It was David Ogilvy in Confessions of an Advertising Man who (roughly) said when on holiday read; but read something that's unrelated to work. Reading will keep the mind ticking over and give it space to de-clutter.
Asking round the office, we've pulled together some beach reads we will be taking with us this summer to depressurise to some near and some far-flung climes.
If you're looking for American urban grit and a fan of The Wire (as quite a few of us are) then David Simon's Homicide and the Corner have come highly recommended. Although looking out to a sunbright sea may be more therapeutic.
Wolf Hall, Man Booker Prize for 2009, has received mixed reviews by those who have already read it here. Although giving us a pretty vivid picture of the early 16th Century England some have found it confusing to follow at times. Compared to Joyce's Ulysees though, it's a doddle.
If you're lucky enough to be travelling through the land of those tennis and football champions Espana and looking for a classic, then reading Hemingway's "For Whom the Bell Tolls" will be greatly informed by the scenery around you .
If quirkiness is your bag, then 'The Raw Shark Texts' (thanks for recommendation Will), will not fail to surprise for it's imaginative brilliance. A plot set around amnesia and a flick-book of a shark (named Ludovican), this is supposed to be a must read for anybody who wants a novel that 'isn't like anything you have ever read before'.
For quirky and non-fiction, there is also the light-hearted and educational Cloudspotter's Guide teaching the reader about all the different cloud types (surprise, surprise). It is, though, surprisingly un-dull and a rather interesting work. On return to work you'll be able to point out to colleagues the Expedia cloud is a Cumulus Humilis and tell them you will soon be a proud member of the Cloud Appreciation Society. There is also the Wave Watcher's Companion by the same author if cloud spotting isn't enough.
Safe travels. Happy Holidays. Happy reading.
Simon
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