As we spend more time at home this winter, whether it be self imposed or by government ordinance, take this opportunity to pause, reset and take time to catch up on some great reads.
While we may not be able to travel far right now, we can get carried away with a book and let our imagination run wild with exotic locations because reading a good book is like taking a journey.
Here’s a great selection of holiday reads with a travel twist or books where the destination itself becomes a character to help get you through life in lockdown.
1. Bruny by Heather Rose
With Bruny Island in Tasmania at the heart of this political thriller filled with intrigue, deceit and betrayal. With this year’s bushfires, current pandemic and China woes this book feels timely and relevant. Heather Rose is a superb wordsmith making this a gripping and enjoyable read.
2. Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton
Brisbane is the backdrop for this unique coming of age novel with some of the most beautiful writing by the talented Trent Dalton. Wildly popular; grab a copy if you’re yet to read this one and enjoy the trip down memory lane with all its 80’s references and nostalgic touches.
3. Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
The first in a tantalising trilogy, Kevin Kwan shines a spotlight on the uber rich and elite Chinese families like we’ve not seen before. Set largely in Singapore there are plenty of landmarks mentioned to get you in the travel spirit and a longing to return.
4. Paris Letters by Janice MacLeod
Get lost in the romance of Paris with this adorable memoir by Janice MacLeod, which will fill you with happiness and hope. Those with a sense of adventure, restless spirit or love of travel will enjoy this book.
5. A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
There is nothing little about this 720 page epic read. New York is the thrilling backdrop to this absorbing read about four friends – Jude, Willem, JB and Malcolm as they navigate their way through college and the decades of their life that follow. Warning, this one’s a real tear jerker.
6. The Great Alone by Kristen Hannah
With sublime writing by Kristen Hannah, the reader is drawn in as you are taken on an epic journey with the wilds of Alaska as the dramatic backdrop. You’ll be swept up in the saga. A great winter read.
7. Love with a Chance of Drowning by Torre DeRoche
This memoir is about a city girl with a fear of deep water who sets sail on an adventure for a year long voyage across the Pacific. Set against a backdrop of the world’s most beautiful and remote destinations, this travel memoir will have you hooked.
8. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Set in a quiet town on the North Carolina Coast this book is filled with love, loss and hope. A truly beautiful story and a great iso read.
9. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
This is a rather polarising book and people either love it or hate it, but it certainly takes you on a spiritual and emotional journey as Liz Gilbert searches the world to find herself. Liz heads to Rome to eat and India to pray and finds love in Bali. It’s a moving memoir that captured the hearts of many.
10. Almost French by Sarah Turnbull
The charming true story of a spirited young Australian woman who finds adventure and love in Paris. Sarah navigates the highs and lows of living in a foreign city while taking the reader on a magical tour of Paris.
