To have not read a book in 8 years?

[TokyoSushi]

I used to absolutely love reading, however DC & life in general have got in the way.

We are going on holiday next week and finally, now they are a little older the possibility of lying on a sun lounger with a good book is again a possibility! (DH loves the pool and is willing to do the necessary supervision!)

I literally haven't read one fiction book in 8 years, so what have I missed? What's your all time favourite holiday book? I probably won't have read it!

What sort of thing do you like, Tokyo?

Do you have any favourite authors?

I'm similar and tbh find reading hard work now- I'm best with short stories that I can pick up and put down. I know you said fiction, but best thing I have read recently is "in your defence" which is a series of short stories by a barrister- well worth a read!

Thanks both, anything really but not sci-fi/fantasy. Something lighthearted and feel good, or something about somebody who's had a bit of an interesting life, I wondered about The Yorkshire Shepherdess type of thing...

I'm pretty open minded though!

I love the Khalid Hosseni books, like A Thousand Splendid Suns, or any of them really. He just has this amazing way of creating a visual image of a completely different life. I think one reviewer said "you'll be left in tears but with a smile on your face"

Alot of books aren't written in a style that I connect with.
I LOVED 'this is going to hurt'!
I like these types of conversational-feel books.
I like audio books reas by the author, for long drives. Like trevor noah and tiffany haddish.

But generally I hate to read. I remember in a press interview about 19rs ago Tim Henman saying he didn't read in his down-time on the tennis tour circuit, and just feeling amazed as an 12yr old, that this was even an option! Very freeing

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. I struggle to finish a book these days with lack of concentration/interruptions/free time but that book kept me hooked.

The universe versus Alex Woods.

Easy read that will make you laugh and tear up. Brilliant book.

I have no recommendations (too many good books And don’t know your tastes) but one year on holiday my husband packed five books. I did think how the heck he thought he’d have time to read those with two toddlers (he managed one book), but I only managed one article in an old Vogue magazine someone had left behind. But it made me think I really needed to get back into reading so I made it a rule to read at least a chapter at night before going to sleep. Now I read a lot!

The book thief.
The time traveller's wife.

Those are the 2 that have made most of an impression on me.

Lovely Bones and my sister's keeper too.

I went through a phase in my 20s of barely reading, but now I read all the time - in fact I'll often take myself off when DH is watching telly to lose myself in a book. For light detective books I recommend Sue Grafton - the Alphabet Crime series, some of the few books I can read over and over - I love chick lit too - but recently read memoirs of a Geisha - because it's on the '100 books to read before you die' list and it was really enjoyable - I wouldn't normally have gone for it. I have started noting down the books I read this year, I'm currently on my 52nd! And I work full time...

Good holiday reading:

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine
The Rosie Project
A Man Called Ove

anything by Victoria Hislop

Queenie by Candice Carty Williams is a great read - very funny in places but it also covers dark topics. I really loved it.
Lily Allen's autobiography is a really fascinating read too, I found it hard to put down.

Not sure about A Thousand Splendid Suns as a light holiday read - it left me feeling absolutely traumatised (wonderful book though, don't get me wrong)!

Definitely second the suggestion of This is going to hurt by Adam Kay. It is hilarious but equally sad and has an important message.

For fiction you could try young adult as they are often shorter so easier to read the full book. Running on the roof of the world is good

I would start with
Elinor Oliphant is completely fine, then read
A man called Ove, then finish with
Remarkable Creatures.

All brilliant books.

If you want something light and feel good,try Kate Morton or Lauren Weisberger. Not saying they are great literature but should keep you occupied.

These are absolutely brilliant suggestions, thanks so much!