Nothing says leisure like a relaxing day of reading in the sun with a gorgeous sailing destination as your backdrop. While dreaming of Summer at the Book2Sail offices (because #weliveforsummer) we thought that it might be a good idea to share some sea-inspired books that we’re saving up for our yachting trips this summer. There’s a good mix of nautical classics, fun reads and a practical book for sailing parents, so sit back and join us while we count down the days to 21 June.
The ClassicsMoby-Dick by Herman Melville Source: Elysa Faith Ng The classic tale that needs no introduction narrates the story of a whaling captain seeking vengeance against the whale who had previously attacked him and left him without one of his legs. The book narrates the revenge-fuelled journey across rough seas in a bid to kill the deadly creature. |
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
Another beloved story about pirates and their parrots, a hidden treasure and an exotic island filled with intrigue, mystery, and adventure. |
The Modern ClassicsThe Sea Close By by Albert Camus Source: Amazon.co.uk The Algerian-born French author crafts an idyllic narrative centered around landscapes, the sea, and sailing. This narrative is complemented with the essay ‘Summer in Tangiers’ which has been described as Camus’ “love song to his Mediterranean childhood”.  |
The Old Man and The Sea by Ernest Hemingway Source: Prepwise Hemingway’s critically acclaimed Pulitzer Prize-winning novel recounts the story of an experienced fisherman whose luck has run out and cannot seem to catch any fish. The fisherman embarks on a risky fishing trip aimed at restoring his good fortune when he experiences a dangerous encounter with a very large fish. |
The One for the FoodiesThe Cookbook by Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi
This is the [cook] book for that crew member for whom a yachting trip is simply an excuse to sample typical food. Ottolenghi and Tamimi present a compelling collection of recipes laden with Mediterranean staples ranging from goat’s cheese to harissa, za’atar and roasted vegetables of all kinds. |
The Good Old-Fashioned Detective StoryDeath on the Nile by Agatha Christie Source: Amazon.com A 1930s-whodunit murder mystery featuring the thoroughly unconventional but completely loveable Hercule Poirot. The river Nile serves as a suggestive backdrop for the seemingly unexplainable murder of a young wealthy heiress aboard the cruise ship Karnak which Poirot is asked to investigate. |
The One for Mariners with Little OnesVoyaging With Kids – A Guide to Family Life Afloat by Behan Gifford, Sara Dawn Johnson and Michael Robertson
This comprehensive guide is targeted towards parents who would like to embark on a sailing trip with their children and provides a host of useful information ranging from child-friendly activities to safety on board and effective planning. |
The Up-Close-and-Personal NarrationMy Father, The Captain: My Life With Jacques Cousteau by Jean-Michel Cousteau
Jacques Cousteau needs little introduction, even among those who are not seafaring aficionados. In this personal account, Jean-Michel Cousteau shares intimate memories of his father and new insights about the private figure behind the public persona. |
The Chick Lit FavouritesThe Summer Seaside Kitchen by Jenny Colgan
In this enjoyable page-turner, readers meet Flora as she is bound to return to the island where she grew up. As the story unfolds, Flora discovers that she enjoys cooking at the little harbor front shop but is simultaneously forced to come to terms with her past. |
A Summer at Sea by Katie Fforde
Rebecca jumps at the chance of spending an enjoyable summer at sea. However, she is soon confronted with a very problematic kitchen helper but also a very good-looking doctor… |
