By Madeline Klein on March 2, 2020 in Life Hacks
Not only is it Dr. Seuss’ birthday and Read Across America Day, but it’s also vacation planning season! That means it’s time to gather your reading list and pick the next beach you’ll be laying on while you read.
We asked our team what recommendations they had for you and compiled them here! Whether you prefer a good ole fashioned paperback or the more modern road-trip audiobook, these are all worth the read!
Fantasy
Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling -- As good as the movies are, the books are so much better! There are more details, plot lines, and character development that the movies just don’t have time to incorporate. They aren't just books for kids either, adults love them just as much. An added bonus for picking that audiobook -- the whole fam is going to enjoy this one!
Dark Tower Series by Stephen King -- These books are a bit out of the norm for Stephen King’s writing, and man are they enjoyable! They encompass many different genres and keeps you interested throughout.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis -- A British classic for young adults that we’ve all heard about, but maybe never got around to reading. The language is beautiful, taking you on a journey to the winter wonderland called Narnia.
Women’s Fiction
I Don't Know How She Does It by Allison Pearson -- A comedy for any working mom. The British humor is hilarious, and we can certainly relate to this mom who tries to do it all. Her ever-growing shopping list and self-inflicted guilt for not taking homemade treats to school hit a little too close to home!
Classics
Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen & Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë -- These British classics can be read over and over again but somehow never get old. How is this possible? The only possible answer is that they must just be really good reads!
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas -- This book has it all: romance, conspiracy, murder, revenge, treasure. I mean, what more could you ask for? A member of our team thinks the prison portion of the book is the best. What do you think?
Historical Fiction
Hawaii by James Michener -- Ever wanted to know the history of Hawaii? From the volcanos forming to the first settlers who voyaged across the sea, and on to World War II, you can learn it all here. It's an epic book that makes you feel like you are there when pineapples were brought to the island (which is a definitely nice feeling in the middle of winter!).
Between Shades of Gray -- Lina is a normal 15-year-old living in Lithuania when her life is turned upside down by Soviet officers in 1941. Forced to endure hard labor working in the Arctic Circle, Lina documents her struggles via art all while plotting to reunite with her father and finally escape the nightmare that is Siberia during WW2. Are you intrigued yet? Check it out.
Children’s
Make Way for the Thruway by Caroline Emerson -- Our director has loved this book since he was a child. He says his name, and other scribbles, are scattered throughout it. He used to read it to his son and then when he was old enough his son would read it to him! A couple of the main takeaways are money isn’t everything and you don’t always have to be in a hurry. It never hurts to be reminded of these two things!
The Pidgeon Finds a Hot Dog by Mo Willems -- The illustrations are well done, and the language is comical in this one! Our Business Operations Manager says it was her daughter’s favorite book throughout childhood.
The Monster at the End of this Book by Jon Stone -- A children's classic with Grover from Sesame Street. It's so fun to read aloud to your child because you have to get really loud and really quiet, it's silly without being scary.
Fiction
The Hunt for Red October by Tom Clancy -- A thriller about a defecting Soviet nuclear submarine. All Tom Clancy books (the originals) are good but this one is a fan favorite here at Say! We actually had a shout out for ALL the Tom Clancy books, so that’s a good sign!
Music
Rudimental Remedies by John Wooton -- Our resident drummer has spent a lot of time with this book. It’s great for learning rudiments on the drums. The book is designed for hands, but it can be transcribed to the feet as well and gives musical context for all of the exercises too.
When you take one or two of these books on your next vacation, let us know what you think!
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