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Reading the wrong book on a holiday

89 replies

PeacockSpringy · 02/06/2026 22:47

Has anyone else accidentally spoilt a holiday by reading the ‘wrong book’ whist away. I mean like spoiling the mood of a holiday by reading something too sad or intense or dark. I’ve done it a few times now. Worst was last summer on a lovely cruise around Scandinavia and I was reading Miranda July’s All Fours! Completely the wrong vibe for a holiday like that! 🤣 going to be more careful from now on!! Just wondered if this has happened to anyone else. I enjoyed that book but wish I’d read it at another time because it just took over my mood whilst I was away!

OP posts:
Beachbeachbaby · 03/06/2026 00:04

Yes OP!! I immediately thought of a holiday to Mexico where I read We Need To Talk About Kevin. It was just not the right vibe at all . I couldn’t put it down though

cortex10 · 03/06/2026 00:02

Ex boyfriend brought a copy of Albert Pierrepoint’s autobiography (former official UK hangman) to read on our first romantic holiday away together - we broke up soon afterwards.

ScotiaLass · 02/06/2026 23:28

Yes! Revolutionary Road, Lanzarote circa 2009. It made me feel quite depressed. I can't remember why I didn't switch to reading something different. I've never been back to Lanzarote since.

Pieceofpurplesky · 02/06/2026 23:24

One Day ruined at least three days of a holiday as I was so bloody sad!

3beesinmybonnet · 02/06/2026 23:23

I took And The Ass Saw The Angel by Nick Cave on a beach holiday in Turkey.

It is not a light holiday read😂

icybreeze · 02/06/2026 23:02

Yeah I once decided a beautiful luxury ski holiday was a good time to get stuck into Crime and Punishment . Thankfully I had my kindle with me as back up so I switched to something light and fluffy!

Borka · 02/06/2026 23:01

I like taking books I've read before for holiday reading

LeeshaPaper · 02/06/2026 23:00

PeacockSpringy · 02/06/2026 22:59

@LeeshaPaper @tourdefrance that’s a good idea. I find it hard pausing a book though once I’ve started

Life's too short and there are too many great books waiting to plod on with one that's not great!!!

PeacockSpringy · 02/06/2026 22:59

@LeeshaPaper @tourdefrance that’s a good idea. I find it hard pausing a book though once I’ve started

OP posts:
waltzingparrot · 02/06/2026 22:58

I do tend to take something that, at least sounds light and uplifting.

PeacockSpringy · 02/06/2026 22:57

@Twirlywirly25 I can sympathise with you there! I did that on a beach once reading A Fault in Our Stars! Hid behind my sunglasses! 😢

OP posts:
Twirlywirly25 · 02/06/2026 22:55

I spent an afternoon crying my eyes out in a caravan in France on holiday after reading Me Before You.

LeeshaPaper · 02/06/2026 22:52

I generally bring about 6 books with me plus my Kindle so if this does happen I can quickly switch!

tourdefrance · 02/06/2026 22:51

I normally take a selection so if something has the wrong vibe I can swap it for a better one. Last minute airport purchases as well means I bring back several unread books!