Sincerely, Reading – Books to Pack in Your Suitcase

When Steve and I were embarking on a two week trip to three different countries, I went on a search for the best vacation reads. We were going to be on four flights and have plenty of beach time so I wanted books that would capture our attention but also be easy reads in the sun. Steve and I are both into thrillers, so luckily some of the books (I wanted 4-5) could be shared. Since we use the library to get books, it was a bit tricky to navigate popular top books that were available for us to loan out at that time. I had to go back on to book lists from several years ago to find copies that weren’t in such high demand but still worth packing in our suitcase. Luckily, three were available by the time we were leaving, and I packed a fourth book lent to me. After the jump, see which were the best vacation reads from this most recent trip and others I’d recommend for you to pack.

1. When Life Gives You Lululemons – The sequel to The Devil Wears Prada, this isn’t the most well written or gripping book. But it’s just want you want by the pool: entertaining and funny current pop culture references.
2. The Last Mrs. Parrish – I loved this book more than I expected at the start. There are some unexpected discoveries about this Stepford wife and her conniving new friend.
3. A Stranger in the House – Steve and I both finished this on our trip. It’s by the same author who wrote The Couple Next Door, and true to form there are twists throughout this suspenseful read.
4. The Woman in the Window – I just started this thriller on the recommendation of others. One friend said she couldn’t put it down on her honeymoon!
5. Crazy Rich Asians – If you haven’t already read this book and the rest of the trilogy, pack copies in your suitcase now! The books are filled with extravagance, labels, and love – and the movie comes out in August.
6. Crimes Against a Book Club – It was fun to read about books inside of a book. This is a quick, engaging read about women taking control of a slightly upsetting situation in a light manner.
7. Down the Rabbit Hole: Curious Adventures and Cautionary Tales of a Former Playboy Bunny – This might jump out as the trashiest novel on my list, but I actually found it to be an interesting look into the infamous Playboy Mansion and the life of one of the seemingly sweetest playmates.
8. The Wife, the Maid, and the Mistress – In this story centered on a mystery murder in the 1930s, there are three brave women who each have an interesting story to tell.
9. Blind Item – Ever wonder how those salacious stories about stars’ wild nights out in private clubs get into gossip columns? This has the answer, as well as some romance and moral dilemmas for the main character – a gossip columnist.
10. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before – Another soon to be movie (on Netflix), this book is a cute story of adolescent romance and keen teenage observations. Enjoyable, but nothing you have to commit a lot of energy to read.

Sincerely Reading is a reoccurring feature on the blog. See more book reviews and roundups here.