As the summer holidays approach, it’s time to start putting together the mandatory holiday reading lists. And don’t worry. If you forget to pack the right reading material, there’s still plenty to choose from at the airport bookstores.
We asked Sini Remahl, manager of Helsinki Airport’s Suomalainen kirjakauppa bookstores, to list the best English language books to grab for the holidays:
1. Light fiction for the beach: Jojo Moeys: Me Before You
The best-seller and page-turner has been turned into a romantic drama starring Sam Claflin and Emilia Clarke. It will be out this summer! In recent years, Jojo Moyes has taken the global literary markets by storm with her romantic fiction. Like the author’s previous works, Me Before You is a love story between two unlikely characters that is bound to leave no reader cold.
“The book has a romantic and hopeful tone, but explores also deeper themes and is thought-provoking”, Remahl says. “It’s easy to read, but not a fluffy Harlequin romance. Remember to keep a box of tissues nearby. You’ll need it!”
2. Non-fiction about the Nordics: Michael Booth: Almost Nearly Perfect People – Behind the Myth of the Scandinavian Utopia
For tourists staying in or passing through the Nordics, journalist Michael Booth’s humorous look on Scandinavian cultures is a must-read. From the Finnish education system to Norway’s oil wealth and Sweden’s envy-inducing culture, Booth explores the age-old stereotypes and idiosyncrasies of the Nordic countries.
“This funny but factual look at Finland and its neighboring nations has been a top-seller in our English-language section for some time, and for good reason”, Remahl says.
3. Culture for the kids: Mauri Kunnas: Canine Kalevala
Finland’s national epic, Kalevala, has been turned into colorful illustrations starring children’s book author Mauri Kunnas’ famous dog characters. A cultural treat for both kids and their parents.
4. A thriller you can’t put down: Paula Hawkins: The Girl on the Train
Make sure you have enough time set aside for reading on your holiday before beginning this best-selling thriller, because once you start you might not be able to put it down. Girl on the train is a chilling and thrilling psychological mystery told in first-person narrative by three different female characters.
“It’s reminiscent of another popular thriller, Gone girl, and it’s every bit as much addictive”, says Remahl.
Find these summer reads and much more at Suomalainen kirjakauppa bookstores by the Gates 26–27 and Gate 16 (permanent location at Gate 14).
Did you know that Helsinki Airport offers free books to travellers?
