As we continue through the summer months, many of us will be taking a well-earned staycation. With this is mind, Hotmax proposes the top 10 books to read by the fire as we set up camp around the British Isles and enjoy the great outdoors.
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
This classic mis-adventure novel is for teens to enjoy and for adults who never got the chance to read it back in the day. Lord of the Flies begins on a desert island with a group of schoolboys who are the only survivors of a plane crash. The story follows how the boys explore the island and make it their home, feasting on tropical fruits and discovering beautiful beaches. However, the story takes a dystopian turn as they try to govern themselves and childish power struggles turn into a nightmare of fires, hunters, and beasts. A great read for any young teen book worms.
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
This memoir was recently turned into an acclaimed film starring Reece Wetherspoon, but is worth reading. The fantastic writing makes it easy to escape with the author on her 1,100-mile solo journey along the Pacific Crest Trail. As a novice hiker with no experience, Cheryl sets off along the eastern coast of the United States unaware of the challenges ahead. The story covers a tale of self-discovery, adventure, survival, and endurance. Preceded by traumatic life events, this book sits apart from other camping memoirs where under the open skies and through the wilderness, healing take its own path.
Bushcraft 101 (A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival) by Dave Canterbury
This book gets you ready for your camping trip with advice on how to survive in the wilderness. The guide gives practical ways to thrive in a natural environment with skills to help you craft resources from your surroundings. With nature at our doorstep, readers will gain confidence on how to truly experience the beauty and thrill of the wild. It covers how to use the art of bushcraft to reconnect with nature in ways you’ve never imagined, including collecting and cooking food, and protecting yourself from the elements.
With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo
For foodies and cooks this will provide food for thought for outdoor camping feasts. The inspirational main character juggles family caring with her passion for cooking, where the kitchen is the one place she can make magic happen. A story about following your passions and your instinct, and about whipping up extraordinary food beloved by everyone. With the fire on high, the drive to feed others will feed her soul and show her that anything is possible.
The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
The first non-fiction book on the list is a moving and galvanising account of James Baldwin’s life experiences growing up in Harlem. Describing life in the ghettoes, the book takes the form of two personal letters, revealing the author’s influential thinking on racial injustice. In current times, revisiting the context of the 1960s civil rights movement and the fight against racism is a timely opportunity to understand the dynamics that drive societies to push for change.
No One is Too Small to Make a Difference by Greta Thurnberg
This second non-fiction book is a great summer read for all ages. A collection of this global campaigner’s moving and motivating speeches calling for international action on the climate emergency. For young teens looking for inspiration in the world, Greta show’s how no one is too small to make a difference. This female force has mobilised a movement and inspired worldwide attention, achieving more before reaching adulthood than most politician’s in a lifetime!
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
A tale that we are all familiar with but doesn’t grow old. Re-reading this book next to a roaring firepit will create the atmosphere it deserves. A perfect camping trip escape, the fourth instalment of the Harry Potter saga is where everything changes. An unusual and exciting year at Hogwarts where the Triwizard Tournament brings extreme challenges, teen romance, and the death of a fellow student which turns the wizarding world upside down. Voldemort has returned, and the long fight against dark magic resumes.
The Camping Trip by Jenifer Mann (Children’s)
An energetic illustrated story about a first sleepover under the stars, acclaimed author-illustrator Jennifer K. Mann reminds us that opening your mind to new experiences, no matter how challenging, can lead to great memories (and a newfound taste for s’mores). Ernestine has never been camping before, but she’s sure it will be lots of fun… Won’t it? An endearing story about a girl’s first experience with the great outdoors which will speak to children everywhere.
