What to read on holiday? The obvious choice is The Hunted, an excellent political thriller by… me! But while I have a proof copy in my possession at the moment, I will resist the temptation to pack it into the suitcase.
Instead, these are a few of the books I’m planning to ready on holiday…
- The Prisoner of Zenda by Anthony Hope
Anne Widdicome, no less, recommended this book – not directly to me, I hasten to add. She was on the telly! But she did claim it’s better than The Three Musketeers, which, if true, means that it will be absolutely amazing because The Three Musketeers is an incredible book. I’m hoping that Anne Widdicombe’s book recommendation will be a lot better than her dancing…
- The Cone Gatherers by Robin Jenkins
I’ve read this book on more than one occasion but it’s been a while and I want to re-acquaint myself with it. What can I say? It is one of the greatest books ever written, by one of Scotland’s greatest ever writers. Robin Jenkins has been described as ‘Scotland’s best kept secret’, and that’s very sad. This book should be compulsory reading in Scottish schools.
- Under the Dome by Stephen King
I like the idea of this book, although the storyline of an American town being enclosed in a dome did remind me of The Simpsons Movie! If it’s half as entertaining as the film, then I’m on to a winner. I’m guessing that Stephen’s King might be slightly darker and scarier.
- The Road to Gandolfo by Robert Ludlum
I found this book in my local Oxfam shop. I would recommend Oxfam for getting your books and it’s one of my ambitions to see my book on their shelves – I would feel like I’d made it as a writer if people start donating my book to charity! The Road to Gandolfo is a thriller involving a plot to kidnap the Pope and hold him for ransom!
- Whisky Galore by Compton MacKenzie
I’m hoping that the book is at least as good as the film – I’m sure it will be much better, as is always the case. It’s based on the true story of the sinking of the SS Politician off the shore of Eriskay. The ship was carrying nearly 30,000 cases of malt whisky, much of which was ‘rescued’ by the islanders. This book’s just to to put me in the mood for drinking!
- Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather
One of the many books that has been gathering dust on my shelves for years – I can’t even remember when I bought it! Set in the second half of the 19th century, it’s the story of the attempts by an archbishop and a priest to establish a diocese in New Mexico, which has only just become a territory of the United States.
And if I manage to get through those books, I’ll try and read these as well.
- Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift
One of those books I’ve always felt that I should read. Hopefully this summer I will.
- Glasgow Kiss by Alex Gray
A crime book set in Glasgow.
- At home with the Templetons by Monica McInerney
Probably listed under the heading ‘guilty pleasure’, although I’m not at all guilty about reading Monica McInerney. Her books are set between Australia, Ireland and England and I suppose are a bit ‘chick lit’ – they’re certainly aimed at women, but they are very entertaining and I enjoy them!
What do you think?
Do you care?
Wnat will you be reading by the pool this summer?
And when’s The Hunted coming out?
I can answer that last one – it’s being published on October 6, so don’t miss it!
And I suppose I should pack a few items of clothing along with the books as well!
Let me know what you think and what you’ll be reading on holiday. Just email me at author@paulcuddihy.com
