Best Books to Read on Vacation

Hi everyone! As some of you may know I am getting my PhD in Spanish Literature, and I love to read. Although I’m always reading a good book, I find that vacations are when I have the most time to read for pleasure. Below you will find some of my favorite books, both classics and newer releases, that I think you will enjoy! These books are all great, and, in my opinion, they are some of the best books to read on vacation!

My favorite genres are mysteries and magical realism. In this list I’ve included some of my absolutely favorite novels from incredibly talented authors. I always try to buy books from a local bookstore, borrow them from the library, or buy them used online. However, if I need a book quickly, and it’s difficult to find, then Amazon Prime is the best option. Additionally, as most of us aren’t supposed to be leaving our homes, and most local businesses are closed, at this point in time Amazon is one of the only options. Amazon has a HUGE collection of books for sale (used and new). I have linked all of my recommendations for purchase.

Fiction/Family Drama

Little Fires Everywhere (2017) by Celeste Ng

I read this novel after watching the show on Hulu. I loved the show and wanted to give the novel a try. Normally, I try to read the book first – but this one happened to get lost in the mail. I am so happy that it finally arrived, I absolutely loved this novel. I almost read the whole thing in one sitting, it was that good.

The novel details the lives of two families, the Richardsons and the Warrens, living in the “perfect” community of Shaker Heights. At the start of the novel you learn that the Richardson’s house as been set on fire, and the novel details the events that lead up to the fire. When the Richardsons meet the Warrens, the worlds of both families begin to unravel, culminating in disasters for all involved. The children and their parents are the protagonists of this novel, and you’ll find yourself rooting for each and every one one of them – even when it results in two characters competing against each other.

Even if you’ve watched the show, read the novel. You can purchase Little Fires Everywhere here.

Magical Realism

The Japanese Lover (2015)- El Amante Japonés by Isabel Allende

The first time I read this novel I could not put it down– it is that good. The Japanese Lover is one of Isabel Allende’s newest novels. Interestingly, it takes place in a retirement home in San Fransisco – instead of in South America like the majority of her other works. The novel, in its essence, is a love story that spans generations. As the story progresses we see the novel’s characters discover, and rediscover their love for one another. The novel touches on numerous political issues, both from the past and present, including immigration, race, social class and war. Comprised of a combination of the present and flashbacks, readers slowly piece together the histories and realities of the main characters.

Other amazing books by Isabel Allende include The House of the Spirits (1982) and Of Love and Shadows (1985).

You can purchase The Japanese Lover here.

Mysteries

The Mousetrap (1952) by Agatha Christie

At this point, most everyone has read the famous Murder on the Orient Express. However, Agatha Christie has so much more to offer than just one mystery! One of my personal favorites is The Mousetrap. This mystery is written in the form of a play, and to date it is the longest running play in West End London, running from 1952 -present. The story takes place at a snowed-in, isolated bed and breakfast outside of the city of London. The location makes for the perfect setting. The visitors at the B&B find themselves trapped in a lodge with an unknown murderer and they are unable to escape. This is a quick read, partly due to its format, and you’ll easily finish it in a day or two.

You can purchase The Mousetrap here.

Chief Inspector Gamache Series (2005-present) by Louise Penny

Louise Penny, thus far, has published thirteen books in the Chief Inspector Gamache series. So far, I have read two, and I am hooked. My mother was the one who recommended that I read these novels, and I am very happy that I took her advice. She has read them all, and is waiting anxiously for a new release.

The setting, of the first two novels, is a small township in Canada just across the border from Vermont. Being from Vermont, these novels already appealed to me due to the sharp resemblance between Three Pines, where the novels take place, and the small town in Northern Vermont where I grew up. Three Pines is a small, picturesque, rural town. In addition to being dreamy and idealistic, it is also the perfect site to place a murder mystery – due to its isolation and the tight, almost unbreakable bonds and secrets between the townspeople.

The character development is outstanding, and I found myself fully invested in the lives of all of the main and minor characters. Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, the detective who responds to the murders, is a fantastic protagonist, and one who you will immediately come to admire and root for. You won’t be able to put these novels down, so bring more than one on your next vacation.

You can purchase the whole series on Amazon – click here for Still Life, the first novel, and click here for A Fatal Grace, the second novel.

Big Little Lies (2014) by Liane Moriarty

More than likely you have heard of the major HBO series Big Little Lies. Before the hit show came an awesome novel! Even if you’ve seen the show, definitely take the time to read the book as there are many major plot differences. I was so enthralled by this book that I truly did not want to do anything else until I finished it. I never once got bored with the plot and it was a definite page turner.

The novel tells the story of the inhabitants of an elitist beach town where a murder has taken place. The plot specifically revolves around the lives of a group of moms and their children. As the story unfolds the reader discovers not only who the murderer is, but the identity of the victim as well. I love that the novel is non-traditional, as neither the perpetrator nor the victim’s identities are known. This gives the reader an increased workload as they must figure out who did what to whom, and why.

You can purchase Big Little Lies here.

Thrillers

A Nearly Normal Family (2019) by M. T. Edvardsson

This Swedish crime novel is incredibly thought provoking. It makes readers consider how far they would go to protect their own family from criminal charges. The novel, told in three parts by three narrators, tells the story of a young girl, Stella, accused of murder. It also delves into her parents’ attempts to ensure her acquittal.

Stella, and her mother and father, share their insights and (often contradictory) understandings of the night of the murder. As the story progresses the reader must piece together their own understanding of the events in order to try to discern if Stella is truly innocent or guilty. The novel is very well written, and I found myself engrossed in the family’s story. Although at times the narrators’ actions can be frustrating, it is all part of the build up to the final explanation of the murder.

You can purchase A Nearly Normal Family here.

Lock Every Door (2019) by Riley Sager

This highly addictive novel is absolutely perfect to read during quarantine. It is not a literary masterpiece by any means. However, it is super fun to read and will pull you in from the first pages. The novel tells the story of a young, broke woman who has recently lost her job and her apartment. She finds employment as an apartment sitter in a NYC apartment building known for its spotty, and creepy, past.

As the novel unfolds, Jules, the narrator begins to realize that her life is in danger. Once making this discovery she must take steps to ensure not only her own safety but also the safety of the building’s other apartment sitters. Interestingly, the end of the novel features a *semi-political* twist that I was not expecting. However, I enjoyed it far more than the ending I had anticipated. One line on page 356 almost ruined the entire novel for me. However, I was able to get past it and enjoy the novel as a whole.

You can purchase Lock Every Door here!

Crime

Chronicle of a Death Foretold (1981) – Crónica de una muerte anunciada by Gabriel García Márquez

Chronicle of a Death Foretold tells the story of the murder of a young man, Santiago Nasar. Santiago is accused of taking the virginity of a married woman. On her wedding night, Angela Vicario is returned to her parent’s home after her husband discovers that she is not a virgin. Word travels quickly in the small, sleepy Latin American town where the novel takes place. It comes as no surprise to the townspeople that Angela’s brothers decide to *seek justice* for their sister.

Interestingly, although the entire town knows the murder is going to occur, no one warns (or is able to warn) Santiago. This lack of warning leads the reader to question the places of honor, justice and social roles within the town. The non-linear plot structure of the novel forces the reader to question the factuality of the plot, something that is augmented by the unknown narrator. There is a reason that this novel is commonly assigned in AP Spanish classes – it will truly make you think. This small-town murder combined with elements of magical realism is a definite must-read.

You can purchase Chronicle of a Death Foretold here.

Historical Fiction

Where the Crawdads Sing (2018) by Delia Owens

So many friends and family members recommended this novel, and I am so happy that I finally took the time to read it! Two timelines intertwine in this small town, murder mystery that takes place in North Carolina in the 1960s. More than a murder mystery, this novel is a story of love, determination and prejudice – showing just how much bias and hate can come from a tight knit town. The story is not predictable by any means, and there are twists and turns in the plot line throughout the novel.

I had high expectations for this book, as it was at the top of the list of the The New York Times Fiction Best Sellers of both 2019 and 2020. It also came with glowing reviews from most all who have read it. My expectations were definitely met, and I highly recommend this book! You won’t want to put it down. Click here to check it out.

City of Girls (2019) by Elizabeth Gilbert

This book is so much fun! The novel tells the story of a high society, young girl who moves to NYC in the 1940s. Vivian moves in with her aunt Peg, who runs a Broadway theatre, and it is there that Vivian learns that there is far more to life than good manners, pretty dresses and marriage. Of course, our protagonist finds herself in a bit of trouble, but this all leads her to truly finding herself as a person.

City of Girls challenges common stereotypes from the 1940s, and shows female independence throughout the ages. The novel is very well written, and it is definitely worth a read.

You can purchase City of Girls here.

The Nightingale (2015) by Kristin Hannah

This beautifully written novel tells the story of the lives of two French sisters during WWII. Both Vianne and Isabel become part of the Nazi resistance and work to save the lives of Jewish citizens and the Allies. I often have a hard time reading Holocaust novels, as (obviously) they are incredibly sad. However Hannah’s work is an exception. Due to the fact that the novel, for the most part, focuses on the world outside of the concentration camps, I was able to read the whole book without becoming overwhelmed with sadness.

Mixed in with the main theme of resistance are plot lines of love, heartbreak and familial struggles. All of which come together to make the novel so moving and gripping. Although this book may seem very heavy for a vacation/quarantine read, it’s a fantastic novel and one you won’t be able to put down until the last page.

You can purchase The Nightingale here.

Dreaming in Cuban (1992) by Cristina García

This wonderful novel tells the story of the Cuban Revolution, and the many reactions to the Revolution, through the eyes of a family of Cuban women. Cecilia del Pino is the matriarch of the family, and a strong supporter of “El Lider,” while her daughters and grandchildren share different political views.

The women’s stories span time and space. They range from pre-revolution Cuba, New York City, where one of the daughters and her own daughter have fled the revolution and Cuban government. This novel does not contain straight-forward narration with a single narrator. Instead the many family members take turns sharing their thoughts, histories and stories. The biggest complaint that I have heard regarding this novel is that the narration can be confusing, and that there are too many characters. I do not find this to be true. However, you will need to make sure you read this novel carefully in order to keep track of all of the individual characters.

Additionally, although I have classified this novel as “historical fiction,” due to its backdrop of the Cuban Revolution, it also contains elements of the supernatural and magical realism. In my opinion, the magical realism enhances the storylines. Dreaming in Cuban is under 250 pages. It is a quick, enjoyable, and eye-opening novel to take on your next trip.

You can purchase Dreaming in Cuban here!

Short Stories

The Aleph and Other Stories (1949) – El Aleph by Jorge Luis Borges

In my opinion, Borges is the most amazing writer to ever have blessed this world with his works. That being said, not everyone finds his short stories and essays to be enjoyable. Borges has written a plethora of short stories, many of which blur the line between reality and imagination, and thus create their own universe of fact, fiction and fantasy. Time and space are often warped, and in many instances it is unclear whether we are in a dream world, a world of fantasy, or the reality of the characters.

When reading Borges, especially if you’re a beginner, do not try to understand all of the references to people, places, books, etc. Some are real, in fact many are, but numerous others are not. In fact, it is not uncommon for Borges to cite a real author, but a fake book by said author.

My favorite short story by Borges is The Aleph. At its most basic, this narration tells the story of a man who discovers a sphere that contains all points of the universe. This means, whoever looks into said sphere (or Aleph) can see everything that is taking place in the universe simultaneously. In this way, the Aleph basically allows one to have the view point of God. In addition to its storyline, the story also contains elements of Jewish mysticism. And furthermore, to add to the fun, it appears as though Borges has incorporated himself into the story (something that, along with Jewish mysticism, is common to his works).

Borges’s stories are fun to read, and they will make you question the universe in a new way. A word of advice, don’t try to understand every aspect of the story. Instead, you need to embrace the confusion in all of its forms– this is all part of the fun.

You can purchase The Aleph and Other Stories here.

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Thanks so much for reading my recommendations for the best books to read on vacation! Let me know your favorite books in the comments! I look forward to reading them.

♡Kate

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