The Labor Day Weekend is a much loved event and a much awaited long weekend that honors the hard work and labors of the American people. It particularly honors the American Labor Movement and the many sacrifices that workers have made for the progress of the nation.
And seeing as it is a long weekend of particular importance it is a perfect time to look for fun things to do on Labor Day. One great example of a Labor Day activity is staying in bed and curling up with a good book. But what book exactly? Here are 6 Great books to read and enjoy during the Labor Day Weekend!
- Labor Day
Author: Joyce Maynard
One great example of a Labor Day Weekend read is the appropriately named book Labor Day. An immersive read, the book gives a poignant look into the life of 13 year old Henry Wheeler as he struggles to cope with a depressive mother who suffers from Agoraphobia.
As Labor Day Weekend draws near though, Henry wishes to break from the routine and asks his mom to go on a shopping trip for a change. Little does he know, that this simple trip will change both their lives forever. The novel Labor Day was met with great acclaim since its release in 2009, and has even been adapted into a feature length film. All in all, Labor Day is a perfect book to read during the long weekend.
- The Great Gatsby
Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald
A classic in every way, the Great Gatsby is a literary masterpiece and a must read during a long weekend. The book captures the glitz and the glamour of Roaring Twenties America. Seen through the eyes of young Nick Carraway, readers are given a detailed look into the lives of the New York elite. He soon meets the enigmatic Jay Gatsby, a multi-millionaire with a sad and mysterious past. They soon strike up a friendship that draws the young Carraway into the dark underbelly of high society. The book captures the duality of the American dream and its many pitfalls.
- Watership Down
Author: Richard Adams
Watership Down is a masterwork in storytelling, and is a perfect Labor Day read. The book chronicles the adventures of a small group of anthropomorphized rabbits as they escape from the wreckage of their old warren. Bereft of a home, they traverse the land in search of a new home. The author Richard Adams draws from past experiences of living in the English countryside, and truly recreates the imagery of verdant green fields and lush forests. Overall, Watership down is a wondrous read and a worthy addition to your Labor Day book pile.
- Of Mice and Men
Author: John Steinbeck
The novella is set during the great depression, and it is a time of uncertainty and desperation. The story follows the lives of friends, George Milton and Lennie Small. Being displaced migrant workers the two move from place to place in search for job opportunities and stability. The novella was based on John Steinbeck’s own experiences working with migrant workers during his younger days and gives readers a realistic look into the day to day lives of these hardworking men and women. The novella in itself, emphasizes various concepts such as loneliness, social inequality and the importance of having dreams to name just a few. Of Mice and Men has been read in countless schools and it is easy to see why. It is a classic, in every sense of the word.
- Love in the Time of Cholera
Author: Gabriel Garcia Marquez
If you are looking for heart wrenching romanticism with a great deal of substance and depth, then Love in the Time of Cholera is the book for you. Written by the renowned author Gabriel Garcia Marquez, the novel follows the lives of Florentino Ariza and Fermina Daza. Having known one another since childhood, the two fall in love only to be separated by Fermina’s strict father. They struggle to keep in touch and upon reuniting with one another, plan to marry. But the years apart had left a strain on their relationship, which culminates in Fermina cancelling their engagement. Instead Fermina marries a renowned doctor, while Florentino languishes on his lost love and swears to stay faithful to her for the rest of his life. Love in the Time of Cholera is a truly engrossing and passionate read.
- The Unbearable Likeness of Being
Author: Milan Kundera
The Unbearable likeness of being is a truly compelling read that follows the lives of Tomas and Tereza. Tomas is a successful Czech surgeon and intellectual who is also a serial womanizer. He then meets Tereza, a young and gentle photographer. The two soon fall in love and get married. But despite getting married and being in love, Tomas cannot seem to let go of his womanizing ways. The book is a truly enthralling read that brings to life memorable characters and explores various concepts such as love, weakness and infidelity to name just a few. The Unbearable Likeness of Being is a truly philosophical look on love and life itself and is a great read for this Labor Day.
Whatever your plans for Labor Day, you should make sure to bring a copy of these books with you. With these books in hand, you will surely be able to spend your Labor Day weekend right.
