When it comes to reading, most of us are faced with the exact same conundrum - we wish we could do it more, but there never seems to be enough time. There’s work, there’s catching up with friends and family, hitting the gym and simply relaxing. So when it comes to finally going on holiday, in addition to packing sun lotion, bikinis and sandals, most of us will also add a book or two into the mix. However, what if you have too many books to choose from, or don’t know where to look for recommendations? To help you curate the perfect summer reading list, we spoke to experts at micro-learning app Blinkist (www.blinkist.com), who shared their tips for curating an enjoyable book list this summer:
Books on Female First
Ask yourself the right questions
When it comes to choosing which books to take with you on holiday, it is easy to become overwhelmed - after all, you only have room for one or two, so how do you decide which books should make the cut? The answer is simple: ask yourself the right questions. Is there a book you’ve been desperate to read, but still haven’t had the chance to? Is there a book that has been recommended to you over and over by your friends? Is there a book you’d really like to re-read as you relax on the beach? These are great questions to guide yourself by, and are guaranteed to provide you with a couple of enjoyable reads.
Variety is your friend
Whether you are just starting to curate your summer reading list, or figuring out which books to bring with you on holiday, variety is your friend. Mix up the genres, topics, writing styles, authors - this way, you make the most of your available reading time and should you want to take a break from one of the books, you have something completely different right up your sleeve.
Should vs. could books
When curating your summer reading list, it’s fine to have some books you feel you ‘should’ read. It might be a book you never got to at school, or something everyone is reading, or a book you feel you should read for work. However, your reading list isn’t homework, and has to bring you pleasure and enjoyment. Add as many ‘could’ books to the list as you like - there’s nothing wrong with pop titles, or easy reading! It’s summer - if the book makes you happy and you enjoy it, then go ahead and read it!
Take advantage of technology
Technology is here to make our lives easier, so take advantage of it to help you curate your summer reading list! For example, using the Blinkist app can give you an overview of the main ideas behind a non-fiction title, which can in turn help you decide on whether you want to read the full book, or not. Similarly, there are some great podcasts out there, like Simplify and Self? Help!, which are great if you want to find out more about an author and their ideas (and want to take a break from reading, and listen to the content instead!). You can also make the most of ebook readers, like Amazon’s Kindle, which has space for hundreds of books!
Podcasts, authors’ social media platforms, and aggregation sites like Goodreads are also handy when it comes to curating your summer reading list. Goodreads has reviews for millions of books, while podcasts and social media can provide you with unexpected and enjoyable reading suggestions.
Authors vs. anthologies
Another useful tip for creating reading lists is to theme them - you can get a few books from the same author, or within the same genre. If you feel like you still can’t decide, then have a look at anthologies, as the stories within these are already curated to work well with one another, and will give you plenty of variety while on holiday.
Make the most of nearby experts!
Finally, ask for recommendations from your local experts! Take a trip to your nearest bookstore and have a chat with the people working there. They aren’t just retailers - they’re expert bookworms, and are in a great place to guide you towards some local gems or books with local references that can enrich your holiday experience.