Summer is just around the corner, and it only means a few things: we get to hit the beach and books too!
Who says books and beaches are not mutually exclusive? Truth be told, beaches are not only for getting that golden tan or enjoying the saltwater. Sometimes, it’s just about basking in the sun and some good reads.
Reading a good book by the beach signifies our much-deserved pause from the hustle and bustle of city life. It gives you time to slow things down and catch up with your family, hobbies, and stories.
This brings us to an issue: What’s a good beach read? There is a slew of great books out there, with thousands of incredible ones coming out every week. However, there are those that defied time; those that have remained steadfast as staple beach reads for more than 100 years. If you want to create a list of your beach reads, make sure to read further!
The best beach reads you should get your hands on
You know what everyone loves: fast-paced page-turners that get you excited amidst the rowdy beach noise. If you do not fancy physical beach activities and just want to take a breather by the beautiful shore, a book is a great accessory for lazy beach mornings or cozy porch afternoons. From young adult romances to creepy thrillers that will send you chills despite the scorching heat, here are some of our favorite beach page-turners:
Like Water for Chocolate
Author: Laura Esquivel (1996)
This is a story about Tita who loves expressing her feelings and moods through cooking. When she’s elated, the people who eat her food smile, whereas when she’s down, people who eat her food burst into tears. Tita is trapped in a family tradition obligating eldest daughters like Tita to stay with their mothers forever until she falls in love. Will she defy or obey tradition? Set in Mexico, this whimsical story will leave you smiling, swooning, and hungry.
Jaws
Author: Peter Benchley (1994)
If you are in for some thrill, we highly suggest this classic thriller! Set during the tourist season in the town of Amity, what was supposedly a fun, worry-free getaway turned upside down due to the arrival of a great white shark. If you dare to read a daring story by the shore, get your hands on this book!
The Summer Series
Author: Jenny Han
Books: The Summer I Turned Pretty, It’s Not Summer Without You, We’ll Always Have Summer
This is a story about Bella, a hopeful teenager who experiences the time of her life during summers. Two boys by the beach always spend summers with her—boys that have been her brothers, best pals, and more. If you are looking for a chill summer coming-of-age contemporary, this book is for you!
The Unhoneymooners
Author: Christina Lauren (2019)
This fast, whimsical read is everything you will ever need while you’re getting a tan (plus a good pair of shades and high-quality sunscreen!). It revolves around the story of Olive, who was requested to take her sister’s place on her non-refundable honeymoon because of food poisoning. A free trip to Hawaii sounds amazing, but the only issue is she has to spend it with her new brother-in-law, Ethan.
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind
Author: Yuval Noah Harari (2011)
If Bill Gates had a hard time putting this book down, you can expect that this book is more than amazing and engaging. If your mind is feeling adventurous and curious about humankind’s most pressing questions, this book is the perfect beach read. It contains historian questions about where have been and where are we heading as a species. Feed your brain with some amazing information with this book!
The Silent Patient
Author: Alex Michaelides (2019)
Creepy books are made for sunny days, are we right? That way, you won’t have to worry about a monster creeping in from the shadows. This book is about a mysterious patient and a therapist that presents a lot of twists, turns, shocks, and spine-chilling moments.
Normal People
Author: Sally Rooney (2018)
This book is like your glass of Piña Colada on a sunny day—it’s addicting, stimulating, easy to consume, and mind-blowing. This story is about two teenagers who pretend not to know each other on campus, but an unexpected twist prompts the two to form a strange, indelible bond.