As you stroll along the pool deck or promenade on a sea day, you’re bound to see people stretched out with a thick novel, engrossed in some kind of story.
There’s something about a cruise that brings out the readers in so many of us. Most likely, it’s because we are away from the distractions of reality: no work, no stress. We aren’t vegged out in front of the TV or running kids from soccer practice to Girl Scouts. Suddenly, all that time we’ve been planning to “make” to read is in front of us.
There’s no better time than a cruise, when you can kick off your shoes, grab a drink of choice, and settle in with whatever book you’ve been saving for just this opportunity.
Does this sound like a good idea to you? We have some recommendations perfect for all you March cruisers (and everyone else, too)! Pack one or two of these books in your suitcase or on your tablet for your next vacation.
Last month, we read books by black authors for Black History Month. I hope you all found something wonderful! Please share with us in the comments what you read.
Because March is Women’s History Month, we are going to focus on the lives of women from around the world.
Fiction
- The Red Tent by Anita Diamant - Those familiar with the bible story of Jacob from Genesis will recognize Dinah’s voice as she tells this ancient story of womanhood. Meet Rachel and Leah as they show us what it was like to be a wife in the time of the Old Testament.
- The Testaments by Margaret Atwood - The sequel to Margaret Atwood’s famous Handmaid’s Tale. It picks up fifteen years after Offred’s ending, and so we are hearing testimonies from three handmaidens. Definitely read the first book if you haven’t yet! (The TV show on Hulu is pretty terrific too!)
- Cilka’s Journey by Heather Morris - For those who like to read about WWII, this one is a must. Cilka is rescued from Auschwitz when she is 18, but the Russians accuse her of helping the Nazis, and so they send her to a gulag to be imprisoned again. This is a follow-up to The Tattooist of Auschwitz.
- The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson - Head to Appalachia in the 1930s, and meet a traveling librarian who rode on horseback to deliver books to her mountain patrons. This story not only discusses the difficult subject of poverty found in Appalachia, but introduces us to the Blue Fugates of Kentucky.
- VOX by Christina Dalcher - Half the population in America no longer have a voice. The government passed a law that women can no longer speak, hold jobs, read or write. But Jean is on a mission to protect herself and her daughter.
Nonfiction
- We’re Going to Need More Wine by Gabrielle Union - Actress Gabrielle Union brings us in to her devastating story of sexual abuse, by talking with us as dear friends gathered on a couch sharing a bottle of wine.
- Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls by Jes Baker - This book breaks down the barriers of our language of self hate, and how society portrays and discusses weight in media.
- Pure by Linda Kay Klein - Take a look at purity culture within the modern Evangelical church, and how it affects young girls today. How are those who grew up in the church deconstructing from the mindset they were raised in, now that they are adults?
- I am Bacha Posh by Ukmina Manoori - It is tradition, in Afghanistan, that if a man has many daughters, but no sons, that one daughter will be chosen to live as a boy so that errands can be run without persecution. I am Bacha Posh is the story of one girl’s journey as that chosen daughter.
- The Girl with Seven Names by Hyeonseo Lee - Due to the terrifying dictatorship of North Korea, Hyeonseo Lee had to flee her home at a young age. She had no idea how long she would be separated from her family, but knew she had to get them out too.
Are you someone who likes to read when you get on board your vacation cruise? How many books do you usually pack? What are you reading for Women's History Month?
We’d love to hear all about it in the comments below!
