Going on holiday is the perfect opportunity to unwind with a good book, especially if you’ve been finding it difficult to make time for relaxation in your everyday life.
In honour of World Book Day on the 5th of March, we’ve chosen the top five best books to read while you’re on holiday this year and, as you’ll see, there’s something for everyone on the list.
The following books are the perfect companions whether you’re travelling by yourself or with a group. Pick up one of these novels before your trip so you can start reading as soon as you reach the airport.
The Mirror and the Light by Hilary Mantel
Due out on 5 March, Hilary Mantel’s latest book is called The Mirror and the Light - and what better way to celebrate World Book Day than by picking up a copy? It’s set in 1536 England and follows the final years of lead character Thomas Cromwell; it’s the story of a blacksmith’s young son rising to the ultimate heights of power and wealth over the course of his lifetime. The final novel in a trilogy, this book wraps up a series that began back in 2005.
Needless to say, fans are excited to see how it all plays out, with some even claiming that it’s taken Mantel so long to release the book because she fell in love with the lead character and didn’t want to get rid of him. Can you blame her? She called writing it the greatest challenge of her life, as well as the most rewarding. In short… read this book!
Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter
If you’ve got your sights set on a holiday to Europe, this is the perfect book for your trip. Set in the Cinque Terre, this charming read has a very Italian feel and will give you a fuzzy feeling inside. It also gives a pretty accurate account of what the lifestyle, food and culture of Italy was like back in 1962, which is interesting to read about while travelling there in 2020.
It’s hardly a surprise that this book won a lot of prizes and was widely considered the book of the year back when it was released in 2012. While some novels don’t age well, this one has. The book is a reminder that, as humans, we’re both flawed and fascinating. You’ll be introduced to over a dozen characters, each with their own - dare we say - ridiculous dreams.
2666 by Roberto Bolano
2666 might be a thousand-page beast, but it’s an easy read. Roberto Bolano initially wanted it to be published as five different books, because he discovered he was dying before its publication and wanted to make sure his family would be taken care of when he was gone. Ultimately the other four books never came to fruition, but 2666 stands firmly as a bestseller just the way it is.
It takes place in Mexico City, where a group of academics are busy trying to track down a mysterious poet, before the novel eventually details some serial killer-style murders in a fictional city called Tijuana. It already feels like we’ve said too much! Nevertheless, add this psychological thriller to your list and expect some twists and turns.
Fiesta: The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway
Nothing like good ol’ Hemingway to make your holiday even better than you already thought it would be. Fiesta: The Sun Also Rises takes place in post-war France, following its characters all the way through to Pamplona as they travel, fish, drink and argue.
If you’re into multiple characters falling in love, especially those that look damn good while doing so, this is the kind of story for you. Questionable morality and poor decision making skills aside, the characters are pretty relatable and the storyline is fun.
Heartburn by Nora Ephron
Nobody wants heartburn on holiday - except Nora Ephron’s novel Heartburn, that is. Too cheesy?
The story follows foodie Rachel Samstat who is about to give birth when she discovers that her beau, Mark Feldman, is having an affair - gasp! Ephron doesn’t mince her words when she describes the mistress, which will have you chuckling. Let’s just say she’s got Dobby-esque features.
If you’re into a little bit of drama, Heartburn is the read for you. Nora Ephron delivers a book as spellbinding as the film When Harry Met Sally, and a lot of people can relate to Rachel’s journey of putting back together the pieces of her life. We’ve all been there, honey.
If you’re keen on being like the Swedes, who read an average of three books every two weeks they are on holiday - seriously - then you’ll need to find somewhere peaceful to do your reading. Here are some locations you can try out:
Any form of travel: Whether you’re on a plane, boat, bus, taxi or camel, you’ll be able to dig into your book. (Ok, perhaps the camel is a bit of a stretch.)
The park: Most cities have parks, and a park bench can not only help you to reconnect with the nature around you, it can also offer a nice spot to delve into one of the reads on our list.
Coffee shops: Most touristy destinations are big on coffee spots, and if you’d like to channel your inner Friends character, pop in and order a cappuccino.
The local library: While you may not want to spend too much time in a public library if you’re on a beach holiday, it can be a quiet, free spot to hang out in, especially if you’re trying to take a break from technology.
Last but not least… the loo: An underrated spot! Keep a book next to the toilet in your hotel and the pages will turn themselves over the course of your vacation.
Now that you know what to read and where to do it, you should start exploring some holiday destinations, if you haven’t done so already.
There is a common misconception that international travel always has to be very expensive - but that doesn’t have to be the case if you know where to look. We’ve got loads of interesting and affordable destinations you can check out that will give you a nice opportunity to get away and get some me time in.
From Spain to Portugal and all the way to Cancun and the Caribbean, the choices are endless - so go wild. Whether you’re going on holiday shortly or planning a trip in the near future, booking a holiday with Teletext is the easiest solution.
Once you’ve done so, don’t forget to pick up one (or more) of the page turners on our list before you leave. Until then, have a wonderful World Book Day on the 5th of March.
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