By Erica Albright
Ahh, the vacation read. More often than not, these books seem to be the ones we remember most, undoubtedly because we’re allowed to consume them slowly over a period of time. You can read a new book, an old one or one you’ve always meant to read. The following is a mix of these and the top five you should consider bringing with you on vacation.
1. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
This beautiful coming-of-age tale speaks to every age as Scout remembers her Deep South home and presents a dialogue about its irrational attitudes regarding race and class in the 1930s. Deep enough to keep your vacation mind sharp and humorous enough to keep things light, To Kill a Mockingbird is a must-read.
2. Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris
A novel reveling in the human race’s inability to communicate, Sedaris recounts hilarious stories from his childhood, including his own adventures in speech therapy and his efforts to wade through French. Containing 27 short essays, it’s an easy and hysterical read to pick up from time to time throughout your vacation.
3. The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Described as the To Kill a Mockingbird of our generation, The Help follows the lives of some of the black maids and the privileged white women they work for in 1960s Mississippi. Idealistic Skeeter decides to take on her own race and publish the maids’ stories, a valiant effort that could reap disastrous results. It’s an inspiring and beautiful tale that should be savored, just in time for vacation.
4. Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris
The first book of the series that spawned the True Blood TV series is ideal, whether you’re a fan of the TV series or have always just been curious. The story of the Louisiana cocktail waitress who falls in love with a vampire is a fun and funny read and perfect for consuming on the beach….while savoring lots and lots of sunlight.
5. First Step 2 Forever by Justin Bieber
Written for the fans who made him famous, Justin Bieber recounts his musical history, his family and how he got discovered. Whether you’re a Bieber fan or simply curious, this book is the ultimate in light fare for your vacation reading.
So go ahead. Dive into all those books you want to read or have read before. Vacation is a great time to do so!
Image by Kimme Ann
