It’s summer, and there’s nothing we at eShores like better than a good holiday read. Whether we’re lounging lazily in sunny climes or diving into the hustle and bustle of a busy city, books are an essential part of the experience.
We’re not alone in this: some of our favourite travel bloggers have written lovingly about their perfect written accompaniment to the summer. We invited them to share their favourites with us.
Snowball Oranges:One Mallorcan Winter,
by Peter Kerr
Peter Kerr’s hilarious travel book documents the highs and lows of a family leaving their secure, steady life in Scotland to grow oranges in the mountains of Mallorca.
“I love this book. I bought it after a fabulous holiday in Mallorca. My husband and I hired a car and headed into the Mallorcan countryside and mountains, which we thought were beautiful. We then had a dream of packing and buying a property in rural Mallorca.
“We didn’t fulfil our dream, but I did enjoy reading the often-hilarious account of Peter Kerr’s adventure of buying an orange farm in Mallorca.” – Collette, trulymadlycuckoo.co.uk
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine,
by Gail Honeyman
Gail Honeyman’s beautiful novel about friendship and loneliness is funny, intelligent and deeply heart-warming.
“I love this book! I read it all in one sitting, completely hooked by Eleanor’s character, desperate to find out how it ended, and I totally didn’t see the twist coming at the end!” – Laura, fivelittledoves.com
The Little Café in Copenhagen,
by Julie Caplin
Julie Caplin’s novel is about escape and new perspectives. It’s revolves around protagonist Kate, who finds new meaning in her life after leaving the bustling city for a quiet part of Copenhagen.
“The perfect read for soaking up the sun on a lounger. Somewhat predictable, but gives you a warm, fuzzy “hygge” feeling.
“I read this on my last trip away and it really gave me the boost I needed. It taught that me that Mr. Right is out there, and that I should never give up, no matter what life throws at me. The book’s relatable characters make it a must read.” – Simone, simslife.co.uk
The Wrong Knickers,
by Bryony Gordon
Building on the success of her column in the Telegraph, Bryony Gordon’s book exposes the reality of being young and single in London.
“I read The Wrong Knickers on a Trek America trip to Hawaii, and every time I see this book I remember laying on beaches and campsites reading it. It’s an autobiographical run-through of Bryony’s life, from her early 20s through to getting married and having a kid.” – Rhian, rhianwestbury.co.uk
Eat, Pray, Love,
by Elizabeth Gilbert
Elizabeth Gilbert’s classic account of self-discovery is all about what it means to find happiness.
“The ultimate single girl’s inspirational travel book. I’ve watched the film twice now and didn’t ‘get it’ until the second watch. Reading the book allows you to soak it all in and really immerse yourself in the journey.
“It’s a gentle reminder that you need to try things you may not have considered in life, in your quest to be content.” – Simone, simslife.co.uk
Still me,
by Jojo Moyes
Like the best travelling experiences, Still Me is a novel about finding out who you are and what you really want from life.
“I read Still Me earlier this year, and, as with the previous two, I couldn’t put it down. In this book, the main character is based in New York, and it took me back to my visits to NYC. When she was running in Central Park I could literally picture it.
“New York is the most vibrant place I have been, and Still Me reminded me how much I loved it.” – Natalie, memeandharri.com
A Paris Apartment,
Michelle Gable
Michelle Gable’s novel is a wonderfully vivid depiction of both modern-day and 19th-Century Paris – perfect reading for any travellers who’ve fallen in love with the French capital.
“A fascinating time travel book. The narrative alternates between the 19th Century and today, and the action takes place in Paris.” – Catalina, stylishconfidence.com
Five Years From Now,
by Paige Toon
Romantic, rich and complicated, Five Years From Now is an irresistible page-turner about finding happiness.
“The characters from this book really came alive for me and had me captivated. It’s a complicated love story that’s brilliantly told and had me in tears.” – Maria, suburban-mum.com
The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared,
by Jonas Jonasson
We love an adventure, and there are few in recent popular fiction more compelling and endearing than the protagonist of The Hundred-Year-Old Man who Climbed out of the Window and Disappeared – Allan Karlsson. Whether he’s helping build the atom bomb, befriending American presidents or escaping the police, Karlsson’s adventurous spirit is irresistible.
“I read this book on my last holiday and it gave me so much joy. A really lovely, heart-warming read. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a lighter, beach holiday escape.” – Charlotte, charlotte-nichole.com
What are your top travel books? Share them with us on Twitter @eShores.co.uk, using the hashtag #FictionalJourneys.
Images: goodreads.com
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