5 Books On Our Reading List This Easter Break

Jack Kerouac's Big Sur

“The more ups and downs, the more joy I feel. The greater the fear, the greater the happiness I feel.”

Every travel blog in the work will tell you to read Kerouac's On The Road and while it’s brilliant and funny and will convince you to sell everything you own and hit the road on a permanent adventure, the real magic is in his Big Sur. In this tome, our lead man packs it all in and heads for the coast (living all our dreams). There, he has intentions of “renewing his spirit” and “cutting back on the booze”, but instead had the very best of times. Perfect for a coast-bound indulgence.

Elena Ferrante’s My Brilliant Friend

“Nowhere is it written that you can’t do it.”

“Elena Ferrante does not exist,” writes The Gentlewoman of the acclaimed Italian author (weirdly, when they interviewed her…) “For her fans, this is tantalising.” Still, the person who writes under the Ferrante name pens novels of friendship but also of trips to the sea, of their hometown and more.  All told from a local’s perspective. This, the first of a quartet, will fill plenty of travel time. Also: makes you want to pack up and head to Italy.

Caroline Clements and Dillon Seitchik-Reardon’s Places We Swim

“Use this book not just as a guide but as an important reminder that whenever you find yourself anywhere in Australia, have your swimsuit and towel ready.”

In the must-be-on-your-coffee-table book, Clements and Seitchik-Reardon take us all over Australia in search of lap pools and rock pools, coastal breaks and hot springs. Perfect for anyone planning a road trip. Even if it’s a little big for the glove box, don't leave home without it.

Hunter S Thompson’s Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas

“Buy the ticket, take the ride.”

If you’ve ever had the temptation to pack it all in and drive cross country with little more for company than your attorney and a boot full of contraband, this is the ticket for you. What a mess they make. The very definitely of fast and loose and one hell of a good time.  Not for the faint of heart.

Joan Didion’s A Book Of Common Prayer

“We all remember what we need to remember.”

This novel is 52 years old and it just gets better with age. Set in the fictional Boca Grande in Central America it tells us of two women who found themselves in this strange place. It’s lush and it’s beautiful, and as always, so delicately complicated it will keep you busy for days. While it had its fair share of anniversary articles when it hit its half century, Didion’s story of being lost and finding your way and then straying from the path once again was never off our list to begin with.

And here's some things to take on the road with you...