What should I read on my honeymoon?
a formula to figure it out
In the days leading up to my honeymoon, I’ve been strategizing what to load up on my Kindle (I’m always a hardcover book gal, except while traveling!). Despite my earlier proclamation, I still find myself stuck in a reading rut (help??), so I am leaning on my tried-and-true formula for picking vacation books: something “of the place” or “of the vibe” + something I can dig into + something light and buzzy.
Of the place/of the vibe
I’m looking for a book that takes place in a vacation destination (even better if it’s where I’m headed) or mirrors the type of trip I’m going on. Last year I read Sandwich while on a 4th of July trip with my family — ideal. Now, I’m looking for something that's about a honeymoon or a “by the sea” kind of trip. Turns out all books about honeymoons are books in which the honeymoon goes awry, so I’m sticking to a general summer theme:
Contenders:
Summer Sisters: Summery backdrop + a nostalgic and iconic author
Tartufo: Not exactly a summer book, but who could resist a charming story set in the Italian countryside?
Hazel Says No: Anything set in Maine = summer read.
A story I can dig into
With a lot of reading time on my hands, I want something a that’s lengthy, heavy and/or complex. I’m looking for beautiful writing that covers a lot of ground. Last year, I read Long Island on a trip to Paris and it was a perfect match.
Contenders:
Our Evenings: This has been on my list for a while, and the description reminds me of In Memoriam and Tin Man.
The River is Waiting: I love everything by Wally Lamb and so does Oprah.
Something fun, light and buzzy
Rounding out the trifecta of vacation reads is a book that will be entertaining and easy to tear through.
Contenders:
Slags: Found via
who found it via Dolly Alderton — all sources I deeply trust!Atmosphere: While I generally don’t love TJR books, I still read every single one of them. And this book seems to be everywhere, so now might be the time to crack it open.
Any thoughts on these picks?? See you when I’m back!
Have so much fun! I started the new TJR this week and I'm happy to say it's rather unputdownable (I like her books but don't always LOVE them) and think it would make for a great "read in a day or two on vacation" book that will hook you!