The Best Books to Read on Your Next Beachy Vacation -

There is nothing quite like a beachy vacation to help unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you find yourself lounging under the shade of a palm tree or basking on a sun-soaked shore, a good book is the perfect companion. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of 5 must-read books that will transport you to fantastical worlds, ignite your imagination, and provide you with the ultimate beachy escape from reality. So make sure to grab your sunscreen, your favorite bikini, and get ready to dive headfirst into these amazing beach reads! 

1. ‘Every Summer After’ by Carley Fortune: The Perfect Summer Read!

Carley Fortune’s ‘Every Summer After’ will transport you to sun-soaked summer, bittersweet nostalgia, and the everlasting power of love. This enchanting novel is an ideal beach read, especially in the warm summer months. It will deliver a perfect blend of captivating storytelling, memorable characters, and a setting that will make you be able to smell the sweet air of summertime. 

Set against the backdrop of a charming small lake town called Barry Boat. Throughout this book, we travel with Persephone Fraser, or Percy, as she travels to this small lake town every summer. When she arrives her first summer she meets her neighbor Sam, and from there they become inseparable for six summers. This friendship eventually becomes something much more before it suddenly falls apart. 

The reader is met with Percy, ten years later when she receives a call that brings her back to Barry Boat, and back into the orbit of Sam. We get to follow as she relives her childhood love and heartbreak. As their summers unfold, the story beautifully explores themes of self-discovery, second chances, and the irresistible allure of long-lost love. 

At its core, ‘Every Summer After is a tale of love, friendship, and the transformative power of summer. Carley Fortune’s novel effortlessly captures the essence of beachside bliss, making it a perfect companion for lazy days spent in the sun.

2. ‘Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine’ by Gail Honeyman: An Unexpected Gem for Your Beach Getaway

For those readers on vacation and are longing for something unexpected, ‘Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine’ is a thought-provoking and uplifting story that is full of wit, heart, and the complexities of human spirit. This novel offers a refreshing departure from the typical light-hearted fare and will provide you with a profound and enriching experience of what friendship and your kindness has the opportunity to do to others. 

The novel follows the character Eleanor Oliphant, an eccentric and socially awkward woman whose meticulously crafted world begins to unravel with an unexpected crush. Through Eleanor’s unique and hilarious perspective, Honeyman explores themes of loneliness, trauma, and the healing power of human connection. As you turn the pages of the novel, you find a friend in Eleanor and become deeply invested in her journey. 

While it may not be the typical choice for a beach read, this novel’s thought-provoking nature invites the reader to self-reflect. It encourages readers to embrace the various complexities of the human experience and appreciate the power of compassion and empathy. Being able to spend real time with this book without the pressures of “life” is an amazing and eye-opening experience. 

As you settle into your beach chair, allow Eleanor to whisk you into a world of self-discovery, friendships, and unexpected love. It is a captivating and deeply satisfying read that will leave you pondering long after the last page is turned. 

3. ‘Mary Jane’ by Jessica Anya Blau

Jessica Anya Blau’s ‘Mary Jane’ is a captivating novel that whisks readers away to the sun-soaked summer of 1970s Baltimore. It contains an irresistible blend of humor, heart, and a touch of rebellion that is a perfect companion for your beach getaway. This book offers a delightful escape into a bygone era. 

Set against the backdrop of a conservative family and household, Mary Jane, a fourteen-year-old, decides to take a summer nanny position for a quirky and unconventional family that lives down the road. As readers, we get to follow as Mary Jane navigates her way through unfamiliar territory, she discovers a world filled with music, free-spirited individuals, unconditional love, and a new understanding of herself and the world around her. 

Blau’s writing effortlessly evokes the sounds, sights, and emotions of the 1970s, entrapping readers in a rich tapestry of nostalgia. The characters are full of life, utterly human, and learning alongside Mary Jane. Mary Jane’s coming of age journey has readers cheering for her at every step. 

‘Mary Jane’ is able to capture the essence of carefree summers and the exhilaration of new experiences. (It does not hurt that it also has rockstars and movie stars at the forefront). So pack your beach bag and let this heartwarming novel transport you to a heartwarming world where innocence meets rebellion, and where every page is filled with joyous nostalgia. 

4. ‘Slow Days, Fast Company’ by Eve Babitz: A Sizzling LA Beach Read that Exudes Glamour

Eve Babitz’s ‘Slow Days, Fast Company’ is a seductive and mesmerizing collection of essays that encapsulates the essence of 1970s Los Angeles. This literary gem is the perfect beach read, offering a weaving of charm, wit, and an insider glance to the vibrant world of art, music, and Hollywood during this time period. 

Babitz’s writing is a beautiful storytelling of personal anecdotes, cultural observations, and captivating encounters with the era’s most influential figures. Her prose brings LA to life by painting vivid portraits of a city pulsating with creativity and hedonism. Readers are brought along to glamorous parties, chic cafes, and weekend trips, immersing themselves in a world of vibrant characters and the Californian lifestyle. 

As the waves crash and the sun bathes your skin, you are invited in a leisurely exploration of Babitz’s intoxicating world. A world where time is slower, and every page you dive deeper into the glamor of LA. 

If you are a fan of memoirs, or literary essays, or simply crave a taste of 1970s California, this book is an ideal beach read. It invites you to enjoy hazy summer days in the unique perspective of Eve Babitz. 

5. ‘Beach Read’ by Emily Henry: A Summer Romance Perfectly Suited for the Shoreline

And where would this list be without ‘Beach Read’ by Emily Henry. 

Emily Henry’s ‘Beach Read’ is an irresistible and heartwarming novel that combines humor, romance, and self-discovery. With its charming characters, idyllic setting, and delightful blend of lightheartedness and depth, this book is an absolute YES for any beach read list. 

This book follows a bestselling romance author facing a writing slump when she becomes neighbors with her college rival, and literary fiction writer. An unlikely friendship occurs and sets the stage for a summer filled with laughter, introspection, and a chance to create a love story of their own. 

‘Beach Read’ embraces the spirit of the season, capturing the essence of carefree days and the magic of a summer romance. 

While this novel is a lighter read, it does dive into the themes of grief, forgiveness, and finding oneself amidst life’s complexities. It is able to balance entertainment with emotional resonance, making this the ideal companion for a beach getaway. 

So as you crack open ‘Beach Read’, allow yourself to be swept away with tender romance, witty banter, and the undeniable charm of Emily Henry. This book will leave you with a warm heart and a smile on your face. 

These five perfect beach reads will offer an enticing assortment of stories that will be able to transport you to a variety of worlds, ignite your imagination, and will provide a great escape to the everyday. From the sun-soaked shores of Carley Fortune’s ‘Every Summer After’ to the profound introspection found in Gail Honeyman’s ‘Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine,’ these novels prove summer reads that are both entertaining and meaningful. Jessica Anya Blau’s ‘Mary Jane’ captures the spirit of carefree summers and the power of self-discovery, while Eve Babitz’s ‘Slow Days, Fast Company’ immerses us in the vibrant world of the 1970s. 

Emily Henry’s ‘Beach Read’ serves up a delightful blend of romance and self-reflection, making it a perfect choice to enjoy under the sun. Each of these books brings a unique beach read experience, immersing you in different themes, types of characters, settings, and emotions. 

So whether you find yourself on a sandy shore, poolside, or a staycation, these five perfect beach reads will transport you to places both familiar and extraordinary. Lose yourself in the pages, let your imagination sore, and allow these stories to add some magic to your beach getaway.