The 15 books to read on vacation this summer

Italian book publishing is not only resisting the pandemic but also recording an increase in sales: according to data processed by the Italian Publishers Association-Aie, in the first three months of 2021, book sales in Italy increased by 26.6%, consolidating the positive trend started in the second half of 2020. Undoubtedly, they will also contribute to maintaining this trend the inevitable summer readings.

This year more than ever, in what was supposed to be the summer of the return to normality but unfortunately turns out to be uncertain at times, there is a need to escape and experience fantastic stories under the umbrella, by the lake, under a pine in the mountains or simply lying on the terrace.

And, therefore, the fateful question reappears “What books do you suggest for these summer holidays?” to which we respond with pleasure by giving some advice for reading, for all tastes.

From novels in the spotlight because they were finalists in prestigious literary prizes, such as the Strega Prize and the Campiello Prize, among which we point out The lake water is never sweet of the young writer Giulia Caminito, Borgo Sud by Donatella Di Pietrantonio e The happiness of othersi of the “abandonologist” Carmen Pellegrino, to the long-awaited Yoga by the French writer Emmanuele Carrère.

From France, after the great success of the bestseller Change the water to the flowers, the new novel also arrives Three by Valérie Perrin. Moving overseas, for those who love thrillers, there is Glenn Cooper, one of the most loved writers by Italian readers, to keep in suspense with The time of the devil set between the States and Calabria. The latter is also a generous land of writers, such as Domenico Dara who leads by the hand in the magical realism of his own Maliverno. And for those who, on the other hand, do not like heavy volumes and prefer to accompany reading to music, there is Peppe Voltarelli with Planetary, sentimental map of great friendships told by timeless songs as well as a fresh CD-book by Premio Tenco.

For those who love to travel, the Roman writer transplanted to Tokyo, Laura Imai Messina, with The hidden lives of colors fto land the reader among the ancient practices of Japanese culture. To teach that Life is something to do when you can’t sleep, especially to those who feel the need to indulge in a laugh, is Fran Lebowitz, the most lashing humorous voice in America, with the first and only collection of almost all of his writings.

For those who want to dedicate some time to educational books, full of food for thought, especially for their children, even on vacation, we recommend a choral reading of Purple and blue, in which Matteo Bussola gives a literary kick to gender stereotypes. And for those who want to take advantage of their free time to learn the English language with a smile, there is Norma Cerletti, the most famous English teacher on the web, ready to help with Normal English. For lovers of pink hues, the journalist Giuseppe di Piazza outlines The art of not loving, a handbook on the feeling that “moves the sun and other stars”.

And for those who, on the other hand, even when reading do not want to detach themselves from reality, there is the beloved writer and actress Chiara Francini who, with The starry sky purrs, proposes an original reinterpretation of Boccaccio’s Decameron, which is reminiscent of the period of the house-locked lockdown. Even more contemporary and, at times, disturbing is the catastrophe de Silence narrated by Don DeLillo. There are many ideas, all that remains is to indulge in a bit of healthy relaxation, satiating the mind and contributing to the boom in book sales.