Before going on vacation, I thought that, given the variety and multiplicity of reasons for anxiety we all have, it would be a good idea to recommend a series of novels that, in addition to quality, have the virtue of giving us a break, a fun or lighthearted tone, an optimistic view of the world, or a tender story.

ACN has asked more than 140 figures from the political, social, economic, cultural, and journalistic worlds for their favorite recommendations for Sant Jordi. The most recent books by Estrella Solé, Javier Cercas, and Manuel Baixauli, along with more timeless works by Han Kang and George Orwell, were some of the recommended titles. Paula Bonet chooses Diary of a Solitude by May Sarton. Toni Sala recommends theOresteia of Aeschylus. Maria Barbal choose the new Ramon Solsona, and Ramon Solsona chooses Maria Barbal. Josep Maria Pou recommends the biography of Julio Iglesias by Ignacio Peyró, and Jordi Basté opts for a dead author with A conspiracy of fools, by John Kennedy Toole.