Summer brings more free time than some students know what to do. Fortunately, books offer a compelling solution to the monotonous, hot, lazy summer days or drainage internships can bring. Beach books in particular – accessible, attractive readings guaranteed to suck you up – are staples of the season for some reason. Throw them in your tote bag with sunscreen and a snack to eat. Cross them with your toes in the sand or read them from your children’s bedroom.
Either way, the effect is the same – often humorous, always entertaining, completely consuming fictional escape from the real world. Take a look at our recommendations below for three beach-worthy getaways that are appropriate for the bill. From a sunny well-to-do romantic comedy to a stormy satire thriller, there’s a choice for every kind of beach day.
“Liberators” by Emily Henry
Emily Henry has carved out her own very popular niche in the sun-drenched novel category, with her recent novels “Beach Read” and “People We Meet on Vacation” garnering widespread popularity and worship. Henry’s latest edition of “Book Lovers” is no exception, a fainting romantic comedy that cleverly confronts tropes of the genre.
The story follows Nora Stephens, a city girl to her core. She is great about her work as a literary agent and is not afraid to be the shark her clients need. When she agrees to go on a sister’s trip to Sunshine Falls, North Carolina for the month, her sister anticipates a picture-perfect Hallmark movie summer for Nora, complete with a charming town love interest. The only problem is that the man Nora continues to meet is former city boy book editor Charlie Lastra, from whom she has yet to be charmed after their stony introduction home.
While “Book Lovers” is an overwhelmingly feel-good book, it has layers of depth beyond its sugary facade in Henry’s exploration of themes of grief. It’s the perfect choice for book lovers, fans of the genre, and anyone who has ever genuinely or ironically enjoyed a Hallmark movie. Read it on your next small town getaway this summer.
“My Sister, the Serial Killer” by Oyinkan Braithwaite
Even at the beach, good weather never lasts forever. If the bright books with sun and sand on their covers are starting to feel old, try this stormy beach read for something a little different. Although its themes are more ominous than a red flag warning for the ocean, Oyinkan Braithwaite’s 2018 debut gives dark situations a lighthearted touch as the novel drips with dark humor and satire.
The story begins with Korede cleaning up yet another one of her sister Ayoola’s messes – a murdered boyfriend. This is nothing new for Korede, however, because despite living in Ayoola’s shadow her whole life, Korede has always done everything to protect her. When Korede’s longtime crush becomes interested in Ayoola, however, Korede must decide how deep this loyalty to her sister runs.
Like all good beach books, “My Sister, The Serial Killer” is compelling enough and compulsively readable to devour in one day. But unlike the average beach book, the story can leave you in contemplation for days after you close the final page.
“I Capture The Castle” by Dodie Smith
One of the main attractions of the beach, the ocean can inspire endless fun, adventure and creativity. For an unconventional escape that matches that energy, make “I Capture the Castle” your next read.
It is an entirely charming classic filled with the optimism and unrequited love of Dodie Smith’s mind – famous for her later edition “101 Dalmatians” – first published in 1948. Unlike much of the high school required reading associated with classical literature, “I Capture the “. Castle ”is written in a charismatic first-person view. It is the magnetic voice of narrator Cassandra that makes prose so appealing and accessible to audiences young and old, for those who depart from the classics and literary snobs.
Seventeen-year-old protagonist Cassandra may live in a castle, but she is not a princess, and her life is not all rainbows and butterflies. The castle walls are falling apart and her family is struggling, her father’s career has come to a halt from years of writer blockade. However, life becomes a little more interesting for Cassandra and her older sister Rose when the wealthy Cotton brothers relocate to town. An intricate romance and drama ensues between the two families.
Perfect for Jane Austen fans, “I Catch The Castle” is a curious tale of maturation as refreshing as a dip in the sea.
