Whether you’re loading up your Kindle or squeezing paperbacks into your suitcase, taking a great book with you can be the finishing touch to packing for a perfect holiday.
Best holiday reads 2014
Take a look at who’s recommending what this year to help inspire your choice.
The Guardian – Best holiday reads 2014
The Guardian has brought together a selection of writers from Jeanette Winterson and Colm Tóibín to Ruth Rendell and Ian Rankin to tell readers what they’ll be reading this summer. Highlights include:
- Clothes Clothes Clothes Music Music Music Boys Boys Boys by Viv Albertine, the memoir of Albertine’s punk musician days
- A God in Every Stone ¬by Kamila Shamshie, a compelling story of history and the people who live in it.
The Observer – Best holiday reads 2014
The Observer has lined up a stellar cast of authors, historians, screenwriters and journalists to give their guide to what to read this summer. Highlights include:
- Prince’s Boy by Paul Bailey, set in the 1920s a Romanian looks back at his time in Paris as a young man from the writer of Gabriel’s Lament.
- A Bad Character by Deepti Kapoor a novel about a young Indian woman’s struggle for freedom and desire.
The Independent – Summer reads 2014: 10 best memoirs
The Independent shines its light on the many compelling autobiographies out this summer and runs down its Top 10. Highlights include:
- Hard Choices by Hillary Clinton, a fascinating insight into the workings of the mind of the woman and statesman that is Hillary Clinton.
- Carsick by John Waters, a lively, highly entertaining read, this book follows Waters’ journey hitchhiking across America in 2012.
The perfect location to embrace your next novel?
Esquire – The high-brow beach-read round-up
In an attempt to avoid the summer blockbusters and political potboilers of most summer reading lists, Esquire takes a look at what’s available for those looking for something more substantial. Highlights include:
- The True American by Anand Giridharadas, New York Times columnist Giridharadas, traces the story of Raisuddin Bhuiyan a survivor of a revenge shooting for 9/11 by delusional Mark Stroman. Bhuiyan not only forgives Stroman and rebuilds his life, he also tries to save Stroman from the death penalty.
- In Paradise by Peter Matthiessen, a novel about how we should write and think about the holocaust set at a Zen retreat in a former concentration camp.
Vogue – Summer’s buzziest beach reads
Vogue bases its summer reading list on the ‘if you liked that, you’ll love this’ approach. Highlights include:
- I Am Having So Much Fun Here Without You by Courtney Maum, a comic story of a fading Brit Pop artist trying to win back his wife.
- The Word Exchange by Alena Graedon, a thriller set in a future in which society is rendered unable to speak by digital technology.
Pulling together the best of the new releases and classics from the past the Red team give their recommendations for this summer. Highlights include:
Tender is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald, set on the French Riviera in the 1920s this is typical Fitzgerald jazz age glamour and heartbreak.
Half A Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, this Orange Prize winner is a compelling tale of the Biafran War as seen through the eyes of its characters.
Find out more
- Got the book? Now find the beach… read our guide to the beaches of the Indian Ocean
- Discover the Top 6 beaches in the Seychelles
- Read our top 10 tips: how to pack for a luxury holiday.