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?
After I read your post about how much work goes in to your blog, I decided it was time for me to respond more often in a way of giving back. I love your book list suggestions and I read ‘Hotel Nantucket’ ,highly recommend. I’m hoping she writes a sequel 😊.
I am almost finished reading ‘ the Midnight Library’ and I have to say that is life changing. I appreciate the work you put in to your blog. I look for your postings daily. I appreciate this community
Im so pleased you’re enjoying it. Thank you for being a great part of our community.
A freshman read at a university was Being Mortal:What Matters in the End by Atul Gawande. It is excellent! I like three authors, Donna Tartt, Elizabeth Strout, and Charles Todd. I do enjoy reading your daily mail!! Sincerely, Tensil
Hi Jennifer,
Thank you for this summer reading list. I showed this list to my 7 college friends who I have been getting together with over the past 13 years. We are in our late 60s. They were quite excited! We have chosen The Getaway Girls for our summer book club read. I am bringing the wine! Thank you again! Keep up the good work and good stylin’!
~Mary
That sounds so fun!!
Hello Jennifer, thanks for the book recommendations 🤗 I have added quite a few to my evergrowing list 😀
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 ☺️
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. I’m always on the lookout for the next great read!
Audiobook I loved recently: “The Signature of All Things” by Elizabeth Gilbert (“Eat, Pray, Love”). Completely genre….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!
I’m 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 🙂
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 I’m 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!