I like a good Netflix binge as much as the next person. But, I love reading. I look forward to my one-hour train trip to work because I can get some good reading in (and consequently miss my stop on a regular basis), I carry my Kindle everywhere (because you just never know), and I’m guilty of turning down lunch offers so I can read instead.
So, it should come as no surprise that one of my favourite things to do in summer is to hit the sand with a great book—whether it be sexy and scandalous or dark and suspenseful.
With that in mind, I thought I’d share the beach reads that are on my radar at the moment. There’s a mix of classic chick lit and Gone Girl-esque thrillers, so you’re guaranteed to find something that’s perfect for you (FYI, I’ll be starting with Truly Madly Deeply by one of my all-time fav authors, Liane Moriarty).
15 Of The Best Beach Reads
Scrappy Little Nobody, Anna Kendrick
A collection of laugh-out-loud autobiographical essays by the Academy Award-nominated actress.
Darkest Place, Jaye Ford
A psychological-mystery thriller that’ll keep you on the edge of your beach towel.
The Regulars, Georgia Clark
Three women down a magic tonic to give them supermodel-like beauty, but of course, there’s a catch.
Girl With The Lower Back Tattoo, Amy Schumer
A candid and hilarious collection of (extremely) personal and observational essays.
You’ll Grow Out Of It, Jessi Klein
Once you’ve finished Girl With The Lower Back Tattoo, continue your comedy binge with this must-read.
The Vacationers, Emma Straub
A two week family holiday in Mallorca leads to multiple infidelities.
The Wrong Girl, Zoë Foster Blake
A refreshingly honest look at modern work and dating life.
Us, David Nicholls
A married couple on the verge of divorce take one last family holiday to Europe.
Sweetbitter, Stephanie Danler
Small-town girl moves to NYC, and becomes a waitress at the best restaurant.
Truly Madly Deeply, Liane Moriarty
A compelling and realistic portrait of marriage, sex, parenthood, and friendship.
The Assistants, Camille Perri
Tina Fontana is a 30-year-old assistant who has always played by the rules, until now.
The Girls, Emma Cline
A thrilling coming-of-age novel about the Manson family.
The German Girl, Armando Lucas Correa
Set in Berlin, New York, and Havana, this ambitious novel spans 70-plus years.
We Are All Made of Stars, Rowan Coleman
Fans of Jojo Moyes’ Me Before You, this tear-jerker is right up your alley.
The Atomic Weight Of Love, Elizabeth J. Church
Church’s debut novel explores the relationship between sacrifice and love during the 1940s and 1950s.