What People are Reading on Vacation Right Now
Vacation is the perfect time to rewind and relax while indulging in some light reading. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or ocean or killing time at the airport between flights, a good book is always a good companion. With so many options available, it can be a bit overwhelming to select the right book. That’s why I’ve put together a list of some of the best easy reads for vacation. From heartwarming romances to thrilling mysteries, this list of books will keep you entertained and engaged wherever your travels take you.
Easy Reads for Vacation
The Authenticity Project
The Authenticity Project is a novel by Clare Pooley that follows the lives of a diverse group of characters brought together by a simple idea: sharing their truths in a notebook. Through the pages of this notebook, each character reveals their vulnerabilities, fears, and desires, forming unexpected connections and confronting their own insecurities. As they pass the notebook along, they discover the power of authenticity in fostering genuine human connection and finding solace in shared experiences.
Tomorrow, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow
“Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” by Gabrielle Zevin is an exhilarating novel that follows the journey of two friends, Sam Masur and Sadie Green, who become creative partners in the world of video game design. Spanning three decades and various locations, this book offers readers a fresh and compelling narrative that defies traditional conventions of the love story genre.
The First Ladies
“The First Ladies” is a compelling novel that explores the remarkable friendship between First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune, whose bond defied societal norms and left an indelible mark on history. Despite facing adversity as the daughter of formerly enslaved parents, Mary McLeod Bethune perseveres as an activist and educator, earning admiration from titans of business and U.S. Presidents alike. When Eleanor Roosevelt is captivated by Mary’s work, their shared commitment to women’s rights and education sparks a deep friendship, leading them to confide in each other through moments of tragedy and triumph. Through their enduring bond, Mary and Eleanor inspire change and shape the course of history.
The Getaway Girls
“The Getaway Girls” follows Connie McColl as she embarks on a spontaneous adventure after years of living an ordinary life. Alongside newfound friends Gill and Maggie, Connie sets off on a journey across Europe in a luxury campervan, determined to make this summer one to remember. As they traverse the picturesque landscapes of France and Italy, the trio encounters unexpected romances, surprises, and secrets that ultimately lead them to realize that their journey is just the beginning of new adventures and discoveries.
The Hotel Nantucket
“The Hotel Nantucket” takes readers on a captivating journey into the heart of a once-grand hotel facing a summer of scandal and intrigue. Lizbet Keaton, freshly appointed as the general manager, navigates the challenges of reviving the hotel’s fortunes while contending with a cast of complex characters and a haunting past. As secrets unravel and tensions rise, Lizbet grapples with romantic uncertainties while striving to restore the hotel’s reputation. With its blend of mystery, romance, and Nantucket charm, this novel promises an irresistible summer read filled with drama and redemption.
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine
“Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman follows the life of Eleanor Oliphant, a socially awkward and routine-driven woman who leads a solitary existence. As Eleanor’s carefully constructed world is disrupted by unexpected events and encounters, she begins to confront her traumatic past and slowly opens herself up to the possibility of friendship and love. Honeyman’s masterful storytelling and Eleanor’s unique voice make for a poignant and uplifting exploration of loneliness, resilience, and the transformative power of human connection. This acclaimed debut novel is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, leaving a lasting impression on readers long after the final page.
Under the Magnolias
Set in the charming town of Walton, South Carolina, “Under the Magnolias” follows Austin Foster, who returns home after a decade away, hoping to reconcile with her estranged family and confront the painful secrets of her past. As Austin navigates the complexities of family dynamics and grapples with her own mistakes, she discovers the healing power of love and the strength found in forgiveness.
The Midnight Library
“The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig is a poignant exploration of regret, second chances, and the infinite possibilities of life. Nora Seed, feeling disillusioned and trapped by her choices, finds herself in a mysterious library that offers her the chance to undo her regrets and explore alternate versions of her life. As Nora navigates through the shelves of books that represent different life paths, she learns valuable lessons about acceptance, self-discovery, and the importance of embracing the present moment.
The Ladies’ Midnight Swimming Club
“The Ladies’ Midnight Swimming Club” by Faith Hogan is a heartwarming novel that follows three women as they come together to form an unlikely bond over late-night swims in the ocean. As they navigate their own personal challenges and support each other through life’s ups and downs, they discover strength, resilience, and the transformative power of female camaraderie.
The Unhoneymooners
Christina Lauren’s witty banter, charming characters, and sizzling chemistry make “The Unhoneymooners” a fun and addictive read that will leave readers swooning and laughing until the very end. The story follows Olive Torres and Ethan Thomas, who find themselves on a free honeymoon trip to Maui despite their mutual dislike for each other. As they navigate the tropical paradise pretending to be newlyweds, sparks fly and tensions rise, leading to unexpected romantic entanglements.
More Easy Reads for Vacation:
Have you read any great books lately?
Hello Jennifer, thanks for the book recommendations š¤ I have added quite a few to my evergrowing list š
I was a physical book kind of girl till I bought my Kindle Paperwhite! What kind of Kindle did you buy? I am absolutely in love with mine! Did you check the settings? You can adjust the brightness and warmth and opt for the dark mode as well! You can increase the font size as well. That’s the reason it’s so popular among senior citizens too! Hope you find it useful āŗļø
I tried all the settings but couldn’t find one my eyes were happy with
Thank you for the book recommendations. Two books that I recently finished and really enjoyed are:
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawton
The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post. They are both historical fiction. I also liked The Women, by Kristen Hannah and The Little Liar by Mitch Albom. Iām always on the lookout for the next great read!
Audiobook I loved recently: āThe Signature of All Thingsā by Elizabeth Gilbert (āEat, Pray, Loveā). Completely genreā¦.fascinating.
Also, reading on an iPad is useless in the sun without a special filter. Easier to stick to the Paperwhite Kindle.
Good to know
Jennifer, thanks so much for this. Such a fun discussion — and more additions to my ‘plan to read’ list. Really appreciate your work!
Iām glad you like these Maeve
Thank you for the recommendations. I’m always looking for new books to read. A fabulous one I just finished: Now Is Not the Time to Panic by Kevin Wilson. I also loved his first novel: Nothing to See Here. Both quirky and thought-provoking in the best way.
Hi Jennifer,
I read a few books a month and I also have a Kindle, which is somewhere in my office collecting dust! As I have gotten older my eyes can’t keep focused using a Kindle and I like the feel of the book.
One book that I enjoyed recently was The Lilac Girls and The Alice Network.
In one of your posts you mentioned a spray for the nose to help with keeping germs from entering. Would you please repost the name of the spray.
Thanks
That nose spray seems to be gone from Amazon, so I’m, not sure if they went out of business or not.
I always look forward to your book lists! My Wish List always gets much longer when you put one out! And I too love the feel of a book in my hands! I’ve tried “screen reading” and it just isn’t my thing.
I love having a paperback book rather than reading it on a Kindle. I use a Kindle when reading in bed, so it will not lose its place if I fall asleep. I collect cookbooks, and they are all bound books. Since retiring, I have taken up cooking and baking. There is nothing like opening a cookbook and seeing what you are making for dinner. I have a book stand that protects the book because I am messy. I buy most of my books secondhand, which reduces the cost. It works okay if you are not hurrying to get the latest books.
I use a book stand for my cookbooks too but the pages are still splattering with things š
I do historical fiction these days, exclusively. I was an English teacher for about 187 years, and I got my fill of reading bad student papers. Now I read only what I want to read. I am also a big fan of real books, but traveling converted me to the Kindle. I always took the book I was reading, the one I would read next, and the one I might need if I finished the second one. Of course, now maybe I could figure out a little trailer for my wheelchair and haul around whole library of the real thing!
I love the feeling of having a couple new books just waiting in the wings for my next read! These were all great suggestions today. Oliphant, All the Light We Can Not See and A Gentleman in Moscow were some favorites. I will definitely be sourcing the Women too!
Your blog on invisibility was so relevant and Iām wonder if one on loneliness would also resonate with many of your readers too.
I think it might. Thank you for suggesting it, Jan
Thanks for this post, I’m always looking for a new book to read!
thank you for sharing this list of books. I too prefer the feel f a book in my hands.
I love the book recommendations. I never thought I’d love my Kindle, but now I do. I use it in bed for reading and checking my email. It seems to disturb my husband less than my book light. I also highlight favorite passages on the Kindle without harming a book… I guess that comes from trying to leave my books unmarked in college so I could resell them!
LOL, I used to use highlighter in all my college books and made quite a mess of them.
Thanks again for a great post! Iām a voracious reader and always have to have a book going. I ordered 6 of your recommendations because I can always trust you for good suggestions on just about everything! I use my iPad for most books because I can take it anywhere, use white letters on black background so very easy on the eyes and nice for night reading so as not to disturb my husband, but still prefer the smell and feel of a good old fashioned book! Thank again for all your research and fun posts.
I wonder if I’d prefer the iPad. I never thought to try it
Wonderful collection of books, I will check them out. Iām presently reading INVISIBLE by LORENA MC COURTNEY. One of your bloggers suggested. It checks all the boxes on your blog regarding feeling invisible the other day. Very interesting book, so true funny at times too!
Fascinating!! I will have to check it out.
OK, a few I have in my list. If you don’t have a GoodReads account, get one as it’s a good place to keep track of what you want to read and what you have read. And, to see reviews of books that might interest you.
All The Dangerous Things – Stacy Willingham
The Search – Nora Roberts
The Four Winds – Kristin Hannah (acutally, anything by Kristin Hannah)
The Book Woman’s Daughter – Kim Michele Richardson
same subject as The Book Woman’s Daughter – The Giver of Stars – Jojo Moyes
The Little Wartime Library – Kate Thompson
The Book of Lost Names – Kristin Harmel
Hope you enjoy them!
Thank you so much Marilyn. These sound fascinating. I do have a Good Reads account š
I loved the Thursday Night Murder Club series. The most compelling book I’ve read lately is American Dirt. I realize there was quite a controversy because the author is not Hispanic, but It is fiction. I came away from it with a different perspective on immigration. Thank you for the suggestions, I am always looking for something new to read.
That sounds fascinating.
Thank you for sharing some fun reading, it was a real treat. I have a Little Free Library, that i installed during the Pandemic. I was recently sent a book, The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise by Colleen Oakley. This was a delightful adventure story of an older woman and a younger college age woman, that took many twists and turns. It made it hard to put down, once I started reading it. Btw, I just discovered your blog, was delighted, since I live too live in Northern California, a little town called Petaluma.
We love Petaluma! It’s such a great little town! Welcome.
I prefer “cracking open” the book, smelling the new ink, and saying “awwwww.” I don’t use a Kindle but have a lovely bookmark that keeps me on the right page and I use the “cute” book light that you recommended as a Christmas gift for readers. It’s rechargeable and small and wonderful!
I also enjoyed reading “The Women” by Kristen Hannah, great book.
Me too! I’ve read a few books by Kristen Hannah. She’s great.
The Women by Kristen Hannah, one of my favorite authors.
The Women.
From master storyteller Kristin Hannah, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Nightingale and The Four Winds, comes the story of a turbulent, transformative era in America: the 1960s. The Women is that rarest of novelsāat once an intimate portrait of a woman coming of age in a dangerous time and an epic tale of a nation divided by war and broken by politics, of a generation both fueled by dreams and lost on the battlefield.
āWomen can be heroes, too.ā
I will have to get that one! Sounds great!
I just started listening to this book on audible! Its very good so far.
My bookclub has been together well over a decade (so very jaded) and loved Eleanor Oliphant, also Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and Stealing Spoons. History lessons with humour.
Love my kindle, it did take a little getting used to. West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge. So good!
Hi Jennifer, I have to agree with you about reading physical books! Thereās something about the feel and smell of books that I need. I worked in a library for 9 years so Iām sure that contributes to the tactile need! Thank you for the book recommendations, Iāll be sure to check them out!
I know they’re not as easy to travel with, but I do love them.
āFirst Lie Winsā is amazing!
Thanks for your list! I am an avid reader so I appreciate the suggestions.
Awesome, thanks!
Thank you for additions to my must read list. I have a great fairly new release to add to the list: The Women by Kristin Hannah. It is one that will bring tears and gasps and perhaps lots of memories. These are the female soldiers of my generation who came home to all the protests, etc. who had experienced the horrors of war and the realities of homecoming just like the male soldiers did. My cousin came home from the battlefield with no arms and his sister – a nurse – came home with unseen injuries from serving our country. Kudos to Kristin Hannah for telling the story of The Women! (ps – I love my Kindle for travel but good ole books are the best!)
Another vote for The Women! Heading to library for it this weekend.
The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose is one I read last month. Its predecessor is The maid, which I didnāt read and that was okay. It was a quick, easy read.
Thanks for the suggestion!
Those are great recommendations! I’ve read four, and loved each of them.
Another “must read” is Remarkably Bright Creatures, about the friendship between a widow and a giant Pacific octopus named Marcellus. It sounds odd, but it’s amazing.
Thanks Julie! It does sound odd, but fascinating.
Thanks for the great list of books. I’ve read several of these but my favorite is always Elin Hilderbrand. They always take place in Nantucket and every time I read one of her books I want to take a trip there.
I love the whole New England area. It brings back such great memories.
I have to tell you how I look forward to your daily emails, I save them until Iāve opened all the others so I have time to really read them thoroughly. I truly appreciate all the time you devote to your online friends. The book recommendations contain two of my all time favorites, Elenor Oliphant and The Midnight Library, the subject of both these books is pretty heavy. They were selections for our book club, lots of discussions. I highly recommend. Thanks again for all you do and the variety of topics for our age groups.
Thatās so sweet, Sharon. Thank you!
Am currently reading Douglas Murrayās book, the Strange Death of Europe, having just finished Vassily Grossmanās, Stalingrad. Next on my list, is the biography of Genghis Khan. The Ladies Midnight Swimming Club sounds interesting, but canāt get over anyone swimming in the ocean at night – the author must not have seen the movie, Jaws.
lol, I could never swim in the ocean at night!
I read Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine and it is excellent! Thank-you for this post. I love exploring new titles. I am thinking of switching from my kindle back to handheld books as I agree the kindle seems to tire my eyes.
Thanks Trish. I really wanted to enjoy reading with my Kindle because itās so much easier for travel, but I just didnāt like it.
I suggest The Ride of Her Life by ELizabeth Letts. A 63 year old woman rides her horse from Maine to California in the 1950’s. It’s a true life story and very good!