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What’s the best thing about summer? The days are long, the weather is hot, and the best part of all: vacations! It doesn’t seem like summer is complete without a beach day or a trip to the mountains.
Regardless of where you might be traveling to, there’s always an opportunity to pack a few books to read and enjoy while you’re there.
So, what are the best books to read at the beach? We’ve got you covered with the following list of must-read beach reads.
American OZ: An Astonishing Year Inside Traveling Carnivals at State Fairs & Festivals by Michael Sean Comerford
This book is a fascinating year-long journey into the carnival world.
In “American Oz: An Astonishing Year Inside Traveling Carnivals,” the author travels to state fairs and festivals around the US and Mexico, meeting the characters and exploring how the traveling carnival works.
In this book, the author finds truths about humanity and about immigration and labor abuse as he navigates a different world.
Available for purchase and delivery here.
Cultural Kaiseki: A Journey Through Offbeat Japan by Phil Lee
Sometimes food offers an inside look at culture. That is the case in this book by Phil Lee.
Kaiseki is a traditional Japanese multi-course meal of usually small artfully-prepared dishes. It consists of carefully chosen foods served in a way that is meant to be as beautiful as it is delicious.
This book is a great way to learn about Japanese culture. You can also learn more about traveling in Japan here.
Kaiseki is the author’s introduction to Japan. “Cultural Kaiseki: A Journey Through Offbeat Japan” is a memoir of culture, an exploration of food and an introduction to the rich customs and history of Japan.
Available for purchase and delivery here.
A House in the Sky: A Memoir by Amanda Lindhout
“A House in the Sky” is a memoir written by Amanda Lindhout, who shares her story of being kidnapped in Somalia and the days she was held hostage.
The book starts with an explanation of her childhood and a brief mention of her travels through Latin America and her experience as a television reporter. It continues with a description of her first visit to Somalia and her eventual abduction.
The bulk of the book is about her time in captivity. She details the struggles she faced and the emotional toll it took on her.
Her story is a testament to the resiliency of the human spirit and the power of the human capacity to persevere.
Available for purchase and delivery here.
Baggage: Confessions of a Globe-Trotting Hypochondriac by Jeremy Hance
Jeremy Hance is an experienced journalist. He’s also a hypochondriac.
In “Baggage: Confessions of a Globetrotting Hypochondriac,” Hance shares a hilarious and honest portrait of life on the road for a modern-day journalist. The book is a series of stories about his travels with insights about how to get the most out of the experience.
Hance provides advice on how to stay healthy and sane on the road, as well as snippets from his journals that illustrate the personal and professional effects of travel on a person.
Available for purchase and delivery here.
Embrace of the Wild: Inspired by Equestrian Explorer Isabella Bird by Linda Ballou
No ordinary woman, Isabella Bird was a 19th-century world traveler who explored the world with intelligence, curiosity, passion, and courage.
She set off on a journey to explore the North American continent, and the result was her most successful book, “A Lady’s Life in the Rocky Mountains.”
The book, and its subject, are still relevant today.
The newly released “Embrace of the Wild: Inspired by Equestrian Explorer Isabella Bird” by Linda Ballou is a book inspired by Isabella Bird’s story. Ballou dives deeper into Bird’s world as she visits the Sandwich Islands (now the Hawaiian Islands) and then the Rocky Mountains.
Fans of Isabella Bird will want to read this book on the beach – and those who admire explorers and the gumption it takes to embark on such a journey will find it fascinating too.
Available for purchase and delivery here.
A Deadly Twist by Jeffrey Siger
“A Deadly Twist” by Jeffrey Siger is a suspenseful and thrilling read from start to finish. This mystery takes readers to the islands of Greece, introducing fascinating settings and insight into Greek culture.
Siger does a great job of developing the characters and setting the scene, and the pace of the story is perfect. This book is part of the Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis Mysteries series and takes place on the Greek island of Naxos.
Available for purchase and delivery here.
Real Queer America: LGBT Stories from Red States by Samantha Allen
It’s been years since the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriages in all 50 states, and it seems like everywhere you turn, there’s a story about how the gay community has changed.
But what about America’s rural, red states?
That’s the question at the heart of a new LGBTQ-focused book, “Real Queer America: LGBT Stories from Red States,” which is dedicated to telling the stories of the many LGBT Americans who don’t live on the coasts.
What does it mean to be queer in a state like Tennessee, where the governor recently signed a bill that aims to prevent transgender people from using restrooms aligning with their gender identity?
This book showcases the vibrancy of LGBT communities in southern states and helps dispel the myth that red states are homogenous.
Available for purchase and delivery here.
Adventures of a Lifetime: Travel Tales from Around the World by Janna Graber
Take a few minutes for yourself and read the first two chapters of the book on the beach for free with Amazon’s free sample.
Many of us live our lives without knowing what we’re truly capable of. The truth is that there are few limitations to what we can achieve in this lifetime if we are willing to take the necessary steps.
In “Adventures of a Lifetime: Travel Tales from Around the World,” you’ll read first-hand stories of people who have not only survived but flourished in the face of adversity. Others ventured into unknown destinations and were rewarded with life-changing lessons. Still others fought adversity head-on, refusing to let it break them down. These true short stories are perfect to read while traveling. Read more about adventure travel here.
Available for purchase and delivery here.
Chance Encounters: Travel Tales from Around the World by Janna Graber
Travel is about meeting people, and I think it’s safe to say that a big part of what shapes us as human beings is how we relate to others.
In “Chance Encounters: Travel Tales from Around the World,” more than 20 diverse writers share their stories of how chance encounters while traveling changed their lives. Each tale makes you feel as if you’ve explored a fascinating destination and met some unforgettable people along the way.
Available for purchase and delivery here.
These short reads are perfect to tuck into your beach bag or into your backpack for the airplane.
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
This book is intended for more mature reading audiences and has been highly recommended for required reading in schools across America.
“The Kite Runner” is a story about friendship, betrayal, and redemption, set against the dramatic backdrop of recent geopolitical events in Afghanistan.
The Kite Runner is the story of Amir, a well-to-do boy from a powerful family. It is also the story of Hassan, the son of Amir’s father’s servant. The two boys grow up together in Afghanistan and become like brothers.
As geopolitical events develop in the region Amir flees first to Pakistan and then to America, however, Hassan stays in Afghanistan. As their lives progress, Amir studies in university and then returns to Afghanistan on behalf of Hassan’s son. Their lives have drastically different outcomes.
This is a beautifully told, powerful, and deeply moving novel that speaks to the power of the human spirit. Although it has difficult subject matter, it is a beautifully written and powerful novel that is difficult to put down.
Available for purchase and delivery here.
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Thrilled Ebrace of the Wild made goworld list.
We are too!