Coronavirus has taken a lot from us this summer. Socialising with our friends and family, our travel plans, PUBS, it’s even had us fighting over toilet roll. Not good. We can all agree that we’re in desperate need of a holiday.
Thankfully (fingers crossed) borders are opening, flights are happening, and we might just get sand in between our toes before the end of the year.
So, in preparation for this we, as a team, gathered on Zoom to discuss our favourite beach reads… until we were kicked off after 40 minutes. From this, we’ve collated an impeccable reading list, fit for the year-round bookworms and seasonal readers alike.
So whether you’re laying on a Maldivian beach, Brighton beach or even just the comfy armchair at home, relax with one of our recommended reads.
1. Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race – Reni Eddo-Lodge
This incredibly relevant novel was originally published as a blog in 2014 and is an ESSENTIAL read. Tired of institutional racism, Reni Eddo-Lodge explores not only the issue of race but offers solutions to counter racism in the UK. If you’re going to read one book in 2020, make it this one.
Recommended by Mie
2. Papillon – Henri Charrière
An autobiographical novel published in 1969, this book depicts the authors time in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Heartbreaking yet uplifting this book is guaranteed to get your heart racing faster than the first time you saw a manta ray.
Recommended by Alex
3. Giovanni’s Room – James Baldwin
Baldwin wrote his novella in 1956 and is considered by many a pioneer in queer literature. The small book is set in Paris and follows the complex desires of the American protagonist, David. Giovanni is a man with whom David has a relationship with but, in a sad twist, the relationship breaks down. A compelling read that you can easily finish in one sitting.
Recommended by Elisha
4. Heartburn – Nora Ephron
In this semi-autobiographical novel, Ephron turns tragedy into comedy perfectly through the heavily pregnant protagonist’s sharp tongue. Through the use of recipe writing, the protagonist, Rachel will have you in stitches.
Recommended by Claudia
5. Catch-22 – Joseph Heller
Considered a landmark in literature, Catch-22 focuses on the character Captain John Yossarian, a US army officer stranded on an island amidst the chaos of WW2. Heller’s use of comic relief spares the reader from the dark undertones of the war. Haven’t read it yet? What are you waiting for?
Recommended by Tomas
Not a big reader? How about a podcast instead?
1. 1619
Listen to Hannah Nikole Jones dive into the impacts of being black in America, focusing on the 250 years of the slave trade and how it formed the United States. The title of the podcast, 1619, refers to the year of the first ship that carried enslaved Africans to Virginia. An eerily short time ago. We can’t recommend this podcast enough, it’s an incredibly important one.
2. Serial Podcast
This true-crime podcast is hosted by Sarah Koenig, an investigative journalist who narrates her findings across three seasons. Season one focuses on the murder of Hae Min Lee, the second investigates the life of Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl and the third takes a hard look at the justice system in Cleveland – following many different cases and their outcomes.
3. Fiasco
An audio documentary series that relays the ‘fiascos’ that has happened within politics, controversies, and news scandals. The first season focuses on George W. Bush and Al Gore, and the second season digs deep into the McFarlane affair.
Let us know if you enjoyed any of our recommendations via social media, just search for Hummingbird Travel.