One of the great pleasures on holiday for me is to be able to read, read and read. I don’t get the chance to read as much as I’d like to at home. This is partly because of lack of time but also due partly to a bit of a self-confessed TV addiction in the evenings. Therefore holidays give me a great opportunity to enjoy a few good books. Not that that’s the only pleasure that I indulge in on holiday, but as this is essentially a writing blog we’ll skip the other indulgences for now.

I don’t usually take my Kindle on holiday due to the sand/sun lotion/seawater dilemma so Indie’s are out I’m afraid. Instead I read traditionally published books on holiday although I read a lot of books by independent authors and publishers when I’m at home. These are my choices for this year’s holiday:

The Life and Death of Charlie St Cloud by Ben Sherwood

Books about ghosts and spirits don’t usually appeal to me but I thought I’d give this one a whirl. Having already started this book pre-holiday, I am finding it really enjoyable. The book is so well written that it is convincing even to a sceptic like me. On taking a peek at the acknowledgements at the back of the book I note that the author has done a lot of research and this has obviously paid off. Aside from the subject matter, the book is essentially a love story and a very enjoyable one. I had previously read The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold (also on the subject of life after death) and wasn’t overly impressed. In my opinion The Life and Death of Charlie St Cloud is a much better book.

The Ladykiller by Martina Cole
I’ve read a few books by Martina Cole in the past and I’ve found some better than others. However, for me she is an inspiring author and I intend to read more of her books in the future. When I was at Stockport Book Fare recently I found a stall with an excellent selection of books by Martina Cole. I was deliberating over which one to try next when the stall holder insisted that I should choose The Ladykiller. Apparently it is one of the best books he has read in a long time so this one comes highly recommended and I can’t wait to start it. At over 700 pages I think it will keep me well occupied during my holiday.

Sharon Osborne – Survivor
I have to confess to my penchant for the occasional celeb autobiography although I probably wouldn’t touch anything by anyone under the age of 25. I’m afraid that in my opinion if you’re going to write about life then you need to have lived a bit first. Sharon Osbourne has certainly had a more eventful life than most. I also enjoy finding out what goes on behind the TV screen. So, all in all, it should make for an interesting read if I can squeeze it in after the gigantic Martina Cole book. My only reservation is that it’s one of several so I’ll probably have to buy the previous books if I want to find out more about her earlier life.

What books would you choose to take on holiday, and why, or do you normally not bother with reading on holiday? Feel free to let me have your feedback in the comments area below. If you would like my verdict on any of these books once I’ve finished them, please let me know; I’ll be happy to share my thoughts.