Reading on Vacation
Do you read on vacation? I read every day (if not books, then certainly magazines and/or newspapers), and vacation is no different. Of course, it's something I enjoy so that makes it an easier decision.
Since I stopped buying books, I've brought library books and magazines on trips without a problem. I just made sure I put them back in my suitcase whenever I wasn't reading them so they wouldn't be left behind. But last summer, knowing we'd be at the beach for 5 days, I was hesitant to bring a library book with me. Sand and salt water are not paper's best friend, and I definitely didn't want to ruin something I'd borrowed.
Unfortunately, I didn't think about it until 2 days before our flight, which wasn't enough time to scrounge up a replacement. I ended up taking a library book and leaving it in the hotel room. In the end, it wasn't a big deal - I filled my time chatting with Mr. G and people watching.
This time around I wanted to be prepared. We're going to spend a few days at the beach while we're in California, plus I'll have some time to read while my husband is driving and sleeping in. I've been asking around, and have been given two books to read. They aren't in pristine condition, and I've been told I don't even have to return them if I don't want to, so I'm not worried about bringing them to the beach or accidentally leaving them behind.
First up: The Stand by Stephen King. A man escapes from a government lab, releasing a powerful sickness that kills most people. But this story focuses on the survivors, who start having weird dreams drawing them to Nebraska or Las Vegas and need to choose a leader.
And then: Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor. It's the story of Karou, an art student living in Prague. Then these black handprints start showing up everywhere and an angel tries to kill her. Creepy! This is not something I'd normally read, but Janssen, RA, and Jessica all gave it four stars, so I'm in.
Can't wait to get started! I've also saved the past few issues of National Geographic in case they don't work out.
Do you read on vacation?
Since I stopped buying books, I've brought library books and magazines on trips without a problem. I just made sure I put them back in my suitcase whenever I wasn't reading them so they wouldn't be left behind. But last summer, knowing we'd be at the beach for 5 days, I was hesitant to bring a library book with me. Sand and salt water are not paper's best friend, and I definitely didn't want to ruin something I'd borrowed.
Unfortunately, I didn't think about it until 2 days before our flight, which wasn't enough time to scrounge up a replacement. I ended up taking a library book and leaving it in the hotel room. In the end, it wasn't a big deal - I filled my time chatting with Mr. G and people watching.
This time around I wanted to be prepared. We're going to spend a few days at the beach while we're in California, plus I'll have some time to read while my husband is driving and sleeping in. I've been asking around, and have been given two books to read. They aren't in pristine condition, and I've been told I don't even have to return them if I don't want to, so I'm not worried about bringing them to the beach or accidentally leaving them behind.
And then: Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor. It's the story of Karou, an art student living in Prague. Then these black handprints start showing up everywhere and an angel tries to kill her. Creepy! This is not something I'd normally read, but Janssen, RA, and Jessica all gave it four stars, so I'm in.
Can't wait to get started! I've also saved the past few issues of National Geographic in case they don't work out.
Do you read on vacation?
I haven't read a Stephen King for years - but I think that one would make perfect holiday reading!
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to make a reading list for our June trip to England/France. I've been perusing your 2014 List on Goodreads and trying to cherry-pick some titles (can't believe you've read 30 books already this year!)
I haven't read any Stephen King - but it sounds like a good one that won't give me nightmares! I hate to suggest something and have you hate it, but maybe consider Code Name Verity? It's the story of two best friends, set in Great Britain/France during WWII, which seems fitting for your trip.
DeleteI seem to read more on vacation than I do at home.
ReplyDeleteMaybe it's easier to fit in reading when chores/errands aren't calling your name . . ?
DeleteI love reading on vacation when it's not squeezed in between other things to do - it is its own thing to do! You wouldn't believe how many library books we get returned with sand in them! We've also had to crack down and charge people more often when they return books that had been wet, and now have wrinkled and buckled pages.
ReplyDeleteOh my, I believe it! I'm reading Bread & Wine now (it's a memoir/cookbook), and bits of food have fallen out of every page with a recipe printed on it! Kinda grosses me out. Hopefully the fine will encourage people to take better care of the books :)
DeleteAnother one with my hands up. I read on holiday. (We don't really say "on vacation".) I am planning on taking several down to the snow. Not hopeful that there will be much snow anyway - our weather is just too warm and dry lately. And anyway my back and legs are not what they used to be. So I will take at least 3 books, possibly four.
ReplyDeleteI read a few King novels in my "youf" - Carrie and a couple of others but I'm not a horror reader. (Trying not to be pompous, I say) I think it doesn't matter if his book gets wet - probably too many of them printed and .. no, I won't add a judgemental comment.
But then last year I took some fiction in the genre of 50 Shades. Mixed up with some memoirs.
Weighing up if I should risk taking Wolf Hall this year. Can I risk it?
I've never read any King because I don't enjoy reading books that give me nightmares. Since he's known for his horror stories, I assumed that's all he wrote. (I just recently found out he wrote the short story The Shawshank Redemption, one of my favorite movies, so I might read that.)
DeleteJust googled Wolf Hall - sounds interesting. I would take it along, knowing I have a few other books to read if it's terrible (I think that's what you meant by risk it?).
Yes, but less terrible than defeats me again due to its complexity - too many characters with the same name and the novel changes narrator but I couldn't keep up who it was.
DeleteAhhh. Usually I deem books that require me to take notes to keep up not worth the effort . .
DeleteI love reading on vacation! It is about the only time I get around to actually sitting down with a book. I think maybe because I prefer reading in one sitting rather than a chapter here and there and vacations are about the only time I have that opportunity to read uninterrupted. A few times I've stopped reading books I just wasn't getting into rather than sticking them out like I normally would when I read much more. I love that you've been given books. I've been frequenting the library lately but borrowing good books from friends and lending or giving out the good ones that are sitting on my shelf collecting dust sound like some other great options.
ReplyDeleteI like reading for long, uninterrupted stretches as well and I imagine once I have kids that time will be much more difficult to come by. Yes, I love the library too! I just feel guilty taking their books to the beach where they could potentially be messed up by the sand or water, so friends' books to the rescue this time. :)
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