How good is it to have a top book to read on a holiday, or a selection of best reads for the beach? With time to relax, and delve into a page-turner or interesting life story, reading on a holiday is one of life’s treasured gifts.
When choosing books to take on vacation, I usually consider an easy-to-read thriller, drama, or a captivating biography.
Below are some of my favourite books to consider for your next holiday or vacation.
Here One Moment By Liane Moriarty
Here One Moment is the recent book (2024) by Liane Moriarty, and its proving to be very popular. This book is an intriguing page-turner! We begin with a woman on a plane predicting the actual time and cause of death for each passenger. A unique, funny, and at times moving account of the diverse lives within a group of travellers from Hobart to Sydney, Australia. My best beach read for 2024!
Recommended if you like character-driven stories, which jump between personas in each chapter!
The Dry by Jane Harper
I read The Dry during lockdown in 2020, and it was a top read. Also set in Australia, The Dry is a fairly easy book to read, involving a gripping murder mystery, which Federal Police investigator Aaron Falk attempts to uncover when returning to his hometown in country Victoria, Australia.
A must-add if you like well-written murder mysteries!
Beach Read by Emily Henry
One of the ultimate beach reads is of course called ‘Beach Read‘ by Emily Henry.
A romance writer and a literary writer set each other a challenge over a 3 month long summer. This is an intriguing romance, about writers who write about writers. The characters are believable, and the writing is sometimes funny, and very relatable.
One for your suitcase if you like relatable romances without the schmultz!
Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton
I also read Boy Swallows Universe during lockdown. A captivating and incredible story based on true events in Queensland, Australia.
This book has fast become an Australian classic, with a successful drama series to follow. Eli is a curious 13 year old, dealing with a warped and tough set of circumstances. Trent Daltons writing is a standout, with his creative, innocent, funny and beautiful outlook on life.
One to consider if you like captivating, moving, and colourful stories on your holiday!
Juliet Naked by Nick Hornby
Juliet Naked is one of the most hilarious beach reads. This is for anyone interested in the art of an album masterpiece and what happens to retired musicians. Also one of the easier books to read on this list.
A Dream About Lightning Bugs By Ben Folds
Ben Folds has always been a talented and interesting songwriter. And reading his autobiography A Dream About Lightning Bugs proves his writing experstise and way with words also extends to written biographies.
A book for those who love a modern-day auto-biography.
Apples Never Fall By Liane Moriarty
Another Liane Moriarty book, because her writing really is enticing, and perfect for a beach read. Apples Never Fall follows a tennis family in Australia, and how they cope when their mum goes missing.
For those who love a mystery and family drama!
A Pure Drop, The Life of Jeff Buckley by Jeff Apter
Another book for readers who love a biography on holiday. I read A Pure Drop while on vacation on Australia’s east coast, and was captivated by Jeff Buckley’s life story of true talent and sadness. A summer beach read with depth, and another must-add to your holiday list.
Conclusion
If you’re searching for book inspiration, the latest beach reads 2024, or wondering what to pack on vacation, these tips are a starting point for books to add to your suitcase!
