Summer Beach Reads for Your Vacation

Picture this: You're stretched out on warm sand, the rhythm of waves providing the perfect soundtrack, and you reach for your book—but which one? The wrong choice can turn paradise into purgatory faster than a seagull can steal your chips. After years of trial and error (including that regrettable attempt at *Ulysses* in Noosa), I've discovered the secret to beach reading bliss: books that grip you from page one but won't punish you for dozing off after a few too many margaritas.

*The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo* tops my beach bag every summer. Taylor Jenkins Reid has crafted Hollywood glamour so intoxicating you'll forget you're reading in boardshorts rather than a ballgown. Following ageing film icon Evelyn Hugo as she reveals her scandalous past to a young journalist, this novel delivers everything you want poolside—romance, secrets, and plot twists that'll have you gasping louder than when that cold wave hits unexpectedly.

For those craving contemporary romance with genuine heart, Emily Henry's *People We Meet on Vacation* follows best friends Poppy and Alex through ten summers of holidays together. The will-they-won't-they tension sizzles hotter than the sand at midday, and Henry's witty dialogue will have you laughing out loud (and possibly attracting curious glances from neighbouring beach towels).

If you're feeling nostalgic for simpler times, Jenny Han's *The Summer I Turned Pretty* captures that bittersweet magic of teenage summers. Belly's coming-of-age story at the family beach house hits differently when you're reading it seaside—suddenly you're sixteen again, navigating first love and family dynamics with all the intensity of youth.

Elin Hilderbrand earns her "Queen of Summer" title with *28 Summers*, a sweeping romance that spans decades of secret meetings on Nantucket. This is your afternoon read when everyone else has gone for a swim—immersive enough to transport you completely, emotional enough to blame any tears on the salty breeze.

For pure escapist fun, pack Kevin Kwan's *Crazy Rich Asians*. The opulent world of Singapore's elite makes your beach resort feel delightfully modest by comparison, and the sharp social commentary hidden beneath the designer labels adds unexpected depth to the delicious drama.

Round out your beach bag with Christina Lauren's *The Unhoneymooners*, perfect for those early evening reads when the sun's getting low. This enemies-to-lovers romp in Hawaii will have you grinning like an idiot—just the right note to end a perfect beach day.

Start with *The Unhoneymooners* if you want immediate laughs, *Evelyn Hugo* if you're after something meatier, or *The Summer I Turned Pretty* if you're holidaying with teens who need their own beach read. Whatever you choose, these books understand the assignment: transport readers without taxing them, entertain without exhausting, and most importantly, make you forget to reapply sunscreen because you simply can't stop turning pages.