The Perfect Vacation Book

My book-loving friend Martin and I have a recurring conversation that usually starts with, "I'm going on vacation and can't figure out which book to take."  It's an interesting conundrum, and for us book addicts, a critically important decision that we begin pondering weeks before we actually leave town.

I suppose it partially depends on the type of vacation on which you're taking this treasured companion (and by that I'm referring to your book and not your spouse).  If your intent is a relaxing week at the beach, for example, you might pick something light and fun, perhaps romantic; the latest from Ann Brashares or Jude Devereaux might be your choice.  Those seeking to rekindle that special spark (and this time, I am talking about your spouse) might look for a steamier option, like Anne Rice's Beauty series or something by Jamie Denton (or perhaps no book at all!).   Still others may prefer perusing a longer or more complex book while on vacation, since it's rare for them to have a large block of time in which to read.

My vacations are generally backpacking trips, and so I've got some pretty specific selection criteria for the book that'll end up accompanying me.  First, it's absolutely, positively got to be a traditionally-sized paperback, since there's no way I'm putting one more ounce than necessary in my already over-laden pack.  Then, I've got to make sure it'll be entertaining, as nothing is more annoying than taking a book on a backpack trip and only reading a few pages of it ("I carried an extra ten whole ounces for nothing!").  Finally, I've got to make sure that it's the right size to finish over the course of our trip, as I typically look forward to resuming my "normal" reading once I'm back. This time around I opted for Harlan Coban's Gone for Good, which was the perfect choice. (Whew!). 

I've recommended that one to Martin (who's got at least a month to make his decision before he leaves with the kids for Disneyland) but he's got a rule about not reading two books by the same author in the same calendar year.   Since our book club (whoops, excuse me, book group) read Tell No One a few months ago, he's rejected my choice.  He is therefore on his own, and is not to blame me if he ends up with something that fails to engage.  (Personally, I think his rule is silly, and I've told him so.  Repeatedly.)

I'm very curious about others' choices for summer reading.  So tell us here at BookBrowse - do you change your reading habits while on vacation, and if so, what do you look for in your perfect vacation book?   Are there books that are high on your list?

BookBrowse reviewer Kim Kovacs is an avid reader in the Pacific Northwest. All those rainy days give her the opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of books that span many genres. Browse Kim's reviews.