Phew, the mercury is soaring and the northern hemisphere is feeling pretty hot right now, which may have you dreaming about and preparing for your summer holiday! A friend of mine is about to go away in a couple of weeks and yesterday asked me for some recommendations, and it got me to thinking that a few of you are probably looking for beach reads right now.
And so, chosen by me here are my 10 perfect beach reads this summer!
The Muse – Jessie Burton
The Miniaturist was the hot book of 2014, winning the Waterstones Book of the Year 2014. The Muse is the latest novel from the author, the story of a Caribbean immigrant, a look at long-lost art, and a look at 1930s Spain. The perfect page turner for any beach holiday.
Charlotte Street – Danny Wallace
There’s nothing like looking like the crazy lady at the pool laughing your head off to yourself at the book you’re reading, and if you’re looking for a light and funny holiday read then Charlotte Street may be for you. Protagonist Jason Priestly helps a girl on Charlotte Street, they share a moment but then she’s gone, leaving him holiday her tatty disposable camera, naturally he develops the film and what follows is an insightful and funny tale.
Museum of Extraordinary Things – Alice Hoffman
Set in early 20th century New York, Museum of Extraordinary Things is the perfect holiday escape, following the life of Coralie the daughter of a boardwalk ‘freak show’ owner. The book promises magic, drama and romance, making it the perfect relaxing read this summer.
The Museum of Extraordinary Things US
The Museum of Extraordinary Things UK
The Humans – Matt Haig
Matt Haig is a sensational writer and has an acute insight into human nature. In The Humans we see earth and our species through the eyes of Aliens and it makes for a pretty insightful read. If you’re sitting on holiday surrounded by foreign voices, imagine what an entire other world must be like.
We Were Liars – E Lockhart
Any read set somewhere beautiful is perfect for holiday, and this one keeps you guessing until the last page. Cady Sinclair is beautiful and broken, raised in privilege, spending summers on her family’s private island but when true love arrives the whole story is turned on its head. A page turning holiday read that will keep you guessing!
Land of Love and Drowning – Tiphanie Yanique
If you’re getting off to an island paradise then why not immerse yourself in a little history too? Land of Love and Drowning follows the story of two siblings, orphaned by a shipwreck and facing uncertain futures, from here we follow three generations of this family from 1916 to 1970, set against the political backdrop of the Virgin Islands.
The Vacationers – Emma Straub
It’s easy to romanticise but the ups and downs of family life are never easy, and holidays really show that up for what it is. In The Vacationers, Straub writes about a family’s two-week holiday to Mallorca in a story that is likely to get you nodding along on your own family holiday.
Beautiful Ruins – Jess Walter
Toss yourself between modern-day Hollywood and 1960s Italy in this beautiful read. It’s a funny, romantic and enjoyable tale, light enough for the beach and the perfect holiday read.
Attachments – Rainbow Rowell
Written as a string of email correspondence makes this the perfect stop-start holiday read. Set between two female co-workers, and a snooper, it’s perfectly hilarious. Attachments offers a unique premise and the perfect light read for your holiday.
Me Talk Pretty One Day – David Sedaris
David Sidaris is always hilarious and he doesn’t miss the mark in this witty and insightful read as he shares his hilarious tales of learning French and embracing a new culture.
There’s a fair old mix there across the genres, and of old favourites and new releases. We hope you have a great holiday, wherever you’re heading off to and we hope you get plenty of reading time in too!
10 of 2024’s Most Anticipated Reads
The For Reading Addicts Book of the Year 2023
Are You Willing to Unite Against Book Bans?
Roald Dahl Censorship Creates Grotesque Versions of Classics
For Reading Addicts Book of the Year 2022
Thank you I always find something good to read from your surveys
Thank you, I always find a good read from your surveys.