This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
The perfect holiday read is so important to book-lovers that publishers actually use it as a marketing tool. They understand the value of the last minute airport purchase and the novel that can be dubbed the perfect escapist read to take along to the beach. The front cover is often drenched in sunshine, sea and sand and promises fun, intrigue, romance and heat! Though some take place across the UK coastline, many of our favourite summer novels take place on foreign shores, under a burning sun and with the added excitement of new languages, food and customs.
Is it just because we all want a break that we look to books like these? Yes, partly. However, if you look closer, it seems the perfect holiday read is less about the perfect location and more about our perfect selves. Where else are we at our most relaxed, our most brave and our most open to meeting new people other than on holiday? Many of us sport more daring and revealing fashion choices simply because it’s too hot to cover up. We crack open our summer wardrobe and reveal sandals and skirts that spend most of the year hidden in the loft. In short, we are the version of ourselves many of us wish we could be – if we didn't have to worry about any other commitments.
For me, the perfect summer read is about more than just sun, sea and sand. It is about escaping into an idyllic paradise where the days are long and filled with fun and romance, the men are delicious and make your heart race and when the sun sets at the end of the day, you are left blissfully relaxed and happy.
What do you look for in your ideal holiday read? Have you bought a new book and are looking forward to reading it on holiday? Let us know in the comments.