Holiday Reads for 2019
It’s getting to the end of the year, and so time to get that holiday reading pile ready. But what to read? As a compulsive record keeper of every book I’ve read since 1992, I thought I’d attempt my version of a Top 10 Recommended Holiday Reads to share.
These are what I’d call out as the best books to read while on holiday or in the lead up to the silly season. Nothing too depressing, nothing that needs too much brainpower, but all great stories for different reasons that I’ve noted. These books also range from those that will appeal to the hardcore reader to those who enjoy a good story at their own pace. I’ve also tried to keep the genre selection pretty diverse, so pick and choose for your mood.
Most of these books were read sometime in the last 5 years, and I’ve only included one novel that I read this year — as I’ll send out my top 10 Reads for the Year in January.
For those who know my personal goal of reading as many ‘Non US White Male Authored’ books as possible, you’ll be interested to note that most of the authors are female, and only two from the USA.
I’ve also listed in chronological order just for fun.
I don’t expect you to add all ten of these to your TBR pile, but if there’s one you add from reading this list — perhaps a book you’ve never heard of, or one you’ve been wavering on — then I’ll be a happy reviewer. Let me know your thoughts once you’ve read.
Never Mind (1992) — Edward St Aubyn (Male, UK)
Genre: Family Train Wreck with sex and drugs — perfectly made for TV.
Why read?: Patrick Melrose is a pretty horrible character, despite the terrible family secret that is at the heart of the novel. But Patrick comes from the highest of the English high class, and his incredible addiction to drugs, booze and self-loathing is addictive voyeurism. Trigger warnings for both child abuse and a high use of drugs and alcohol, so if that’s not your thing — take a pass. For those who like their books tinged with the illicit, then hang on for the ride. There are 5 books in the series, so well suited to those with an addictive personality. The TV series has also just been released with Hugo Weaving in a starring role, so plenty to keep this party going.
Recommended setting?: With a stiff drink. Best to avoid hungover.
Buy or Borrow: Why have a sip when you can have the bottle? Amazon has each in the series at a super low price, and even cheaper when you buy the whole lot in one.
Oryx and Crake (2004) Margaret Atwood (Female, Canada)
Genre: Sci Fi Dystopian Love Story
Why read?: For those who finished (endured?) the TV adaption of Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, and want some more dystopian narratives. ‘Oryx and Crake’ is the first of a loose trilogy of novels and is a quasi-love story set in a future where humankind has pretty much died out.
Recommended setting?: Those nights leading up to the chaos of Christmas and New Year. A dark and entertaining read that will make you realise things could only get worse.
Buy or Borrow: Atwood is a classic, so if you can’t borrow from a friend or library, get yourself a copy and share it around.
A Man Called Ove (2013) Fredrik Backman (Male, Sweden)
Genre: Fun and uplifting.
Why read?: The note I put against this one after I read it was “such a wonderful book I just wanted to hug it”. Ove is a horrible, grumpy man, and this is the story of him… and where he and his “idiot” neighbours finally land. If you want something light and endearing but clever and well written, then put this on the top of the pile. Very much in the ilk of ‘The Rosie Project’.
Recommended setting?: If you want a book to match your holiday mood, take this with you.
Buy or Borrow: Put this forward for next year’s book club, and buy a few copies to share. It’s a great one to lend out through your network.
The Cuckoos Calling (2013) — Robert Galbraith (Female, UK)
Genre: Hardboiled Detective Done Well
Why read?: This is a detective novel for those who say they don’t like detective novels. Take note too that Robert Galbraith is also the pseudonym taken by JK Rowling. Not a fan of Harry Potter Books? Neither am I — not an ounce of muggles or magic. But boy can she tell a story. A dead supermodel and a washed up, one legged detective coming out of a breakup. It’s got everything a perfect whodunnit should have, and executed brilliantly. As an added bonus — there are 4 books in the series, with the latest one just landing on shelves.
Recommended setting?: This one can go anywhere, to the beach, camping, lunch breaks at work. And at 500+ pages it will keep you going for a good few days.
Buy or Borrow: Buy an eBook version and save some space in the suitcase.
A Brief History of Seven Killings (2014) — Marlon James (Male, Jamaica)
Genre: Man Booker Meets Jamaican Music History
Why read?: Be warned, this book has stumped many, so not for the unadventurous reader. Like most of the recent Man Booker Winners, Seven Killings is at times hard to read, 700 pages written in heavy Jamaican dialogue. But set against the backdrop of the shooting of Bob Marley, and told through the eyes of various dark, shady and desperate characters of 1970s and 80s Jamaica this is storytelling brilliance. If you are prepared to get lost in the words, and with a promise that James does an excellent job as guiding author, navigating the narration for you so it does all make sense in the end. Trust me.
Recommended setting?: For those experienced holiday readers, the challenge is to read this in your one week at the beach or camping. For the more hesitant, use the holiday period to take it slow, and spend 6 or so weeks in Jamaica.
Buy or Borrow: Unless you’re happy to try and hold 700 pages of the novel, opt for the eBook. The dollar per hour invested in this will be worth it.
The Director is the Commander (2015) — Anna Broinowski (Female, Australia)
Genre: Non-Fiction for Movie and North Korean Buffs
Why read?: I hardly ever read non fiction, but this story is so bizarre that you could well think it was made up. The story is told by Australian Filmmaker Anna Broinowski who delves into the strange world of North Korean film spearheaded by past leader Kim Jong Il. It’s a surreal peek into this completely closed off nation, set against the former leader’s love of film and passion for propaganda. Will suit those who are into film, politics, North Korea, propaganda or all combined.
Recommended setting?: Reading more like a novel than dry non-fiction, this can be read anywhere.
Buy or Borrow: Support Australian Authors and buy this one as a Christmas present. Then borrow it!
Homegoing (2016) — Yaa Gyasi (Female, Ghana)
Genre: Real Black American History
Why read?: This was my book of the year in 2016. Spread over 300 years of history spanning African Slaves to Heartland Mississippi. From missionary schools in Ghana to the darker edges of Harlem. Without getting too political, it does give an insight into #blacklivesmatter, and for us Australians so often removed from US African American History, an incredible eye-opener. It also happens to have a wonderful story weaved through the centuries.
Recommended setting?: Don’t be put off by the 300 years, at just over 300 pages, this is for those looking to end or start the year with something that will satisfy the brain and the soul.
Buy or Borrow: Invest in this, lend it out — but you’ll want to write your name in it!
Fever Dream (2017) — Samantha Schweblin (Female, Argentina)
Genre: Hot Summer Nights Thriller/Novella
Why read?: This is a summer holiday gone wrong. A sickly two-person narrative book, mother and daughter dying — like nothing else you’d expect to read.
Recommended setting?: For maximum impact read this in one sitting. At only 194 pages, it’s better than a Netflix binge.
Buy or Borrow: You’ll be hard pressed to find this in the library. Buy as an ebook then recommend if you dare.
The Girls (2016) — Emma Cline (Female, USA)
Genre: Chick Lit Meets Cult
Why read?: Late 60s California Summer. One young and lonely girl falls for the enticement of an older, and cool girl. Becomes part of an exciting and thrilling cult, and is under the spell of their charismatic leader. Chick lit with revolutionary attitude — this was on all of the Best Of Lists for a reason.
Recommended setting?: Perfect for the girls week away, or those in a summer setting looking for a book to match.
Buy or Borrow: One copy will make the rounds, so either see if there’s one to borrow, or buy now, swap later.
Boy Swallows Universe (2018)- Trent Dalton (Male, Australia)
Genre: This year’s Great Australian Novel?
Why read?: This is the only book from 2018 I’ve added to the list, but everyone who’s read it loves it -so it’s a holiday read no brainer. Brisbane suburbia in the early Eighties. Mum’s a junkie, step dad’s a heroin dealer and our hero Eli has a crim for a best mate, and his brother is mute. It’s working-class suburbs, drugs, crime and racism. But there’s also love, compassion, the power of family — and just more than a dash of magic.
Recommended setting?: You’ll tear through this one in any location, bonus if you’re spending time in Brisbane.
Buy or Borrow: Support our Australian Author’s and buy one copy for you, one for a mate and enjoy it together.
