10 Beach Reads You Won't Want to Put Down
As our last month of school approaches and we look forward to some time in the sun, it’s time to start buying and prepping our summer reads. Whether we’ll be by the pool or by the ocean, I decided to compile a list of my top 10 favorite summer beach reads, with options for everyone.
The Crazy Rich Asians Series
By far one of my favorite beach reads of last summer, Crazy Rich Asians is light-hearted, witty, and easy to read with your toes in the sand. I love learning about Asian culture, so this was an instant purchase for me, and Kevin Kwan’s writing kept me turning the pages even without a suspenseful plot. Although you may have seen the film adaptation, the novel series is too unique to turn down. The other two novels in the series, China Rich Girlfriend and Rich People Problems were equally hilarious and witty, as they further dive into the Young family and all of Singapore’s elite socialites.
Where the Crawdads Sing
It seemed as though last summer you couldn’t pass a beach umbrella without seeing this cover. This crime drama kept me on the edge of my beach chair as I followed Kya along on her journey through her somewhat lonely yet hopeful life. Full of romance intertwined with the suspense of a murder trial, Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens is a must-read. If you haven’t had the chance to read it, make sure you pick it up before your next beach or pool day.
Bridgerton
We all know how the show Bridgerton took the world by storm on Netflix, but few know about the extensive book series by Julia Quinn. I am currently only on the second book, The Viscount Who Loved Me, but I can already tell my summer will be filled with Lady Whistledown. It’s hard not to love a Gossip Girl-esque novel with drama, gossip, and romance, let alone a plot set in the 1800s. Quinn’s effortless writing makes this the perfect, light-hearted beach read.
The Beautiful and Damned
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s writing has a way of pulling audiences into his immersive stories. The Beautiful and Damned is by far one of my favorite novels as it follows Anthony Patch, a New York socialite, throughout his life as an heir to a tycoon’s fortune. This novel has been my favorite of Fitzgerald’s for years, as I even enjoy re-reading it often. I found it easier and more interesting to read than The Great Gatsby, and a little less cliché in my opinion. If you have yet to read any of his novels, start here!
The Keatyn Chronicles
I discovered this lengthy series through a suggestion on Amazon, and I was far
from disappointed. Packed with suspense, drama, romance, and heartbreak, Jillian Dodd’s descriptive writing makes you feel as though you are with Keatyn on her life journey. I started reading this series in high school, and every summer since Dodd has continued her story with a new release. If you’re looking for a series to last you the entire summer, you’ve found the perfect one. I still recommend this book to all of my friends just from the pure joy to receive from Jillian’s writing (I’ve heard rumors it may turn into a TV series or movie, I can’t wait!).
That Boy Series
Another phenomenal series by Jillian Dodd, one of my favorite romance writers, about a small-town childhood friendship that turned into something more. There are now 7 books in total, with one coming this summer, that follow Jadyn and her friends through navigating death, high school, marriage, divorce, and everything in-between. I am so excited for That Promise to come out in June, so I can keep up with Jadyn’s life.
The Stopover
T.L. Swan is a phenomenal raunchy romance writer, however, the Stopover is
more than just a novel full of spicy scenes. I found myself laughing out loud and commenting on the dialogue and interaction between Emily and Jameson. I don’t want to give too much of the plot away because it would spoil, but if you love a witty-romance novel, grab The Stopover for your next vacation or right now… honestly, it’s that good.
When Breath Becomes Air
I decided to add my last 3 novels as recommendations from my friends. When
Breath Becomes Air follows a doctor along his journey from treating patients to becoming a patient struggling to live. The author actually passed away while writing this book in 2015, but his memoir reflects on his journey with his wife and just how precious life is. If you want to read a tear-jerking book that will keep you enthralled, try this novel by Paul Kalanithi.
The Woman in the Window
As Stephen King himself stated, this novel is “unputdownable.” When the father of horror novels praises another horror piece, you know it’ll be a page-turning, plot-twisting read. My friend, Mary, recommended this book to me saying, “I read it all on a 2-hour flight, it was so good.” Focused on the main character Anna Fox while she looks out her window and observes her new neighbors one night, seeing things she maybe shouldn’t have. If you read this at the beach, you'll be tanned by the end of the day, simply because you won’t be able to put it down.
City of Girls
Set in the 1940s, this novel follows a young woman, Vivian Morris, as she is
exposed to a city full of “unconventional and charismatic characters.” Emphasizing the importance of freedom, pursuit of happiness, and love for young women, this novel truly is the story of learning how to find your voice. After starting this novel recently, I’m hooked.