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Books

A Guide to This Summer’s Beach Reads

10 books that are perfect for a relaxing day under the sun

Summer is finally here and one thing that means—it’s time to hit the beach. And nothing says a relaxing summer day like unwinding under the sun (or a beach umbrella) on a nearby beach, with a cold drink in one hand and a book in the other. 

But what makes a book a great beach read? Many assume it’s a short, often cliché, romance novel with a predictable plot. But that doesn’t have to be the case. At BU Today, we define a beach read as the kind of book that keeps you hooked all day long, but that you can finish by the time your tan lines start to form. It’s a book you can get lost in, even when surrounded by the crashing sound of waves and the shrieks of children playing in the sand. 

So, just in time for summer, here are some of our favorite beach reads—a combination of summer romances, exciting new releases, and fast-paced thrillers.

Swan Songby Elin Hilderbrand

One of the most picturesque spots in New England is the gorgeous island of Nantucket, which is where Elin Hilderbrand’s latest novel is set. Swan Song takes readers deep into the psyche of an upscale town, where Chief of Police Ed Kapenash must delay his retirement when an illustrious family’s mansion burns down while they’re partying on their yacht. With personal ties to the case, Kapenash sets off on one final investigation. Though this book can be read as a stand-alone, Hilderbrand fans are sure to recognize some of their favorite characters in the final novel of the bestselling Nantucket series. Not only is Swan Song peak escapism, but it’s sure to have you hooked from page one.

Just for the Summerby Abby Jimenez

Justin is cursed—every woman he dates finds her soulmate shortly thereafter. Spoiler alert: it’s not him. When Emma, a woman with the very same problem, stumbles upon Justin’s story thanks to a viral Reddit thread, the pair start scheming. If they date each other, their curses may just cancel out. This book is the third in Jimenez’s Part of Your World series, but each novel works as a standalone, and if you can’t resist an unexpected love story, we recommend you start right here.

The Midnight Feastby Lucy Foley

Lucy Foley has already made a name for herself as a leading author of contemporary mysteries with her fast-paced, suspenseful, and surprising novels. Her latest, The Midnight Feast, is no exception. The story starts with a swanky party at The Manor, where an eclectic group of guests hide an interesting past. But when The Manor’s opening weekend ends with a ravaging fire and a dead body, 15-year-old secrets threaten to come to light. Who’s to blame? Will it be the Founder, the Husband, the Mystery Guest, or the Kitchen Help? If you’re looking for a beach read, but aren’t a fan of romance, this book is a perfect page turner that will keep you guessing until the very end.

Good Materialby Dolly Alderton

Though best known for her 2018 memoir Everything I Know about Love (a New York Times bestseller), Dolly Alderton’s novel Good Material has met lavish praise in the year since its release. The book follows Andy, a stand-up comedian, who embarks on an emotional journey after splitting from his partner, Jen, to figure out exactly what went wrong in the hope of one day finding his way back to her. This novel is your favorite rom-com movie wrapped into a book that’s not just funny, but deep, filled with non-cliché life lessons.

One Italian Summerby Rebecca Serle

When Katy’s mother, Carol, dies, she loses not only the woman who raised her, but her best friend. To make matters worse, Katy must now embark on what was planned as a mother-daughter trip to the picturesque Italian town of Positano, a place Carol had raved about for Katy’s entire childhood. When she arrives in Italy, Katy is shocked to find her mother alive and well—but she is only 30 years old and doesn’t have a clue who Katy is. Throughout her trip, Katy gets to know Carol in a whole new light, not as her wise mother, but as a young woman experiencing life for the first time. If you are craving true escapism, this book is sure to transport you straight to the sunny beaches of Italy’s Amalfi Coast.

Beach Readby Emily Henry

This list wouldn’t be complete without Emily Henry’s Beach Read, which has popped up on nearly every summer reading list since it was published in 2020. The story starts with literary fiction writer Augustus Everett and romance writer January Andrews, who live in neighboring beach houses and are each dealing with serious writer’s block. To get their creative juices flowing, the two make a pact: Everett will spend the summer writing a happy-go-lucky romance novel and Andrews will write a serious work of fiction. As you can imagine, this platonic arrangement doesn’t stay platonic for long.

This Time Tomorrowby Emma Straub

This book is a great beach read, but just a warning: you will be brought to tears by the end. This Time Tomorrow follows Alice, a newly turned 40-year-old with a stable life, a good job, a nice apartment, and fulfilling friendships. But when her father gets sick, Alice feels empty. That’s when she wakes up in 1996 and finds herself trapped in her teenage body, with the opportunity to relive her childhood with more wisdom than the first time around. Plus, she gets to meet her dad again, this time as a healthy middle-aged man. Straub excels here, with a story that is simultaneously heartbreaking and healing, layered with humor and introspection. Though it may not strike you as a traditional beach read, this creative take on the classic time travel trope might pleasantly surprise you. 

Pineapple Streetby Jenny Jackson

In her debut novel, Jenny Jackson gives readers a fascinating look at the scandal, opulence, and intrigue of an old-money family hailing from Brooklyn Heights. Pineapple Street follows three women in the Stockton family: Darley, the eldest daughter, who finds herself drawn away from the family; Sasha, who has married into the Stockton fortune and struggles to fit in; and Georgiana, the youngest, who is grappling with an identity crisis. Through the eyes of these three women, we are given a witty and sharp look into the day-to-day lives of New York City’s elite, who, despite their fortunes, may just capture your heart.

Sandwichby Catherine Newman

In true New England fashion, Sandwich takes us on an annual vacation to Cape Cod with Rocky, her teenage kids, and her parents. It’s a trip she’s been taking for the last two decades, where memories are made and everything feels right. But this summer is a bit different. Forced to reconcile her family’s history and the secrets of her past, one week in a Sandwich cottage could make or break everything, and redefine Rocky’s relationship with the people she loves. Filled with laughter, heart, and maybe a few tears, this book is bound to touch your heart.

Family of Liarsby E. Lockhart

In this prequel to E. Lockhart’s We Were Liars, readers get another look into the history of the scandalous Sinclair family. The story begins with Carrie recounting the summer of 1987, when she was an innocent teenager on Beechwood Island, her family’s private compound off the coast of Massachusetts. At the time, Carrie is reeling from the drowning of her 10-year-old sister, as well as battling a codeine addiction, the result of a painful mouth surgery. Lockhart’s loyal fans will finally get the chance to see what’s behind the events of We Were Liars a generation earlier with this suspenseful exploration of complicated family ties.