Holiday reading recommendations

Although the weather might try to convince you otherwise, the summer holidays are fast approaching. Whether you’re spending the summer sunbathing by the pool, commuting and working, or even just Netflix-binging and doing absolutely nothing in your bedroom, the summer holidays call for some good reads and luckily I have a book recommendation for any occasion. 

How Not to Travel the World: Adventures of a Disaster-Prone Backpacker – Lauren Juliff

Perfect for those who are working over the summer, this light-hearted yet eye-opening autobiographical tale is a perfect way to travel to Croatia, Ukraine and Thailand, and even vicariously experience a romance with a handsome New Zealander, all on the morning train and in your lunch break. The tale is of a 22-year-old girl who leaves her troubles behind, and decides to backpack around the world by herself, only to find more problems along the way. Sometimes her blunders are heart-breaking, sometimes they are amusing; this is a book that can transport you from the office to anywhere in the world.

Meatspace – Nikesh Shukla

A must-read, especially if you are away on holiday sunbathing and relaxing. This book deals with a man called Kitab whose life is falling apart. After his novel failing, his girlfriend leaving, and a man trying to steal his identity, Kitab has to struggle to not only get his identity back, but to find his own place outside the sphere of social media. The book is a funny and witty, yet haunting analysis of the consequences of living too much in our online personas. Hopefully this read will make you laugh, cry, and even encourage you to focus less on your Instagram likes and concentrate on actually living in the present and enjoying your holiday.

Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time – Mark Adams

Most students would not be able to afford a holiday to Machu Picchu (if you can, I both applaud and envy you), and therefore this book is a much cheaper alternative from your bedroom and a nice (and sometimes necessary) break from the Netflix binging. From your bedroom to Peru, this book will transport you to 1911, when Hiram Bingham III climbed the Andes and discovered the site. Since then, Bingham has been labelled as a thief and a liar, and Adams sets out to investigate these accusations by retracing the perilous path to Machu Picchu. The book takes you through the ancient Inca capital of Cusco, the ruins of Vitcos and Vilcabamba and even a still-undiscovered country. Does Adams manage to clear Bingham’s name and re-write history? Take a break from Netflix to find out.