Sick of carrying books back with you after a holiday trip? Well… then don’t!
May Contain Nuts (John O’Farrell); £1.57 at Play.com
I am not suggesting that this book would satisfy anyone’s desire to be philosophically meaningful, but John O’Farrell’s May Contain Nuts is a heart warming story that had me laughing out loud whilst sat next to a pool, slowly burning to a crisp.
This book tells the tale of an eccentric mother who is permanently panic-stricken by all the dramas of the modern world that may cause harm to her daughter, and this leads her on a crazy trail of life that is an utterly irresistible story that will make you never want children but is guaranteed to entertain.
Sally Priddle
Poirot (Agatha Christie); £2.81 at Amazon.com
Perused once, an Agatha Christie novel cannot be reread, which is why they are perfect for taking abroad and exchanging them in various hostels on your travels.
The Poirot series are ideal for beginning with, giving you lovable characters to return to and, it goes without saying, a gripping mystery to unfold.
Perfect for beaches, mountains or wherever it is you are visiting this summer, but maybe not if you are camping alone in a forest.
Mallory MacDonald
Blood, Sweat and Tea (Tom Reynolds); £2.81 at Play.com
Blood, Sweat and Tea is a compilation of the funniest, quirkiest and most moving blog entries of real-life paramedic Tom Reynolds, following the highs and lows of life as a front line medic. From coughs and colds, to heart attacks and stabbings, to a toxic poo and a mother feeding her week-old baby apple pie – it’s all in a day’s work for Tom.
Ok, so a cynical but fascinating picture of the NHS and inner-city Britain is not your typical holiday read, but it’s hilarious and addictive and you’ll be buying the sequel by the time the plane lands.
Danielle Crispin
P.S. I Love You (Cecelia Ahern); £1.37 at Amazon.co.uk
Don’t judge, and if you have only watched the film, then I am afraid you do not have the real image of this book. P.S I Love You is a clever, witty and heart-touching book, and just to cling on to all clichés going, this story is a real roller coaster of emotion. The tale surrounds the life of Holly, a young widow who has recently lost her husband Gerry to cancer. Gerry has planned for a letter to arrive for Holly every month that gives her advice, a task or treat. It is an inspiring romance that will inspire hope even into the coldest heart.
Sally Priddle
Shantaram (Gregory David Roberts); £3.72 at Amazon.co.uk
The perfect summer escapism novel, Shantaram is the semi-autobiographical story of Lin, an Australian convict who escapes prison and flees to Mumbai. Whether you’ve been to India before, always wanted to go or even know nothing about the country, this will bring the magic of the subcontinent alive in an enthralling and moving tale of love, war, poverty and the black market in the slums of the most fascinating city in the world.
Catherine Davison
Confessions of a Working Girl (Miss S.); £1.57 at Amazon.co.uk
This is for the braver people than me, basically, those who can bear to read about sex without blushing insanely and looking around as if everyone around you is judging you for being a horrible perverted person.
But the confessions of Miss S are a fascinating insight into the world of an escort, including how a young woman falls into the world and all the different sides to the world, including losing her virginity, learning the skills of a blowjob and how her Madam always made sure she was safe.
Grim in aspects but mainly a total page turner, I would suggest it is a one time read indulgence.
Sally Priddle
One Day (David Nicholls); £2.81 at Amazon.co.uk
David Nicholls’ best seller tells the story of Dexter and Emma’s relationship over twenty years, and is a perfect tale of coincidence and romance. It’s a hugely endearing account of love and friendship that you can guarantee to get swept away by, making it just right for lounging by the pool or sitting in the garden and letting time just fly by.
And if you haven’t yet seen the film or haven’t encountered one of those plot-spoiling friends, be prepared for a sun lounger-grabbing twist.
Grace Harvey
Neither Here Nor There (Bill Bryson); £1.23 at Amazon.co.uk
Very few writers have the ability to make an instant connection with the reader, but take a quick glance at Bryson’s Neither Here Nor There and you’ll be hard pushed to want to part with it. This collection of stories about his travels around Europe will have you literally laughing out loud, with his keen observations, humorous take on European culture and a writing style that immediately immerses the reader. With the chapters divided into countries visited, the book can be picked up and dipped into at any time and this makes the whole book very digestible. But with that said, you’ll find it hard to put this book down, making it ideal for long journeys.
Chris Scott
