It’s finally vacation time! You definitely deserve a break. From now on, all you have to think about is relaxing. And, there’s nothing better than starting a holiday off by opening a good book—or two, or three. Here’s our list of recommendations to flip through this summer.
1. Suspense
A young writer named Marcus Goldman has to send the manuscript of his second novel to his editor, but begins suffering from writer’s block. In the spring of 2008, Goldman’s world is turned upside down when his old friend and professor, Harry Quebert finds himself at the centre of a police investigation. Quebert is accused of killing a teenager in the 1970s. Convinced of his mentor’s innocence, Goldman sets off for New Hampshire to investigate for himself.
You won’t be able to put this book down. It’s an easy 600 pages you won’t stop turning until the end.
The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair won the Grand prix du roman de l’Académie française in 2012 and has sold over 3 million copies. The novel was recently adapted for TV, starring the former Grey’s Anatomy star, Patrick Dempsey.
2. Everyday Life
54-year-old Renée is a janitor in Paris. She’s cultured and highly literate but the rich tenants in her building would never think that of a janitor. Paloma is one of the youngest residents in the building and she’s made a grave decision. As soon as she turns 13, the gifted young girl will end her days. We follow them through their day-to-day lives and their individual thoughts until…
Reading this novel is difficult at first because of the puzzling vocabulary. Regardless, you’ll sympathize with both of the main characters and uncover their similarities. The end will leave you speechless.
The Elegance of the Hedgehog has won several prestigious literary awards and has been translated from French to 34 languages.
3. Historical Fiction
In the midst of WWII, Marie-Laure flees Paris with her uncle and father. They’re headed for Saint-Malo with a precious diamond from the Museum of Natural History—it can’t be stolen by the Germans. Meanwhile, in Germany, a young orphan named Werner enlists in the Hitler Youth organization. Their paths cross in 1944.
All the Light We Cannot See is much more than a war novel. Though very well documented, this story acts as a snapshot of emotion during a turbulent time in history.
This novel was hailed by critics around the world and was a true phenomenon in the United States.
4. Feel Good
After her mother’s death, Brett assumes that she will inherit her family’s cosmetic empire. To her surprise, it’s passed down to her sister-in-law instead. All her mother leaves her is a letter and an old scrap piece of paper that Brett wrote her dreams on when she was 14. To access her inheritance, Brett has to accomplish everything on her list of adolescent goals.
It’s a heartwarming novel ideal for lying back and disconnecting. It has a relatable, humorous tone that makes it perfect to read on vacation.
5. Humour
Ignatius is in his thirties and lives with his mother in New Orleans. Exhausted by his behaviour, she forces him to find work. While looking for work, his arrogance and larger physique make the task difficult. Each of his job experiences ends in disaster.
A Confederacy of Dunces was ahead of its time. Written in the 1980s, its author was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1981. You will laugh as you read what is considered a masterpiece of American literature.
What have you been reading lately? Let us know in the comment section below.
Adapted from French by Kylee Ross
