Although it brings along sunburns and bug bites and sweat, summer does offer a few good things- particularly time to read.
If you're like most people, you're probably visiting the beach sometime this summer, and if you're like me, you're probably planning to read while you're there. (And even if you're not headed to the shore anytime soon, kicking back with a good book is still totally worth it!)
So here's my list of books to bring along when you head to the beach!
If you're looking for historical fiction...
Check out Bright Young Things by Anna Godbersen
I've reviewed this series before, and for more information on the books, you can read that review here. The sparkling 1920's setting, romance, and hint of mystery make these books perfect for a summer read!
Check out A Song for Summer by Eva Ibbotson
Although the characters are occasionally a bit cliche, they are lovable and well written, and if you're looking for a historical romance, this book might just be for you! Set in the 1940s in Austria, this book combines romance and the wartime setting to create a emotional read for summer!
If you're looking for romance...
Check out The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
I read the first book in this series a few years ago, and while I don't exactly remember all the details of the plot, I do remember the book being full of romance and summertime imagery that make it an ideal choice for the beach!
Check out Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen
Sarah Dessen is known for her young adult romance novels, and this is one of the best ones I've read from her. With a quaint beach town setting and realistic, likable characters, this book is a great poolside read. (UPDATE: I've written a review including this book, and you can read it here.)
If you're looking for a classic...
Check out Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
I think everyone who's a reader at least has an idea what this one is about. This is a more challenging read, but Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy, their romance, and the British Regency setting definitely make it worth the challenge!
Check out The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
While this one is often a required book in high school and is also more challenging, it's definitely got many of the makings of a good summer book: musical writing, engaging plot, realistic characters, and the glamour of the 1920s make this book a great choice.
If you're looking for a mystery...
Check out Paper Towns by John Green
This book is many things, but for now I'll call it (and Margo Roth Spiegelman) a mystery. With the much-anticipated film coming out in July, now is a perfect time to pick up the book and get to know the original story before it comes out in theaters!
Check out Secret Letters
As an extension of the classic, Conan Doyle Sherlock Holmes novels, this book is best appreciated by those familiar with the original stories. That said, this book gives a twist to the story that makes it appealing to other readers as well as an intriguing summer read!
If you're looking for a fairy tale...
Check out Serenade by Mari Bianca
This story is a version of the familiar Little Mermaid story by Hans Christian Andersen, this story rings with familiarity, but with enough of a twist to keep things interesting! The romance, folklore, and oceanside setting make this a perfect beach book!
Check out Avalon High by Meg Cabot
Although I really didn't like the movie, this book is an old favorite of mine! The characters and setting are definitely lovable, and the modernized Arthurian legend provides just enough action, romance, and fantasy to make this a great choice for reading by the pool.
If you're like most people, you're probably visiting the beach sometime this summer, and if you're like me, you're probably planning to read while you're there. (And even if you're not headed to the shore anytime soon, kicking back with a good book is still totally worth it!)
So here's my list of books to bring along when you head to the beach!
If you're looking for historical fiction...
Check out Bright Young Things by Anna Godbersen
I've reviewed this series before, and for more information on the books, you can read that review here. The sparkling 1920's setting, romance, and hint of mystery make these books perfect for a summer read!
Check out A Song for Summer by Eva Ibbotson
Although the characters are occasionally a bit cliche, they are lovable and well written, and if you're looking for a historical romance, this book might just be for you! Set in the 1940s in Austria, this book combines romance and the wartime setting to create a emotional read for summer!
If you're looking for romance...
Check out The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
I read the first book in this series a few years ago, and while I don't exactly remember all the details of the plot, I do remember the book being full of romance and summertime imagery that make it an ideal choice for the beach!
Check out Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen
Sarah Dessen is known for her young adult romance novels, and this is one of the best ones I've read from her. With a quaint beach town setting and realistic, likable characters, this book is a great poolside read. (UPDATE: I've written a review including this book, and you can read it here.)
If you're looking for a classic...
Check out Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
I think everyone who's a reader at least has an idea what this one is about. This is a more challenging read, but Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy, their romance, and the British Regency setting definitely make it worth the challenge!
Check out The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
While this one is often a required book in high school and is also more challenging, it's definitely got many of the makings of a good summer book: musical writing, engaging plot, realistic characters, and the glamour of the 1920s make this book a great choice.
If you're looking for a mystery...
Check out Paper Towns by John Green
This book is many things, but for now I'll call it (and Margo Roth Spiegelman) a mystery. With the much-anticipated film coming out in July, now is a perfect time to pick up the book and get to know the original story before it comes out in theaters!
Check out Secret Letters
As an extension of the classic, Conan Doyle Sherlock Holmes novels, this book is best appreciated by those familiar with the original stories. That said, this book gives a twist to the story that makes it appealing to other readers as well as an intriguing summer read!
If you're looking for a fairy tale...
Check out Serenade by Mari Bianca
This story is a version of the familiar Little Mermaid story by Hans Christian Andersen, this story rings with familiarity, but with enough of a twist to keep things interesting! The romance, folklore, and oceanside setting make this a perfect beach book!
Check out Avalon High by Meg Cabot
Although I really didn't like the movie, this book is an old favorite of mine! The characters and setting are definitely lovable, and the modernized Arthurian legend provides just enough action, romance, and fantasy to make this a great choice for reading by the pool.
