Are you dreaming of going on holiday or about to go on a long journey? Here’s a list of short – but thought provoking books, that you can read on the beach or by the pool, that have the added bonus of making you look intellectual and also give you cause to reflect.
Here’s our list of 8 amazing short books, that are guaranteed to leave a big impact on your mind and give you cause to reflect and come back from your trip re-charged and inspired.
Animal Farm -George Orwell
Top of the list is one of Orwell’s most famous books. you may have read it in school, but it deserves a re-read. Long story short, he uses an allegory of farm animals to explore the role of class and the Russian revolution.
The animals of the farm chase out the humans and run it by themselves, sharing the work and the food equally at first. However, as the pigs become more intelligent, they assume leadership. This is an easy read and gets you thinking, whether you’re into politics or not.
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep – Rick Deckard
No matter how much you have read or thought about the concept of humanity, this book will make you question the nature of our species. It is about an alternate universe where robots are created to be slaves to humans. This is an ideal book to take on a trip and help you reflect on how dependent we are on technology. Can be a good read if you’re looking to start a digital detox.
Why Am I So Wise – Nietzche
The last book Nietzche wrote was an autobiography to summarise his philosophy. This is a nice easy read, given it’s short length, but it does portray what he believed and what he was trying to teach in his books; as he saw himself as a prophet or a missionary of truth.
This is recommended if you want to reset your inner compass.
The Horrors and Absurdities of Religion – Arthur Scopenhauer
This doesn’t sound like it would be a good book to be seen by the pool with, given it’s title. But it can be a tremendous conversation starter. People have often asked me what I’m reading, when I have this out and about with me. ‘The Horrors and Absurdities of Religion’ is a short dialogue led book, covering complex subjects like religion, philosophy, ethics and psychology. It doesn’t matter how knowledgeable you are of these subjects; it is still understandable and easy to read.
And Then There Was None- Agatha Christie
This book will leave you hanging on the edge of your seat as the killer strikes again and again in a remote island, revealing the deadly sins of the 10 people who are trapped there. It isn’t your ordinary murder mystery; it reflects on wider issues of human nature and crime and punishment.
The Great Gatsby – F. Scott Fitzgerald
Most people will be familiar with this classic novel through the movie adaptation. But we’re urging you to pick up the book, which is much more powerful than the film. You’ll get swept up in this beautifully written story, but also have cause to reflect on the nature of following false idols. Fitzgerald focusses on the corruption of the American society as well as the failed promises of the American dream.
In The Orchard, The Swallows – Peter Hobbs
This is love story follows the long quest of the protagonist trying to find the love of his life who is the daughter of a powerful politician in Northern Pakistan.
An Elderly Lady Is Up To No Good – Helene Trusten
This is an easy read, full of fun. But also challenges how we think about the elderly. The bold titular lady wants nothing, but to spend the rest of her life peacefully. However, everything changes for the 88-year-old Maud when she becomes a suspect after a dead body is found in her apartment with no friends or family to testify for her.