There are so many trips I could plan (and I will) since I love choosing where to go, what to do, what to pack, and (most importantly, but of course) what to read. But today we’re starting somewhere simple…
Place: The Pool. Be it in your backyard, a friend’s apartment building, or a city pool – let’s face it, some of us aren’t going very far for vacation this year. That doesn’t mean we can’t make the most of it. Though I’m not a sunbather, I do enjoy being outside and reading – so give me a chaise-lounge, an umbrella, some books, and a pool to cool down in and I’m set.
What to Pack: Comfy clothes, SPF (& a hat), and a soft towel all go in my bag. (Click below for more details about the items.)
What to Do: Apply sunscreen, read, drink water, jump in pool. Repeat. Be sure to “oooh” and “ahhh” so your pool-mates ask you what you’re reading and you can tell them all about it.
- Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer :: A fascinating look at fundamentalist Mormonism by one of the leading non-fiction writers of our time. This book does not berate the religion, but rather educated us about the vast differences between the modern day LDS and the fundamentalists with whom they often get lumped together.
- Holly’s Inbox by Holly Denham :: A funny British rom-com written in the form of e-mails and texts. Very charming, very quick read.
- One Thousand White Women: The Journals of Mary Dodd by Jim Fergus :: A fantastic story that is highly rated yet not well known. This is the fictional story of what may have happened if the 1854 proposal by a Cheyenne chief to the US government to exchange 1000 white women for 1000 horses had come to fruition.
Have you read these titles? What other ones would be pool-worthy?
I have read Under the Banner of Heaven, which I loved. I think I might want to pick up Holly’s Inbox, since I like British rom coms. I’d also recommend anything by Jill Mansell, who also writes British rom coms—they are all hilarious and full of what I can only call shenanigans.
I think I’ve seen the Jill Mansell books (really cute covers??). Holly’s Inbox is thick, but very quick. Lots of British humor (which is good).
If I could lay out by that pool, I would definitely be hanging out there with a good book and some Iced tea. As far as the three books you mentioned go, I’ve only read Holly’s Inbox – although the one I read had a different name. Anyhow, I read it ages ago when I was a chick lit kick ( I was obsessed with charity shops and their super cheap books when I lived in England) and I loved that book. It was just a fun, light read – perfect for summer. I’m about to start a chick lit book by Carole Matthews that I won from a fellow blogger’s giveaway recently – its about a woman who opens a handbag shop (I love handbags, so I’m excited about this one). I’m expecting it to be silly and fun, which is just what I need after finishing Gone Girl. Enjoy your summer reads, Wallace!
There was a sequel to Holly’s Inbox, maybe that’s what you read? (I didn’t like it as much as the first, but it was still cute).
I have a couple of friends whom I might recommend the Carole Matthews book to – sounds up their alley!
And, yes, I know what you mean about needing something light after Gone Girl. I’m going to pop over to your blog now to see if you’ve reviewed it… curious what you thought.
I love this post, since I think the #1 place I’d want to be is poolside instead of stuck behind this desk. Bah.
I haven’t heard of One Thousand White Women, but it looks fascinating. Definitely added to the TBR list.
I think one of my favorite poolside reads this summer would be In the Garden of the Beasts by Erik Larson. I love his other books, and everyone keep recommending his latest to me. It sounds engrossing…if maybe a little heavy for poolside reading.
In the Garden of Beasts is on my shelf to read as well! Sometimes heavy is good – it can keep your attention. If a book is too light – my brain tends to wander… then I get bored. I would bet IGB keeps one’s attention.
I love originality! What a great post. It is inspiring me to get out of the house with a good book.
Pingback: Literary Travel: Where To? | Unputdownables