Is 'The Vacationers' Worth Reading?

2026-03-18 20:57:48
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4 Answers

Longtime Reader Analyst
'The Vacationers' is one of those books that feels like a guilty pleasure but secretly has depth. I adore how Straub balances lighthearted vacation vibes with deeper themes—aging, secrets, and the masks we wear. The setting is gorgeous (Mallorca descriptions had me Googling flights), but it’s the characters who steal the show. Sylvia’s teenage rebellion and Franny’s midlife reckoning resonated with me differently, depending on where I was in life when I reread it. It’s a book that grows with you.
2026-03-20 00:16:00
3
Ophelia
Ophelia
Favorite read: A Trip To Remember
Responder Mechanic
Straub’s 'The Vacationers' is like a sunlit soap opera—glossy on the surface but with real emotional weight underneath. I devoured it during a rainy weekend, and the contrast between my gloomy weather and the book’s sunny setting was oddly comforting. The dialogue crackles with authenticity, and the ending left me satisfied but also wistful, like saying goodbye to friends. Perfect if you want something engaging but not too heavy.
2026-03-20 13:11:44
7
Book Scout Driver
A friend recommended 'The Vacationers' as a 'beach read with brains,' and they weren’t wrong. At first glance, it seems like a simple family-drama-on-holiday story, but Straub’s observations about human nature are sneakily profound. The way she writes about love—both romantic and familial—is so nuanced. I especially loved the subplot with Bobby and his financial mess; it added a layer of tension that kept the pacing crisp. My only critique? I wished it was longer! Some characters, like Carmen, could’ve gotten more page time. Still, it’s a 4/5 for me—great for fans of ensemble casts and scenic escapes.
2026-03-22 13:37:11
6
Book Guide Consultant
I picked up 'The Vacationers' on a whim during a bookstore sale, and honestly, it was such a pleasant surprise! The novel follows the Post family during their two-week trip to Mallorca, and it’s a perfect blend of humor, drama, and relatable family dynamics. Emma Straub’s writing is sharp yet warm, making even the most flawed characters feel endearing. I found myself laughing at the awkward moments and tearing up during the quieter, more introspective scenes.

What really stood out to me was how Straub captures the complexities of relationships—parent-child tensions, marital struggles, and even the bittersweetness of growing up. It’s not a plot-heavy book, but the character-driven narrative kept me hooked. If you enjoy stories like 'Little Fires Everywhere' or 'Where’d You Go, Bernadette,' this might be your next favorite summer read. I finished it in two sittings and immediately lent it to my sister.
2026-03-22 16:18:42
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