June 17, 2010

Reading In Paradise


Tomorrow my partner and I are off on our holiday to Koh Samui - and we can't wait!

I'm in a little bit of a panic - not because my clothes aren't packed yet (because they aren't!) but because I haven't really thought a lot about what books I want to take with me!!! I thought I had heaps of time to think about it - but that time has gone! It's especially important for this holiday because this break is going to be mainly about relaxing by the pool and beach and reading, reading, reading.

So, I have put together a selection that I think will make it into the bag;


The Group - Mary McCarthy - I have heard so many great things about this book and I finally found a copy last weekend - just in time!

Small Wars - Sadie Jones - Another book I have heard a bit about - all good.

The Girl Who Played With Fire - Stieg Larsson - I have been waiting for a good time to read this since finishing The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.

The Opposite Of Falling - Jennie Rooney - A recent arrival in my TBR pile - too lovely to leave behind.

The Book Of Fires - Jane Borodale - There is a lot of talk about this book in the blogging world at the moment - mixed reactions from what I have seen so far.


Have I made the right choices?? I'm sure there are so many others I've missed!

16 comments:

Tamara said...

Happy Holidays!! I'm sure what ever books you take, you'll get through them at a great pace - sitting by the pool... Enjoy. We'll be here when you get back - looking forward to Paris!

Anonymous said...

The Girl Who Played With Fire is a great choice. I found it a little slow at first, but brilliant from about page 100. I have The Outcast by Sadie Jones but haven't read it yet. Can't comment about the others. Let us know how you find them- and have a great holiday!

verity said...

have a lovely trip! I enjoyed the Sadie Jones and The group is a wonderful read. Enjoy!!!!!

Astrid (Mrs.B) said...

The Girl Who Played With Fire is great for a beach holiday! I didn't like the Outcast and I wonder if you will. Have a great trip!

Stephanie said...

Enjoy your holiday and have a wonderful time! I always stress about what I should bring, book-wise- what if I finish it too soon and I'm left with nothing to read? What if I don't like it after the first 20 pages and I'm left with nothing to read? Packing clothes is much less stressful. :)

Joan Hunter Dunn said...

Happy Holidays - enjoy bathing in books, sunshine and water

Unknown said...

That looks like a fantastic selection! I hope that you have a wonderful holiday!

nomadreader said...

Those books look wonderful. Many are on my TBR too, so I'll be eager to hear your thoughts. Happy reading!

Iliana said...

I so understand! I never panic about clothes, shoes, etc. It's the books!

Have a wonderful time and hope you enjoy your reads. I read Girl Who Played with Fire last year and loved it so I hope you will too.

Karen said...

Hi T - I'm looking forward to Paris too! I'm sure I will be nicely relaxed and ready for our month in France when I get back.

Hi samstillreading - I think TGWPWF sounds like it will be a good holiday choice - I haven't had the right headspace to get into it before now.

Hi Verity - Thankyou!!!


Hi Mrs B - I'm looking forward to reading this one now that so many people are recommending it.

Hi Stephanie - that's exactly how I feel too! Especially where we are going - english language books are really expensive so I won't be able to really buy any more once we get there if I run out!

Hi Joan - thank you! That is definitely the plan!

Hi Jackie - thanks - hopefully I will get through them all!

Hi nomadreader - I am sure I will have plenty of reviews for you when I get back.

Hi Iliana - I have to admit I do panic a little bit about shoes!!

Mel u said...

I have been to Koh Sumni Island also-the sun rises over the water are fantastic-have a great trip-

anothercookiecrumbles said...

Enjoy Koh Samui. One of my friends went there a few months back, and she had a whale of a time! :)

I've only read the Larrson, and it's a great holiday read. Hopefully, you'll think so too.

Got The Group, Small Wars and The Book of Fires on my to-read list, so, hopefully you'll enjoy them as well.

Paperback Reader said...

Have a wonderful holiday, Karen! The Group is such a great read and one that is relevant to women no matter what age they are and bears rereading every decade!

I'm looking forward to getting stuck into The Book of Fires too and it has made it onto my summer reading pile too (sadly I am not going to Koh Samui or anywhere else).

Frances said...

Wishing you a wonderful holiday! Looks as if you have the reading plan in place. Envying you that copy of The Group (I just need to go get one!) and know that my husband would definitely approve of the Larsson. He devoured those books!

Anonymous said...

I hope you have a wonderful time! I was a little disappointed with The Book of Fires, but it is a very readable book and a good holiday choice. And if Jennie Rooney's second book is half as good as her debut you are in for a treat.

Karen said...

Hi Mel - we are back now and you are so right! Everything about Koh Samui was just wonderful.

Hi anothercookiecrumbles - it was such a fantastic relaxing holiday!

Hi Claire - I didn't manage to get to The Group while I was away but I am very much looking forward to reading it very soon.

Hi Frances - you can let your husband know that I managed to finish the whole Girl With A Dragon Tattoo series while I was away and nearly every second person at our resort was reading the books!

Hi Fleur - I did try to start Fires while I was away but I couldn't quite get into it - I will have to give it another go now that I am home.