s Apples Never Fall is a captivating family drama that shines with well-developed characters and nuanced family dynamics. The story revolves around the Delaney family, a complex and dramatic bunch, comprising four grown children. The author masterfully weaves their intricate relationships, keeping readers engaged and invested in their lives. While there is a mystery present, the novel’s true strength lies in its rich backstory which is expertly revealed throughout the narrative. Moriarty’s writing style is slightly more subdued than in some of her previous works, but this thoughtful approach only adds to the book’s depth and emotional resonance. Overall, Apples Never Fall is a thought-provoking and engaging read that explores the intricacies of family dynamics and the power of storytelling.
Contemporary Fiction
A Man Called Ove, Fredrik Bachman
Meet Ove. People call him the bitter neighbor from hell. When a chatty young couple with two chatty young daughters move in next door and accidentally flatten Ove’s mailbox, it is the lead-in to a comical and heartwarming tale.
I devoured every word of this captivating novel, enthralled by the complex and lovable character of Ove. Despite his gruff, curmudgeonly exterior, Ove conceals a deep well of empathy and kindness, which is gradually revealed through Backman’s masterful storytelling. The book seamlessly balances humor, depth, and poignancy, exploring the multifaceted nature of Ove’s personality and the reasons behind his sometimes prickly behavior. The movie adaptation, A Man Called Otto, is equally impressive, bringing warmth and nuance to the character’s journey. I highly recommend both the book, A Man Called Ove, and the film for anyone looking for a heartwarming and thought-provoking experience.”
Thriller
You, Caroline Kepnes
All you really need to know about this book before you start reading is that Joe is a stalker. He sets his sights on Beck and is willing to do anything to make her his, and he does the typical things that stalkers do. But damn the author for making him seem so relatable, and for putting us in his head (he’s the narrator), where he thinks the things he does are perfectly normal – he can rationalize with the best of them. Kepnes even managed to make me forget Joe was a total psycho on occasion. The tv series on Netflix is also excellent. I normally don’t do both – I’m an either one or the other type of person, but in this case, I did both read the book and watch the movie – and I recommend you do the same.
A Light Cozy Fantasy
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, Sangu Mandanna
Brewing up a spellbinding tale of whimsy and wonder, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is a charming fantasy novel that will enchant readers from cover to cover. Mika, the main character, was a delight to read about, even as she is always doubting herself. Her found family is also quirky and heartwarming. Witty repartee and clever plot twists abound in this delightful read, with romance simmering beneath the surface like a perfectly brewed potion. A truly delightful read for anyone looking for a cozy escape into a world of magic and wonder.
A Cozy Romance
Get a Life Chloe Brown, Talia Hibbert
The sizzling romance between Red and Chloe was the perfect blend of witty banter, fiery passion, and heartwarming chemistry. As I turned the pages, I felt like I was gaining an intimate glimpse into Chloe’s quirky world, where her World view was through the lens of chronic pain and insecurities. And then there was Red – a swoon-worthy hero who stole the show with his sharp wit, empathetic nature, and unselfish love for those around him. Get a Life Chloe Brown is a hate-to-love romance was a masterclass in character development, as I watched these two complex souls navigate their way to each other’s hearts. With its perfect balance of humor, vulnerability, and tenderness, Get a Life, Chloe Brown had me hooked from start to finish!
Audiobook
Daisy Jones & The Six, Taylor Jenkins Reid
The rise and fall of an imaginary 1970s rock band, Daisy Jones and The Six, is chronicled in this Behind The Music faux documentary, written in interview snippets exactly like a transcript of a band documentary.
Immersing yourself in the audiobook version of Daisy Jones & The Six is the ultimate way to experience this captivating story. The talented narrators masterfully bring the characters to life, making it feel as if you’re witnessing the rise and fall of this iconic rock band firsthand. Daisy’s raspy voice, in particular, is mesmerizing, conjuring up images of a true rock star.
As you delve into the story, you’ll be drawn into a world of complex characters and relationships. Daisy, a talented singer-songwriter, is stifled by her circumstances, while Billy, the charismatic lead singer, is torn between his loyalty to his pregnant wife and his destructive impulses. The band members are a mix of contented and discontented individuals, with some struggling with internal conflicts and others grappling with their own demons.
The story explores themes of love, friendship, family, loyalty, and the darker aspects of human nature – including addiction, resentment, and selfishness. It’s a powerful exploration of the struggle between what we want and what we need, and how easily we can lose everything.
It’s also on our list of 3 “Better Than the Book” Audiobook Recommendations.
Something Short
The Secret Lives of Church Ladies, Deesha Philyaw
The Secret Lives of Church Ladies explores the raw and tender places where Black women and girls dare to follow their desires and pursue a momentary reprieve from being good. The nine stories in this collection feature four generations of characters grappling with who they want to be in the world, caught as they are between the church’s double standards and their own needs and passions.
The Secret Lives of Church Ladies is a masterful collection of nine short stories that weave together a rich tapestry of themes. Relationships, love, longing, sexuality, religion, body positivity, infidelity, and feminism are all expertly intertwined in these stories. It’s a lot to tackle, but Philyaw’s skillful storytelling makes it all feel effortless. Each of the nine stories is a fully realized world, dense with detail and atmosphere. From the first sentence to the last, you’re drawn in and invested in the characters’ lives. It’s no wonder this collection won The Story Prize – every single story is a standout, worth savoring and rereading.
A Big Book You Can Get Lost In
The Rose Code, Kate Quinn
1940. As England prepares to fight the Nazis, three very different women answer the call to mysterious country estate Bletchley Park, where the best minds in Britain train to break German military codes. 1947. As the royal wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip whips post-war Britain into a fever, three friends-turned-enemies are reunited by a mysterious encrypted letter – the key to which lies buried in the long-ago betrayal that destroyed their friendship and left one of them confined to an asylum.
Kate Quinn is a master of historical fiction, and her writing has a way of pulling you in and refusing to let go. I was completely absorbed in this book, barely surfacing long enough to grab a bite to eat or a drink before returning to the pages. The world of Bletchley Park and its remarkable female code breakers is a hard place to leave behind. Quinn brings three women to life on the page: Osla, a wealthy debutante with a sparkling exterior; Mab, burdened by family expectations; and Beth, struggling under the weight of her overbearing mother’s criticism. As we follow these women through the tumultuous years of World War II and its aftermath, we’re treated to intimate glimpses into their personal lives, as well as the secretive world of wartime codebreaking.
Whether you’re lounging by the pool, relaxing on the beach, or exploring a new city, the perfect book can transport you to new worlds, spark new ideas, and create lasting memories. Have you been on or going on vacation this summer? What did you read?
