The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells

If you enjoy science fiction fantasy, pick this series for your next vacation. Each book jumps straight into the plot, followed by non-stop action. The writing and character development are well done. The books are fast and easy to read with both humor and depth.

The main character, Murderbot, is a half-human, half-robot construct. Murderbot’s intended purpose (as a Security Unit) is to protect company clients on dangerous missions. All it wants is for the humans to stop trying to kill themselves (or each other) long enough for it to finish its entertainment media. (As a mom, I can relate!)

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

I couldn’t put this book down. I waited 8 weeks for my library copy and now I understand why. Here are some things I said while reading: “Hold on, mom is reading.” “Go ask your dad.” And “One sec, let me finish this chapter.” The storytelling gripped me from the beginning. The novel explores the relationships between Sam, Sadie and Marx. Is their love platonic or romantic? Are they friends or frenemies? They work together creating video games where success gives them fame and tragedy.

Do you need to like computer games to read this book? No. Do you have to know about programming? No. I think the discussions about gaming enhanced my experience because it isn’t something I’ve read about ad nauseum. I found it interesting, but the characters are the heart of the novel.

This isn’t a book I’d personally take on vacation. It’s what I would call heavy.

Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

A beautifully written novel that I highly recommend. While the novel is fiction, it is based on true events. During WWII, an ocean liner carrying refugees and wartime personnel was sunk by a Soviet submarine. An estimated 9,000 passengers were killed, making it the greatest maritime disaster in history.

It’s a heartbreaking story and the author handles the re-telling with grace. Sepetys bounces from different POVs but not in a way that felt distracting. The characters made me feel humbled, disgusted and hopeful. It’s an emotional book that I couldn’t put down. I wouldn’t recommend this book as a vacation read but pick it up when you can. You won’t regret it.