While there are plenty of activities and things to do during a holiday, sometimes you need a day or two just to slow down, and enjoy either your hotel or surroundings. So before you start planning your next great Ubud adventure, why not pick a book or two to bring on your holiday for when you decided to have a rest day.
We compiled five exciting books for you to pack. Immerse yourself with the words of these brilliant authors while enjoying the green hills and rice terraces of Ubud. We’ve divided the books into five categories to suit your needs, including a bonus book recommendation! Read on to find out.
Not your average travel book
Wanderlust: A Love Affair with Five Continents
by Elisabeth Eaves
Photo courtesy: Thegoodnewsgirl
A book that will tickle the travel-bug in you. Wanderlust is based on the author’s personal account of travelling across the world, including Papua New Guinea, Australia, and Egypt. The book tells the story of Eaves finding love and herself in her travels, and what it means to have the privilege to travel as a young woman.
“To pursue the thing she needed to do, Virginia Woolf wrote, “a woman must have money and a room of her own. ….” I needed money and a backpack.”
Once you put this book down, be prepared to want to book your next flight and adventure straight away! Or even discover the nooks and crannies of Ubud like you haven’t before.
For those who need a little pick-me-up
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F
by Mark Manson
The book that will change your perspective on life. The author, Mark Manson, is an American blogger turns internet entrepreneur, who started to write self-help articles since 2010. Although he doesn’t proclaim to be a motivational speaker or coach, rather a life enthusiast. His book titled The Art of Not Giving a F is a self-help book with an edge. Instead of telling his readers that life is wonderful and one must always be positive, Manson is saying that sometimes life is harsh and it’s completely fine to be at the bottom of life itself.
“Life is not about getting rid of problems, it’s about finding better problems. It’s not about avoiding failure, it’s about getting better at failure. It’s not about knowing everything, but becoming more comfortable in not knowing anything.”
It’s quite easy to finish the book in one day, but it’s best to read it slowly and carefully to absorb Manson’s philosophy. Even better to contemplate on it in the slow-paced Ubud life.
An insight into Indonesian culture
Man Tiger
by Eka Kurniawan
Indonesian author Eka Kurniawan has been reviewed and praised internationally for his novel Man Tiger – translated from the Indonesian version Lelaki Harimau. He has also been compared to Indonesia’s social author maestro Pramoedya Ananta Toer. Benedict Anderson, the political scientist, has also personally praised Kurniawan’s work.
Delve into Indonesian culture and mysticism in this seemingly crime-genre book, as the main hero, Margio takes you on the journey of betrayal, fear, and lust. The enchanting Ubud will be the perfect setting to consume Kurniawan’s imagination.
“If a man couldn’t control his beast, it could turn so violent that nothing could restrain it once enraged.”
For a rainy day
Me Talk Pretty One Day
by David Sedaris
“In other parts of the country people tried to stay together for the sake of the children. In New York they tried to work things out for the sake of the apartment.”
Ubudian sun isn’t always shining so brightly. There are days when the charming hill town enjoys an afternoon of gloom and showers. So when days like that occurs, we recommend you to pick up the classic David Sedaris’ Me Talk Pretty One Day. Based on his personal account, Sedaris’ essays will definitely cheer a rainy Ubudian day, with a cup of Kintamani roasted coffee.
Inspiring people who shape today’s world
The Prison Letters of Nelson Mandela
edited by Sahm Venter
Nelson Mandela is a global figure who needs no further introduction. This collection of letters during his prison time for 27 years are all written poignantly to his loved ones, governments, and fellow comrades. The letters are chronologically organized from 1962 to 1990 and divided into four prisons that he’s been, Pretoria Local Prison, Robben Island Prison, Pollsmoor Prison, and Victor Verster Prison. Let the words of Mandela speaks and touches your soul on your Ubud escape.
“I always knew that someday I would once again feel the grass under my feet and walk in the sunshine as a free man.”
Bonus book
The Mindfulness Colouring Book
by Emma Farrarons
The tranquil Ubud needs an equally zen companionship, so this anti-stress colouring book is what you need. Don’t forget to bring your colouring pencils and pens along! And if you happen to stay at Padma Resort Ubud, The Pool Cafe might be the perfect spot where you can unwind and colour away…
Tell us your favourite spot to read and contemplate at Padma Resort Ubud by commenting below!
