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I love a good book on vacation, whether to read on the flight, while lounging on the beach, or even on lazy days by a picnic table. Usually I pick up a breezy beach read on my way to summer vacation, sometimes only to find myself bored and not finishing it. That’s why I wanted to list some of my favorite books in every genre. Who says you can’t read a leadership book on vacation, even if you you’re not working? Or engross yourself in a suspenseful, page-turner while relaxing by the pool. Enjoy these 8 “must-read” books to take on vacation for whatever type of reader you are!
If you like exotic travel:
Eat, Pray, Love
Why I loved it:
It is a great book for travel and heartfelt drama lovers. It take you to 3 exotic destinations. Elizabeth has such a fun and engaging writing style. I get immersed in her storytelling and vivid characters.
Short Summary:
Elizabeth Gilbert tells her own story as she comes out of a divorce. To heal, she embarks on a trip to Italy, India, and Bali where she encounters interesting people and scenarios. In the process, she learns more about herself and what is important in her life ahead. Get this book.
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If you are a self help devotee:
Permission to Feel
Why I loved it:
I discovered this book listening to one of Brenee Brown’s podcasts. At the front of the book, is a chart with feelings listed. I use it all the time, when I am dealing with feelings I can’t describe. Just naming them gives me a sense of relief.
Short Summary:
Marc Brackett is a Yale professor interested in the emotional well being of adults and children. He teaches the reader, how to describe emotions and more importantly how to deal with them. Read the book to understand his ‘RULER’ method of dealing with emotion. Get this book.
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If you love bios that move you:
Angela’s Ashes
Why I loved it:
Told through the voice of a child, it is filled with humor, playfulness and heartwrenching struggle at the same time. Frank McCourt has a wonderful style that won’t allow you to put this down until you finish the story.
Short Summary:
This is a Pulitzer prize winning memoir set in Ireland about a young boy and his family as they deal with impoverished conditions. In his own words, young Frank describes how he coped with the struggles of his dad’s alcoholism and his mother’s survival tactics. Get this book.
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If you love dramatic, tear-jerkers
The Glass Castle
Why I loved it:
This dysfunctional family drama is filled with engrossing, humorous, but heartwrenching stories. My husband and I heard the audiobook on a road trip. We often got back in the car, just to hear the next chapter.
Short Summary:
This memoir by Jeanette Walls talks about her impoverished family that lived like nomads. Her artistic mother and alcoholic dysfunctional father add to the colorful drama. You can feel their pain, tragic decisions they subject the family to, but also their enduring love. Get this book.
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If you love business and leadership reads
The Speed of Trust
Why I loved it:
Trust is the building block for everything we do, work, love, friendship, family. etc. This book was recommended in a corporate training. What has stayed with me is learning that trust is a factor of “character and competence”. If you want to get better at building trust, this book is a must-read.
Short Summary:
This book by the son of Steven Covey, discusses how trust forms the basis of productivity, success, and revenue in business and relationships. It teaches you the basis of what makes people trust, how to build trust and recognize trust in individuals. It provides guidelines of how to build trust such as “talk straight, keep commitments, etc”. Get this book.
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If you want to improve your romantic relationships:
Why I loved it:
This classic book has served as the basis for how I understand why my husband and I do the things that we do in our marriage. It has really increased my understanding of the opposite sex and how to navigate relationships well, not only in romance, but at work as well. I pull it out as a reference book all the time!
Short Summary:
John Gray’s time-honored relationship book gives us theories about why men and women act differently in relationships. For instance, men go into their caves while women are like rubberbands. How do men and women give points differently? Read this, if you truly want to understand men and women and relationships. Get this book.
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For suspense addicts
Verity
Why I loved it:
Hard to put this one down, it is an edge of your seat thriller. A definite “must-read”.
Short Summary:
A writer, Lowen, is asked to finish a book by the handsome, charming, husband of a best selling author, Verity who was in an accident and is now in a vegitative state. In the process she discovers a harrowing manuscript by Verity that reveals all kinds of chilling details about her husband. While falling in love with him and moving into his home, Lowen must determine how she will deal with the information she uncovers in this gripping psychological thriller. Get this Book.
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If you love books on improving your health and wellness
Forever Strong
Why I loved it:
Rather than the mainstream advice telling us to always lose weight and fat, this book wants us to focus on gaining muscle. Yeah! I love the strategies that Gabrielle shares to try to incorporate more muscle building activities in life to increase our health and longevity. I have seen improvement is my own fitness and health as I have focused on getting stronger.
Short Summary:
This book focuses on how important muscle is in health. Gabrielle studied patients that had many diseases that were caused by too little muscle. Introduced is a muscle centered approach as opposed to the traditional fat loss remedies. She provides a program for food and fitness that centers around the bodies largest organ. Get this Book.
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Pack your books in a pretty vacation bag.
Vera Bradley Weekender Vacation Bag
Enjoy these 8 must-read books to take on vacation. Bon Voyage! Good reading!
