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Book Recommendations for Your Next Picnic

Picnic
Did you know that July is National Picnic Month? It definitely makes sense, given that July brings peak summer weather. Let’s dive a bit deeper into the origins of picnics before moving on to some book recommendations. 

The history of picnics

The word “picnic” is derived from the French word “piquenique.” They originated in mid-18th-century al fresco French dining, where you would almost always find the following: a bottle of wine, a loaf of bread, some cheese, and fruit (fantasy readers must be tired of seeing the same items in every main character’s runaway basket by now). To put it simply – the easier it is to put together and eat, the better it is. It hasn't always been this way! NPR has a bit of picnic history:

"And in the Victorian era, picnics were very grand affairs indeed. In 1861, the definitive list of the Victorian picnic fare for England's upper class appeared in Mrs. Beeton's Book of Household Management. One could not eat outdoors without tables, linens, crystal, chairs, servants - and gourmet fare, of course."

It's a far cry from our blankets and coolers, but the idea was ultimately the same.

5 books to read on a picnic

With that said, if you’re looking for some appropriate picnic book recommendations that scream “CHEESE AND BAGUETTE”... without necessarily being fantasy, check out some of our suggestions!
"Get a Life, Chloe Brown" by Talia Hibbert
A spirited romantic comedy featuring Chloe Brown's quest for excitement with her sexy, mysterious neighbor Red, taking readers on a wild ride full of humor and heart.
"Archer's Voice" by Mia Sheridan
An emotional journey in a small town hides dark secrets and passionate romance between a mysterious man and a woman haunted by her past. A heartwarming read for fans of Colleen Hoover.
"Days at the Morisaki Bookshop" by Satoshi Yagisawa
A young woman facing loss finds solace in a Tokyo bookshop. where she rediscovers herself amidst new relationships, in this
The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
"Summer picnics are for cozy comfort reads; I'm bringing my old childhood copy of 'The Wind in the Willows.'" — Vanessa Opal June
The Island Of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak
"I would bring "The Island Of Missing Trees.". It even has a menu from the restaurant in it." — Angel

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