Reading is a year-round activity, but that doesn't mean we can't have a special spot in our bookworm hearts for a good, old-fashioned classic beach read. Now, before we dive in to our list of books we are planning to carry in our summer tote bags this season, we do have to clarify that of course not everyone has access to a beach this summer. But that doesn't matter! A beach read is all about a vibe, not about the physical location (though we wouldn't turn down some sand and water, either!).
So whether you're on an actual beach, at the local pool or at the one in your backyard, on the shores of a lake, or just hiding out somewhere with some strong air-conditioning, there is nothing like having a great new book to dig into. Here, we've rounded up 20 titles that we are excited about this summer, including some piping hot new releases and some sexy reads from the past few years that might have gotten missed during the pandemic.
Trust us that No. 14 on our list will make anyone feel steamy this summer and that No. 18 will make summer hot flashes feel like power surges! We have books from old and new authors alike that span tons of genres, so any reader is sure to find something they can't wait to add to their summer book pile. Happy reading!
'Tell Me Everything'
Fans of true-crime podcasts will devour this nonfiction book that is part memoir and part true-crime story. Erika Krouse recounts five years as a private investigator, detailing her work on a sexual assault case that led to national attention and some horrifying discoveries along the way. It's a total page-turner!
'Happy-Go-Lucky'
$26.68
from
Bookshop.org
Fans of David Sedaris will be delighted that his latest collection of essays will be out just in time for summer reading. Anyone who is dealing with extended family weirdness on vacation will relate to David's tales of his own eccentric family, especially during the COVID-19 days.
'The Summer Place'
$20.29
from
Barnes & Noble
Look around any pool deck this summer, and we can almost guarantee that someone is going to be reading a Jennifer Weiner book. She's the queen of beach reads, including her newest release, The Summer Place, which is a juicy story about family secrets and a big beach wedding.
'Something Wilder'
What happens when a fake treasure map turns out to maybe be real, a long lost love returns on the scene, and a woman takes a trip that goes terribly (and hilariously) wrong? Well, get Something Wilder and dive right in for a fun summer read.
'Speak'
Sometimes we want a dishy romance to read. Sometimes we want deep family drama. And sometimes we want our beach reads to inspire us. Speak by Peloton instructor Tunde Oyeneyin isn't just for fitness fans. This read gets into Tunde's own journey and her advice for anyone wanting to live a life of purpose.
'This Time Tomorrow'
$25.76
from
Bookshop.org
A 40-year-old woman goes back in time and wakes up again in her 16-year-old self's body (let's pause to imagine what that would be like, now that we have all the confidence that comes with being a 40-year-old). She discovers a very different version of her father, one that shifts her life completely. This book is perfect for Father's Day pool reading.
