Books to take on holiday IMMEDIATELY

Sorry babes, you've got to re-pack ;)
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[@lilidonna]

This has made me rethink my work bag and how it's always the book that gets dissed when it gets too heavy when I really don't need to take a packed pencil case every day like I'm a primary school aged Rory Gilmore.

[@kellierust250]

This is such a clever, original video idea. Great work Leena!

[@glockl4851]

my strategy is to pack books I don't mind not owning copies of and leave them at my destination so I have room for trinkets, gifts, wine, and all that jazz on my return trip

[@juliak5149]

For me, the books are the souvenirs😅 I only pack half of my suitcase full and come back with as many books I could find there - also works when you can't read in the language of your destination, then it's just picture/childrens books

[@glockl4851]

@Julia K yeah often I'll put the books i finished in those little free library things and take some from there in return

[@nerd26373]

We appreciate Leena's dedication and hard work over the years. God bless you.

[@leenanorms]

Hahaha aw thank you!

[@eviekeats4173]

@@leenanorms No "Hahaha" necessary. Take the compliment; you deserve it ;).

[@TheEmeraldElf]

“Braiding Sweet Grass” on audiobook is so incredibly soothing. I have anxiety and that audio book got me through the worst of my pandemic panic.

[@ayerhead07]

I came to comment the same thing. I first heard the author on the podcast Ologies, and the host kept gushing about the author's narration so I had to check it out. It's like the warmest hug and I was honestly thrilled it was so long and wide ranging, which is not how I usually feel about non -fiction. When she got to the part about deciding between biology and poetry as her major, it all clicked into place. Highly recommend!

[@skyblu007]

Same!! ^^ Just came here to say the audiobook is wonderful 😊

[@lenagwen8264]

@@ayerhead07 same! also heard the ologies episode first. The author also wrote 'gathering moss' which is just wonderful in the audiobook version

[@hownovel9]

This video single handedly ended a 4 year reading slump. I finished this video, immediately bought Our Wives Under the Sea and finished the audio book right before bed. Thank you Leena for the recommendation. It was a fantastic read

[@Louisyed]

It would be cool to see a video on the best books translated into English from different languages 😊

[@jo_aspen]

I always travel with two physical books, plus an ebook and an audiobook on my Libby app! Usually all different genres in case I find myself in the grips of a fervent desire to read (insert flavor of book/plotline/world building here). Nothing is worse than having downtime without reading material!

[@Luumus]

This is why I always bring my e-reader with my 40 book collection along with 1 physical book. You never know what you want to read on a holiday. Unless I'm going to the UK, in which case I take no book, because I know I'm buying a ton of them while there.

[@niethierbos]

i always one for the trip to the uk the rest can find it self to my minde

[@justalittleguy1000]

Big fan of how this title evolved haha sometimes it takes a minute to figure out how to best communicate the contents of a thing

[@samanthaburns6956]

Other travel tip: If you are traveling alone sometimes people will talk to you about your books if you are out reading in public. This mostly happened when I was reading Murakami and Gabriel García Márquez but anything well know enough is good. Also read something local to the area or that was written in its language I read Don Qioxote and One Hundred Years of Solitued in Spain and had so many cool convos

[@booksandem]

As I’m sat watching this in my hospital bed in Japan after breaking my leg… can confirm the books are worth it 😅

[@zamithemyth440]

I wish you a speedy recovery

[@booksandem]

@@zamithemyth440 thank you so much!

[@anawsomehuman3064]

get well soon! ❤

[@nommh]

Your styling with holiday earring botanicals and that flowy wrap is gorgeous, but nothing compared to the genius way to pack an old as the hills meme (what to read on holiday) into a shiny, quirky new suitcase. I‘m even worse, because I think there are audiobooks to be had on my phone so I can crochet till I get carpal tunnel and still enjoy good literature. I also consider your very interesting suggestions as ideas for gifts. Thank you so much!

[@piretbaumann2574]

This was so great! :D This year I'm planning to send the husband away with the kids for a week, so I can spend uninterrupted quality time with my TBR pile. No packing required! Which is great, because the pile is much higher now...

[@writr2459]

The last couple times I've flown back from one particular vacation spot, the TSA security folks have found my 6 or 7 backpack books to be VERY suspicious, and they've had to test them with a little swab to make sure I wasn't using them to smuggle things in?

[@jaelikesjackalopes]

My strategy is to bring one book I don’t intend to keep to read on the way there and leave behind and one library book to read on the way back. And slim but dense books that I’ve been putting off bc they’ll take too much time. Nothing but time on an airplane!

[@Larissa_KD]

I've read four of these (and they were all great; The Overstory, The Housekeeper and the Professor, Braiding Sweetgrass and Our Wives Under the Sea), the other two are on my tbr hahah

[@leenanorms]

That’s a pretty high hit rate!

[@Soolepoh]

One summer in France I read like 7 to 9 books in 2 weeks, because there weren't any fun people on the camping. I do remember starting Loveless by Alice Oseman on camp whilst being exhausted af

[@beeheart6529]

Just got back from a vacation and I took a straightener which I never used! However I also came back with 5 new books.

[@shishly]

Cried myself through "We are all completely besides Ourselves " on a park bench in Barcelona, and read (parts) of Silvia Federici "Caliban and the witch" on a train ride between France and Italy. Like e-books sometimes, but agree on holiday I prefer a physical copy....however one need atleast 3 pairs of shoes, so something else has to go.

[@gleann_cuilinn]

Braiding Sweetgrass is one of my favorite books ever and it changed my life. If you bring one book, bring that one.

[@helens7920]

Just opened KZbin looking for a video to watch while I have a quick meal before I...pack my suitcase. Beautiful timing, also 'checking out of your own life rhythm' is such a good description of holiday reading

[@mossbaby6292]

I’ve had a very fast month so seeing leana upload again I was like “!!!! We are so spoiled, so many bonus videos” only to check and realize that my sense of time is broken 😂 thank you for all of these you’re such an amazing creator

[@Caatje-op3jy]

A few holiday/summer favourites: Bluets by Maggie Nelson, the eight mountains by Paolo Cognetti, beach read by Emily Henry and the 100-year-old man who climbed out the window and dissapeared by Jonas Jonasson (this last one is so great, essential reading imo :)

[@annesophie22]

Braiding Sweetgrass is a book I will read over and over again. I'm hoping to be a biology teacher and i can hopefully include it in my syllabus

[@thatjillgirl]

I have mostly mastered the art of packing in just a carry-on, so packing real estate can be a little scarce. I still always manage to take at least one book to read with me. (I am one of those weird people who is still using actual guidebooks, so I would have room for another book or two on top of that, but that space is usually taken up by the guidebook(s).)

[@paulinevanderwardt4395]

I finally got round to read the overstory and it changed me, it was amazing and now I trie to convince readers in my vicinity to pick it up so I can finally talk to someone about it!

[@rebeccam2553]

Leena, I need to know more about this dress you're wearing. Stunning.

[@laurenalise3488]

Leena is just so creative with her video ideas. Love love love your channel! ❤

[@claudiainBali]

Thanks so much...... now have a list to start reading new books. Have been rereading my library for lack of ideas on what to read and the fact that getting books here can be difficult. So ereaders and tourist town libraries will have to do.

[@covergirlbooks]

😂 I love this so much. My last trip I brought a nearly empty carryon in order to pack more books and shop for books. (I’m not ashamed, you’re enlightened!)

[@janehollander1934]

I would leave extra room in my luggage so I could buy and bring back (second hand) books, back home with me. Buying & reading books while on holiday were the best memories/souvenirs I ever had. One of my favourite was buying & reading "The Guernsey Literary Society" while staying on Guernsey for a 3 week holiday. Just the best👌🏻🥰.

[@nanimaonovi2528]

I listen to audiobooks on my phone while travelling and live out of my back pack. My favorites for travel are light nonfiction. I just read 'Funny Farm' by Laurie Zaleski and it was definitely a Lena book. Sad, but inspiring and uplifting too. Their family motto is 'the more you cry the less you pee.'

[@mfcbatista]

Literally packing as we speak to go away in two days. Bless you Leena

[@meikusje]

I'm taking the ereader route this year. Sad, because I love physical books, but much more sensible while long distance hiking. Last year I managed to squeeze three books in my backpack, but it's kind of a waste of space and weight, and I'm already packing very minimalist, so there isn't much else to leave out and replace with books.

[@mossfrost6730]

completely agree with bringing big books on holidays, I always say “oh its too much of a commitment / it’ll take so much time” but in the instance where I can enjoy myself to the fullest why not be able to enjoy a long book in the fullest too?

[@rosemarybruce6290]

I watched your mother's day video last year while on holiday, went into a bookshop the next day and saw Motherhood by Sheila Heti. Bought it immediately and finished reading it before we even got back on the plane.

[@colleen6644]

Thanks, Leena! Put a few on my TBR for vacation next month.

[@makemyday8197]

Seriously! your creativity is endless!!! this was super :):):)

[@plantman4444]

You’re such a breath of fresh air, really appreciate your work. Can’t believe it’s been a week already 😳

[@amalmed9753]

Yes, my favorite Leena kind of vid. Always here for it.

[@annamonson212]

On my very first fieldwork experience (which was also my first time camping and leaving the country) I read Micheal Crightons Dragon Teeth. It was great to read a survival book in a completely different setting than the jungle I was stumbling through all day.

[@maggiescarlet]

Love these selections and the skit at the beginning of the video :) p.s. I don't mind "clickbait" titles from you because I've been subbed long enough to know that you're either gonna passionately talk about books, or compassionately talk about sustainability- win win either way 🥳

[@natanbcpc]

I always bring one physical book for the physical book vibes and an e-reader for options, although I tend to overpack everything else.

[@nadineebada6557]

this really came at the right time since im travelling on my own for the first time in a few days !!

[@Nico5890]

safe travels, love! hope it's a memorable, peaceful time.

[@catherineleslie-faye4302]

I pack 2 sewing projects and 2 books when I go on holiday... strappy sandals get packed for if I go out to a nice restaurant. I have short boots and ballet slippers as my other pairs of shoes. I do take my laptop with me as I like to game before I go to bed. I have allergies so I do bring my own hair & skin care products.

[@bossyboots5000]

I've found hand sewing is great for long airplane rides. You've got nowhere else to go and nothing else to do, so the sewing seems less tedious than if I were doing the whole thing sitting at home.

[@siracornful]

Thanks! I will now be reading Our wives under the sea while lounging next to the sea in cinque terre!

[@domeanaradmila1862]

I've just come back from a one week holiday, having packed two books recommended by you (Glory by N Mulawayo and POD by Laline Paul). And... I only finished one of them, but do not regret bringing both - exactly out of that fear of running out) Thanks for more wonderful recommendations

[@DesTondola]

the first think I pack for any trip (for work or on holiday) is books!!!

[@pia2902]

I love this video! How do you always come up with such cool and unique video ideas? Unfortunately, I don't take any of these things with me anyway except the razor. On the plus side, I won't travel by plane this summer so I can bring as many books as I can carry.

[@jennieguinevere]

Watching this while on holiday in Madeira (with 9 books lol… started with 7 but gotta take advantage of the airport paperbacks)

[@wolfsherz3279]

I mostly have been reading on train and plane journeys, I should specifically pack some of my unread books to read instead of having to make do with the sad selection in the airport WH Smiths. Been meaning to read The Overstory too!

[@aquanbeck1444]

I got so excited when I saw The Overstory!!!! I'm reading that rn!!!!

[@Tina.bina.]

This is the best packing video I've ever seen lol ❤

[@elzbethmrgn]

I'm so pleased to see the book content back!

[@danyramos8139]

The housekeeper and the professor getting the attention it deserves! I loved that book

[@Soolepoh]

I think I will keep it to one book (In my backpack) besides taking my plant guide, because you know space and people that will not let me read more than 50 pages in one sitting, but a great thanks for the recommendations.

[@bossyboots5000]

Do you have a plant guide you particularly like?

[@Soolepoh]

@Bossy Boots it really depends on where you live. The guides I have are specific to the Netherlands and with that mainland Europe. With finding the right guide it depends on your skills and what you take with you. Some guides have keys to figure out the plant for which you probably need a magnifying glass (just a tiny one will do), but if you want to look at pictures one with good descriptions and drawings will do the job.

[@tidenly]

Leena fully flexing on me when the first book she recommended took me longer to read than any vacation I've ever had in my life (its a great one though!) 😅

[@CorinneDemyanovich]

Brilliant idea, love it!

[@meganh144]

Love the effort that went into this video!

[@KurtesolWafelosi]

Loved this kind of video! Thanks for all the great recommandations ❤ Would be great if you could list the titles + authors in the description for these kinds of videos :)

[@vanessatran2474]

I’m on vacation right now and peeped The Overstory in a local bookshop! I had to pass on it because I was already getting another book hehe (ended up getting ANOTHER book at a different shop the next day 🤭)

[@glimmeringshard]

I mean I constantly keep bringing a book instead of a bottle of water and then feeling incredibly dehydrated - but reading.

[@Louisyed]

It would also be interesting to see a video on unusual formats and easing yourself into them (e.g. plays, novels in verse, letters etc). I'll be honest, an unusual format puts me off and I could use some help with being more open minded with it! Really struggled with Girl, Woman, Other because of the way it's written but it's much easier to listen to in audiobook

[@bookishdaydreams4993]

The Wives Under the Sea sounds amazing! Will have to pick that one up. I can personally guarantee The Overstory and Braiding Sweetgrass are great reads too 😄

[@lisas5245]

Love this video :) my favourite summer book: Pedro Lemebel "My tender matador"

[@anavidreader277]

No audiobook for The Housekeeper and The Professor feeling the FOMO lol

[@alicepepike]

Just got back from holiday. Took 5 books and read 3 and a half!

[@carinen8119]

Love this energy!

[@traceyhart8914]

I love your book recommendation videos.

[@hannahcowan9890]

Love this video, pure joy ❤

[@ellakae7]

Never has a video been more appropriate for me. Last time I came back from the UK I bought back over 20 books in my suitcase. With these tips maybe I bring even more next time 😄

[@vari1335]

The submarine book recommendation hits different just 2 weeks later 😳 Lena is a prophet?

[@EvaLoVerde]

Always love your take on books

[@misskit123]

The first two books mentioned: in my top 5 of 2020 and 2021 respectively. We're off to a good start! It's not a holiday, but I am decamping to my parents' house for a week to work because my landlord I'd re-doing the bathroom and I intend to take Fire Rush.

[@laurakerry446]

I once went camping and read Jurassic Park at night by campfire. I didn't sleep very well...

[@mayamundel7655]

I'll agree to leave the hair straightener at home, but cannot get behind the "you won't be looking back and think 'my hair looked amazing'". False! Hair is everything (Anthony)

[@whitelotus33]

Just found your channel yesterday and have been binge watching ever since! Think I found my new comfort KZbinr 😊

[@weronikakuacz6919]

WHAT A CLEVER IDEA FOR A VIDEO WE DON’T DESERVE YOU and it’s time for me to join The Gumptioneers…

[@AngelaTolsma]

Went away for one night and brought six books... Don't know when I thought I'd have time to read any but couldn't leave any behind

[@CarbonBondedBooks]

Me bringing my ereader so I have my entire local library at my finger tips AND the room to bring everything to make me feel fabulous 😂😂

[@deliawallace4426]

love hearing book recommendations - also love that dress.

[@claire2088]

not related but that dress is fabulous and I take a kindle myself :D don't need to restrict myself at all :D

[@kellijohnson6449]

I'm married to my kindle, but I always bring at least one paperback along with, like a talisman.

[@BookNomming]

As a book lover, I don’t actually read much on holiday… I’m not a sit by the pool and read kind of person. I take books and have books on my phone but hardly read because I want to take in everything around me. Plus e-books means there are thousands just in case I need something

[@paolofiorillo7415]

Hi, I wanted to ask you how should I do to learn English through movies, TV series and songs, what methods should I apply, how should I approach these tools and how can I put them into practice? Ditto for books/audiobooks/podcasts and videos on youtube, where should I start if I'm at zero? Nb: I'm a 20-year-old boy and I haven't decided which path to take yet but at the moment I'm more oriented towards languages and I would also like to go and live in England😊.

[@bossyboots5000]

I now feel like I should be weighing all my items before I pack them lol Of course I'd probably end up making some kind of spreadsheet to see my options and calculate the total 😂

[@tell.me.mor.]

‘HIT ME ROUND THE FACE LIKE A WET FISH’

[@tiami4251]

This was wholesome ! 🎉🎉🎉

[@moonymilquetoast]

fully yelled 'YESS' at my phone like a sports fan when you mentioned our wives under the sea 🌊💙✨

[@leenanorms]

Hah reading is a sport and here’s the proof!!

[@moonymilquetoast]

@@leenanorms 🙌😁

[@docnat09]

Amazing video! 🍍

[@KittenCasserole]

Ready to go on a “cool aunt” retreat with you, all the other cool aunts. We bring nothing but robes, sandals, and books in our suitcases. Maybe start a well read, cool aunt, almost nudist cult? 🤪

[@shannongerow4081]

Love this! 😂

[@4dgreentea]

Omg im literally packing rn

[@annj6616]

Totally aside the point of the video but that pattern/color combo looks really great on you Leena!!! Such a cute top? Dress?

[@pseudoNC]

I just wanna read these even though it's winter here in Aus and I'm just having a week off "staycation" next week, lol. Suitcase who?

[@Louisyed]

Do you have any videos about how we treat books? E.g. turning down corners, marginalia etc? Loved this video idea

[@isobelledger]

You are a joy.

[@kaamikainen]

YESSSSSSSSSS

[@aidinia]

I know this is very off-topic, but I NEED the pattern or the rough shape idea of that shirt/dress you are wearing!