The Pleasures of Summer Reading (Beach Optional)

One of the greatest pleasures of summer reading is the freedom to choose books that truly ignite our passion and curiosity. From gripping novels that keep us turning page after page to thought-provoking non-fiction that broadens our understanding of the world, the possibilities are endless. Reading under the summer sun has a remarkable ability to transport us to different times, places, and even dimensions. It is a gateway to escape the constraints of our everyday lives and embark on adventures that exist only within the boundless confines of our imagination. We can journey to far-off lands, traverse through historical epochs, or explore the depths of the human psyche— all from the comfort of our chosen reading spot. Through books, we can experience a multitude of emotions, from heart-pounding excitement to poignant introspection, ultimately enriching our understanding of the world and ourselves.

Saint-X by Alexis Schaitkin follows the story of the mysterious disappearance and death of an 18-year-old college student, Alison Thomas, while on vacation with her family in the mid-1990s. Alison’s little sister, Claire, who is only seven years old at the time of her disappearance, is still searching for answers as an adult woman living in New York City.

The story revolves around the disappearance and subsequent death of Alison Thomas, a young American tourist on the fictional Caribbean Island of Saint X. The novel primarily follows the perspective of Claire, Alison’s younger sister, as she grapples with the aftermath of her sister’s tragic fate. Claire’s journey takes her from the initial shock and grief to an all-consuming obsession with finding the truth about what happened to Alison.

Schaitkin’s prose is lyrical and evocative, painting vivid descriptions of the island’s lush landscapes, while also delving into the darker aspects of human nature. The author excels at creating a palpable sense of tension and unease, skillfully exploring themes of privilege, racial dynamics, and the consequences of choices made under pressure.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its multifaceted characters. Claire is a complex and relatable protagonist, wrestling with guilt, grief, and a longing for answers. Schaitkin brilliantly portrays the human tendency to search for meaning and closure, even when faced with insurmountable odds.

Readers and reviewers have noted the connection between these events and the real-life Natalee Holloway. In Saint X, we see what popular culture’s fascination with murder might do to the bereaved, when a young American girl goes missing while on a family vacation in the Caribbean; the story unpacks timely issues ― about grief, colonialism, white privilege, resort communities, and our murder-as-entertainment culture. It weaves a tale that transcends the boundaries of a traditional mystery and delves deep into the psyche of its characters. Set against the backdrop of a tropical island resort, Saint X is a skillfully crafted novel that keeps readers intrigued beyond the story’s conclusion. A complement of supporting characters contribute their own layers to the narrative. From Claire’s parents, whose grief strains their marriage, to the enigmatic figure of Clive, the man accused of Alison’s murder, the characters are flawed and authentic, enhancing the overall richness of the story.

Saint X is marketed as a mystery but is more a contemplation of the aftermath of tragedy rather than a conventional whodunit. The focus lies on the impact on those left behind, rather than on uncovering the truth.

Life of Pi by Yann Martel is a mesmerizing novel (with excellent stage and screen adaptations) that takes readers on a thought-provoking and visually captivating journey. Filled with spirituality, survival, and the complexities of human nature, this book weaves together a tale that lingers. Piscine “Pi” Molitor Patel is a young Indian boy with a profound curiosity for life and the unknown. He is for much of the plot stranded on a lifeboat in the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean with a zebra, an orangutan, a hyena, and a majestic Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. The days at sea battling to stay alive become an extraordinary journey of self-discovery.

Martel’s storytelling prowess immerses readers in Pi’s world, both before and after the shipwreck, exploring themes of faith, resilience, and the power of storytelling, questioning the boundaries between reality and imagination. Layered with symbolism and allegory, the novel expertly depicts the raw emotions and instinctual behaviors that arise in extreme situations, challenging our perception of the animal kingdom and the depths of our own humanity, exploring the human condition, the power of resilience, and the importance of faith are all to be found between the covers of a long novel that ends far too quickly.

My final book suggestion also begins on a beach. It might also be a familiar story, especially if you know your Victorian and Edwardian literature or saw the Merchant Ivory adaptation of Room with a View. We can’t decide if Sex and Vanity is a retelling, retooling or reboot of the Forster novel, but it’s a lot of fun, as if Forster’s characters have been transported into the story and setting of And Just Like That…

Crazy Rich Asians’ author Kevin Kwan takes readers on a whirlwind journey of love, culture, misunderstanding, and self-discovery in a comedy of bad manners that effortlessly transports readers into a rarified world filled with complex characters and deliciously scandalous plot twists. Biracial young New Yorker Lucie Churchill is torn between the Chinese identity of her mother’s heritage and the staid Mayflower descendants that make up her father’s family. She is also torn between two suitors. At a glamorous wedding in Capri, she finds herself irresistibly drawn to the enigmatic and impossibly handsome George Zao. But societal pressures, her family’s expectations, and her fiancée all threaten to derail her summer of self-discovery. The novel reveals the private world of exotic locales, witty dialogue, astute social commentary, and the eccentric lives of the jet-setting elite against a backdrop where money and status reign supreme. The opulent settings, delectable culinary experiences, and luxurious lifestyles are depicted so vividly that they become almost their own characters.

Lucie Churchill shines as a relatable and complex protagonist. Her inner conflict between the allure of passion and the comfort of stability is expertly portrayed, adding depth to her character. Kwan explores themes of identity, class, and cultural heritage with nuance, tackling issues of race and privilege through the lens of Lucie’s experiences. The supporting cast is equally compelling, with a rich tapestry of eccentric personalities and hidden agendas that keep the plot enticing and unpredictable. Romantic entanglements in Sex and Vanity are both delightful and frustrating, mirroring the complexities of real-life relationships. Kwan’s ability to craft realistic and flawed characters makes their love triangles even more captivating, leaving readers torn between rooting for Lucie’s forbidden romance or her conventional engagement. The narrative explores the power dynamics and societal expectations that often dictate who we choose to love, challenging readers to question their own notions of happiness and fulfilment. The novel is a thoroughly entertaining and engrossing summer read that blends romance, humour, and social satire with finesse. Kevin Kwan’s signature style shines as he delves into the complexities of love and societal expectations, creating a delightful escape that leaves readers yearning for more.