Picking My Holiday Reads | April 2024

[@nathansnook]

i think the major in having a vacation is CHOOSING the delightful books we get to fill our vacation with! loved this great balance of books and your required readings for a wholesome vacation! i hope you have a nice break!

[@SavidgeReads]

I had a mostly nice break… though got flu in Italy half way through. Who does that? I still have it now lol.

[@jenniferfyffe6949]

I recently came back from a 10 weeks visit in the UK, and had to leave several books that I bought with my daughter because my check bag was over weight!😢 my backpack was also full, so couldn’t stuff them in there…there should be an allowance made for readers when traveling 😂

[@SavidgeReads]

Wow, ten weeks blimey a lot of damage can be done book buying wise in ten weeks! How are you going to be reunited with the ones you’ve left?

[@jenniferfyffe6949]

@@SavidgeReads My daughter will bring them when she visits Vancouver in December!📚🇨🇦

[@juliehughes1258]

Is it possible to post the books to your home that you had to leave in the UK? I think the higher-end bookshops will do this for you, but you'll have to pay the (possibly exorbitant) shipping costs.

[@pippin1969]

Great video Simon. I try and read books that are local to where I am going and always visit Indie bookshops to pick up local authors

[@SavidgeReads]

I managed to read one book set where we were. Though where we were had almost no English sections in their bookshops, was lovely to see the Italian editions of lots of books I love though.

[@juliehughes1258]

On a shallow note, I adore your blue toile wallpaper. Beautiful and really adds a fabulous touch to your book space. Edited to add that I've subscribed to your channel. - Love from Julie in California. Edited for the SECOND time to say that I love the reading relationship you have with your mother. I sure do wish my son was an avid reader as you are.

[@SavidgeReads]

Apologies in advance… the wallpaper might be going! I’ve had the library like this for almost eight years and I feel a refresh coming. Ha.

[@zubooks]

Thank you for your video, Simon! I also think that picking the right holiday books is kind of an art :) I'm spending a week at a lake cabin in August and I'm already building a list! In case you were looking for a great historical fiction set in Sicily: The Silent Duchess by Dacia Mariani is one of my favourite historical fictions ever. The tone reminded me a bit of A Net for Small Fishes, which I got on you recommendation and love as well. I wish you a good holiday!

[@SavidgeReads]

Awww thanks for the recommendation, sadly I got it after I had gone though I’m trying really hard to buy less books. Let’s see how that goes shall we hahaha. I have kept a note of it though as we will be back to Sicily I’m sure. I love planning my holiday reads. Chopping and changing in the lead up, it adds to the fun doesn’t it?

[@sallycooke6498]

I love picking books for my holiday. It’s the first thing I pack. Often me and my husband pack books we will both read as I hate the thought of running out of books on holiday!

[@SavidgeReads]

It’s definitely the first thing I think about packing but very last minute add to my case… and it’s never the same books as I planned at the start.

[@alisonsarahcarroll6063]

I enjoyed big sky that is a good read it when I was in Spain 🇪🇸 3 years ago

[@kathleenwalsh3556]

Def the Kate Atkinson, yes to work stuff and ive jst finished Abigail Dean,s Day One. Very good a banger in more ways than one. Hi Chris and Louise!

[@SavidgeReads]

Kate is ready for my return flight, not that I’m thinking about that yet… at all, two days in and in full denial lol

[@cecilialau_]

Hope you are having the best time, Simon! Enjoy ☀️

[@SavidgeReads]

Two days in and a lovely time is being had.

[@GreenBitterfly]

Have a lovely time, Big Sky is my favourite out of all the Jackson Brodie books so far, I really hope you enjoy it!

[@SavidgeReads]

I’m really looking forward to it!

[@alisonsarahcarroll6063]

I’m reading the new David nicholls’ new book you are here, and enjoying it

[@gillwoolley6515]

I've just finished The Woman by Kirsten Hannah. Such a great book. A page turner from the start. Have a great holiday.❤😎😎

[@SavidgeReads]

Thank you!

[@kathy2539]

Have a lovely time with your Mum in Sicily, Simon. Look forward to your next vlog.

[@SavidgeReads]

So far I’ve been a bit rubbish at vlogging, will hopefully be getting more in the swing as the week goes on!

[@jacquelineturner7206]

I love Jackson Brodie. And Big Sky was a fun read. Can’t wait for the new one.

[@SavidgeReads]

Very excited to have two to get to this year.

[@alisonsarahcarroll6063]

I’ve read big sky it’s great

[@BookishAdventuresInWellbeing]

That cover for enlightenment is beautiful!

[@SavidgeReads]

It’s a stunner isn’t it!?!

[@sbeale276]

Have a fab holiday!

[@SavidgeReads]

Hahaha. I’m back now but thank you 😉

[@doreene11]

I forgot something 😅 I wanted to recommend to you (I know is too late now and you already are in Sicily, but if you find a bookstore that has translated Italian lit) Andrea Camilleri's novels. He's from Catania (the other side of the island and also where I visited twice), and he writes detective novels set in Sicily. His series of Detective Montalbano is so good, especially if you read them close to the Mediterranean. The first in the series is called The Shape Of Water. I read the first 3 and I recommend them to anyone who goes on holiday in the south of Italy and/or Sicily. Enjoy!

[@SavidgeReads]

Ooh. Mum really enjoys his books, I think she’s mentioned them both on her channel and to me at some points. Catania is only an hour or so from where we are, in fact we flew up there. Will keep in mind if I see any, so far two bookshops in and the selection of books in english is… uninspiring. Lol. But a few more to go. That said I’m only one book down and ended up packing six. Oops.

[@YvonneOakes59]

Hope you are having the best time in Sicily. I judge a holiday by how many books I manage to read. The more books read = a better holiday. x

[@SavidgeReads]

Hahahaha see I would say that BUT I’ve not been reading as much because I’ve been doing other lovely things so the maths aren’t mathing for me. I think it’s cos it’s a city break not a chill by the pool/beach break.

[@angiesteg]

Happy Travels!

[@SavidgeReads]

Thank you!!!

[@AbiH1984]

Have an amazing holiday 🎉 Have you watched The White Lotus if you’re going to Sicily? I’m currently about 2/3 through The Whalebone Theatre and it’s good. Sitting on a 4 star at the moment!

[@SavidgeReads]

I have watched The White Lotus. It’s fab. Looking forward to the third series whenever that lands. I didn’t pack The Whalebone Theatre but I definitely want to get to it at some point.

[@harrietwarden5771]

Ooooo can we have a video on the crime series you have started? I am full in my crime novel era but have been sticking to standalones as series are a bit intimidating

[@SavidgeReads]

I do need to sort my crime shelves (well all the shelves) out and see where I am with all my series so this could be a possibility.

[@Nickelini]

I'm with you in trying to find books that are set in the place I'm travelling. I've always done that and some people think it's weird. I think they're weird ;-) Enjoy Italy!

[@SavidgeReads]

I think each to their own. Whatever makes us happy as readers. We’re here to please ourselves not other people lol.

[@cindyhaiken5644]

The book that shall not be named. Ha! I have been mentally going through this very same exercise as I am off on a holiday in just over a week but to an English speaking area with many excellent bookshops. So I’m only bringing a few paperbacks to see me through the initial travel and will be buying books as I go, including Enlightenment! I am already quite worried about the weight of my luggage on the way home. Hope you have a fabulous time!

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh you’ll need a second case!!! Or just pack one book… imagine that.

[@alisonsarahcarroll6063]

Safe travels Simon

[@SavidgeReads]

I’ve been and gone. Hahaha. This was back in April. But thank you 🤩

[@jenniferfyffe6949]

I’m just starting the Jackson Brodie series by Kate Atkinson after a lovely visit in Scotland!!

[@SavidgeReads]

You’re in for some absolute treats.

[@JardineraAnge]

I've always wondered whether reading as work is different from reading as a pleasurable pastime (although sometimes Booktube makes it seem like a stressful competition...all those stats...). Enjoy your holiday! 🧳

[@SavidgeReads]

I don’t really see BookTube as work. It’s just some fun for me. Though I guess in some ways it helps my career. So it’s a complex one. Reading for events is a different experience really.

[@KirstyPritchard-n2l]

Have a lovely holiday 🇮🇹😍😻📚

[@SavidgeReads]

So far, so very jolly!

[@KirstyPritchard-n2l]

@@SavidgeReads great ☀️☀️🇮🇹

[@sc8717]

Hi Simon! I've been watching you for quite a while but this is my first comment on your channel I think!? As I said on your mum's video a couple of weeks ago- I love watching people pick their holiday reads! It's almost as exciting as picking my own 😂 I am soooo excited for Sarah Perry's book! For holidays I love entertaining yarns.....something like Kate Morton or along those lines. I think you have a great selection here...have a great holiday!! 😊

[@SavidgeReads]

Thank you so much. So far having a loooooovely time. And thank you for commenting. It is always lovely to hear from lovely people who watch the channel. I’m one and a half books into my picks and so far they’re going well.

[@susprime7018]

I have Big Sky by Kate Atkinson, but have not read it. I look forward to your thoughts.

[@SavidgeReads]

I didn’t end up reading it… but I will, cos I have the new one and want to get to that. Hahaha.

[@leolamoon11]

Like the idea of a vlog about how you read differently for work. Hope you have a lovely and relaxing time. Safe travels! Appreciate the video!

[@SavidgeReads]

Thank you very much! That reading for work vlog I will get planning… once I’m back from holiday. 😉

[@katrinaandallthebooks7993]

Love the sound of the video into reading for work. Do you make notes during or after you’ve finished?

[@SavidgeReads]

Ooh. I’ll reveal all when I film that video 😉

[@Tinahgirl83]

I really should read more of the Jackson Brodie novels. I’ve only read Case Histories but I absolutely love it and thought it was brilliant. That might make a good project, actually. I would be very interested in hearing you talk a bit more about reading for work vs reading for yourself. How it works if there are books in the selections you don’t like and how your overall reading experience is different would be very interesting. Like, are you looking more carefully at certain themes or prose style or things like that? I hope you have a lovely trip! I’m currently reading several things as I can’t seem to settle into anything fully at present.

[@SavidgeReads]

Definitely get to all the Brodie books you haven’t read. They’re all soooooooo good. I think I will do the reading for work video soon. Though I have a book group book to read when I’m back.

[@smileycindy]

Wishing you a very enjoyable vacation time 😀 I have to say, that Disobedient cover is gorgeous. I'm very drawn to those rich colours together. I am about 50 pages shy of finishing The Bandit Queens and I lined up Project Hail Mary to read next. (And yes, I would be interested to hear you talk about how you read books when it is specifically for work.)

[@SavidgeReads]

It is a stunning cover isn’t it? I can see why they’re re-jacketing her previous novel (possibly even novels) in a similar way. I loooooved The Bandit Queens, I hope you did too.

[@smileycindy]

@@SavidgeReads I'm feeling conflicted about The Bandit Queens. Based on the summary, I thought women would band together against patriarchy or something, but I was surprised at how bitchy and back stabbing the women were to each other. I have to admit, this irked me. I did enjoy how the story unfolded and that redeemed the book a little bit. I gave it 3.5 out of 5 stars. My following read was Project Hail Mary. That one was a 5 stars for me, though, and it lived up to the hype. I was surprised because I don't usually like sci-fi, and the science explanations could have been a bit much, but the author makes it work.

[@doreene11]

Enjoy your holiday! 🛫📖🏖📚🛬📖

[@SavidgeReads]

Thank you!!!

[@BettyOliver-London]

Would love to see a video about how you read for your book events ❤

[@SavidgeReads]

I shall see what I can do 😉

[@benreadsgood]

Hope you’re having a lovely time! I was there last summer and it was beaut, although Etna erupted and we got stuck 😅

[@SavidgeReads]

We’ve been debating going up Etna. I absolutely love a volcano. Going up Vesuvius was amazing when I did that 🌋

[@benreadsgood]

@@SavidgeReads do it! We went up and it was really cool, like a completely different country up there.

[@TKTalksBooks]

Hi Simon! Wishing you a relaxing holiday! ❤

[@SavidgeReads]

Thank you! So far so good.

[@amandainoak]

I just finished Razorblade Tears! And I read it for Savidge Prompts 😊 I hope you love it...

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh all will be revealed soon.

[@emmavd]

Have a great time in Sicily, Simon!!☀️📚☀️I hope you and Louise will find the time to record a video together!😊

[@SavidgeReads]

Let’s see what we can manage. I’ve barely got any b-roll as we’ve been gassing so much lol

[@kirstyhatton1857]

Loved seeing your pissible holiday reads. I'm sure you picked the best ones for you.

[@SavidgeReads]

Hahaha pissible just made me cackle with laughter.

[@kirstyhatton1857]

Oops not my finest spelling day!!!

[@dotscribblesreads]

Have a fabulous holiday 🎉🎉

[@SavidgeReads]

So far, so fabulous. Ha.

[@alisonsarahcarroll6063]

I usually take a paperback book when I went to tenarife

[@marjoriedybec3450]

Have a lovely time.

[@SavidgeReads]

Thank you!

[@barbaraschmitt85]

As much as I love physical books, thankfully I have an e-Reader (just treated myself to the brand new Kobo libra colour). 1 small device instead of 10 heavy books and no need to decide which books can come with me 😂

[@SavidgeReads]

See, I just love the feel of a book, so if it’s less clothes and more books in my luggage that’s fine. Plus I wouldn’t have made a video like this if I was taking an e-reader lol.

[@rosieringlet1]

The Tower is so atmospheric!

[@SavidgeReads]

Very much looking forward to it.

[@wooshell11]

I must have missed something, but why don't you name In Memoriam? Bought it a couple of months ago but still not read it yet, so intrigued.

[@SavidgeReads]

Haha. It’s become a bit of a semi regular joke, my relationship with In Memoriam. Everyone in the world seems to love it… apart from me. I tried and DNF’d three times. Hope you’re in the love it camp.

[@TripleRoux]

Can I just say that I absolutely adore the waffley bits! 😂

[@SavidgeReads]

Hahahaha. Thank you. I try to keep some of them in… and accentuate them.

[@psp2449]

Sorry if this has been mentioned in the comments but I love that t-shirt! Where is it from?

[@SavidgeReads]

It’s Primarni. Bought it in Edinburgh in January.

[@spexi513]

I too love taking off and landing but can’t sleep 35k feet in the air regardless of how tired I am

[@SavidgeReads]

Ooh I’ve managed a couple of times but only a couple of times.

[@MJ-in-Canada]

Regarding the American edition of “Glorious Exploits,” it’s not every day that you see googly eyes on a book cover.👀

[@SavidgeReads]

It’s certainly an eye catching cover 👀

[@carolewatson2113]

Do you really hate the idea of a kindle for holidays, Simon?

[@SavidgeReads]

I can’t read on a kindle screen for very long, it gives me headaches. Plus then I wouldn’t make a video holding all these books up 😉

[@carolewatson2113]

@@SavidgeReads that’s a shame, I like to juggle. Can’t listen to audio books though

[@debbiejefferies]

Best advice about Holiday books - ******Take with you your trusted authors, not new ones***** Simple!! (Your rainy day is your Holiday pile) !!! I actually remember holidays for many reasons but sometimes because of the books I read.

[@SavidgeReads]

Ha. This advice came a bit late BUT I have taken a mix, some favourites and a few new to me and I’m glad as I’ve found two authors I’m now very keen to read much more from.

[@jacquelinemcmenamin8204]

Another possibility is The City of the Living by Nicola Lagioia It’s a fictional version for f a true crime in Rome

[@SavidgeReads]

Noted for a future Italian trip.

[@jacquelinemcmenamin8204]

Say hi to Louise from us 👋🍀

[@SavidgeReads]

Will do!