The best 39 Beach Reading books

Eat, Pray, Love (2006) is the story of a year-long journey around the world in pursuit of pleasure in Italy, spiritual devotion in India, and finally a balance of the two in Indonesia. With refreshing candor and humor, this bestselling memoir charts a courageous path of self-discovery.

Gone Girl (2012) is the story of Amy Dunne, who one day vanishes from her cozy midwestern home. Her sudden disappearance becomes a sensational nation-wide headline – and the biggest suspect is her husband, Nick. But what follows is a head-spinning plot that takes on the subjects of relationship dynamics, private and public identities, the influence of media, and the institution of marriage.

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger is a captivating blend of science fiction and romance. It tells the story of Henry, a man with a genetic disorder that causes him to time travel unpredictably, and his wife Clare, who has known him since she was a child. The novel explores their complex and enduring love as they navigate the challenges and consequences of Henry's condition.

The High Tide Club by Mary Kay Andrews is a captivating novel that weaves together past and present. When a young attorney is summoned to a remote island to help an elderly heiress with her estate, she uncovers long-buried secrets and a decades-old mystery. Filled with rich characters and a beautiful coastal setting, this book is a perfect blend of mystery, romance, and friendship.

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen is a captivating novel set in the 1930s during the Great Depression. It tells the story of Jacob Jankowski, a young man who runs away from his life and finds himself joining a traveling circus. There, he meets Marlena, the beautiful equestrian star, and Rosie, the amazing elephant. The book explores themes of love, trust, and the struggle for survival in a mesmerizing and unforgettable way. A truly remarkable read!

Eleanor & Park is a young adult novel by Rainbow Rowell about two misfit teenagers who fall in love in 1986. Set over the course of a school year, it explores themes of love, friendship, and family, while addressing issues such as bullying and domestic abuse. It is a heartwarming and nostalgic story that will resonate with readers of all ages.

A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks is a heartwarming tale of first love and the power of faith. Set in a small town in North Carolina, it follows the story of Landon and Jamie, two high school students from different worlds who find themselves drawn to each other. As they navigate the challenges of their relationship, they discover the true meaning of love and the importance of making every moment count.

Bel Canto is a captivating novel by Ann Patchett that explores the power of music and human connection. Set in an unnamed South American country, it tells the story of a group of international guests who are held hostage during a lavish party. As the days pass, unlikely bonds form between captors and captives, creating a unique and moving exploration of love, art, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) is a witty and relatable memoir by Mindy Kaling. Through a series of personal essays, Kaling shares her unique perspective on friendship, romance, and life in general. With humor and insight, she delves into topics such as her childhood, career, and the challenges of being a woman in the entertainment industry. It's a delightful and entertaining read that will have you laughing out loud.

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne is a delightful romantic comedy that follows Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman, two coworkers who share an intense mutual dislike for each other. When they are forced to compete for the same promotion, their rivalry reaches new heights. But as they spend more time together, they start to uncover hidden feelings that may just change the game completely. With witty banter and sizzling chemistry, this book is a perfect blend of hate and love.

'The Husband's Secret' by Liane Moriarty is a gripping novel that delves into the complexities of marriage, betrayal, and the power of secrets. Set in Sydney, Australia, the story follows three women whose lives become intertwined when one of them discovers a letter written by her husband containing a life-changing secret. As the truth unravels, the consequences are far-reaching and force each character to confront their own choices and the interconnectedness of their lives.

Where'd You Go, Bernadette is a captivating novel by Maria Semple that tells the story of a quirky and brilliant woman named Bernadette Fox who goes missing. Through a series of emails, letters, and documents, the book unravels the mystery of her disappearance while also exploring themes of family, identity, and the pursuit of happiness.

Little Fires Everywhere (2017) by Celeste Ng is a novel that delves into the complexities of motherhood, identity, and the power of secrets. Set in the picture-perfect suburb of Shaker Heights, the story intertwines the lives of two very different families, uncovering the long-buried truths that eventually ignite a destructive fire. With beautifully crafted characters and thought-provoking themes, this book captivates readers from beginning to end.

Bossypants (2011) is a candid and humorous memoir by Tina Fey. Through a series of personal essays, Fey shares her journey from awkward childhood to becoming a groundbreaking comedian and writer. With a blend of wit and insight, she discusses gender equality, motherhood, and her experiences in the male-dominated world of comedy.

Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells is a heartfelt and humorous tale of lifelong friendship and family secrets. Through a series of letters, scrapbook entries, and flashbacks, the story delves into the lives of a group of Southern women and the deep bonds that tie them together. It explores themes of forgiveness, healing, and the enduring power of female friendship.

Dark Places by Gillian Flynn is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of family, memory, and the aftermath of a brutal massacre. The story follows Libby Day, the sole survivor of her family's murder, as she investigates the events of that fateful night and uncovers shocking truths about her past. With its dark and twisted plot, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Beach Read by Emily Henry is a charming and witty novel that follows two writers, January and Gus, as they swap genres and challenge each other to write outside of their comfort zones. Set against the backdrop of a beach town, the book explores love, loss, and second chances in a refreshing and heartfelt way.

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford is a poignant novel that delves into the complexities of love, friendship, and family during a tumultuous time in history. Set in Seattle during World War II, the story follows the unlikely bond between a Chinese-American boy and a Japanese-American girl, as they navigate the racial tensions and internment of Japanese citizens. Through beautiful prose and heartfelt storytelling, the book explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the enduring power of love.

Angels Fall is a gripping novel by Nora Roberts that delves into the complexities of the human mind and the power of redemption. When a traumatic event shatters her world, protagonist Reece Gilmore seeks solace in a remote Wyoming town. As she tries to rebuild her life, she becomes embroiled in a murder mystery that forces her to confront her own inner demons. This thrilling tale keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Circle of Friends by Maeve Binchy is a heartwarming novel that follows the lives of a group of friends from a small Irish town. Set in the 1950s, it delves into themes of friendship, love, and betrayal as the characters navigate their way through the challenges of adulthood. With rich storytelling and memorable characters, this book is a captivating exploration of the complexities of human relationships.

I Am Watching You by Teresa Driscoll is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. When a woman overhears a conversation on a train that sets off alarm bells, she becomes obsessed with finding out the truth. As the story unfolds, dark secrets and unexpected twists reveal the chilling reality of what can happen when someone is watching you.

The book follows the story of Emma Corrigan, who spills all her deepest secrets to a stranger on a plane. When she later discovers that the stranger is actually her company's CEO, she must navigate the consequences of her revelations while also dealing with unexpected romantic entanglements. Full of humor and heart, "Can You Keep a Secret?" is a delightful tale of secrets, honesty, and the power of being true to oneself.

Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult is a thought-provoking novel that delves into issues of race, privilege, and justice. It tells the story of Ruth, an African American labor and delivery nurse who is taken to court after a baby in her care dies. The book challenges readers to examine their own beliefs and biases, and raises important questions about equality and the complexities of the legal system.

The All-Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion by Fannie Flagg is a heartwarming and humorous novel that delves into the lives of women working at a filling station during World War II. The story follows a modern-day woman who uncovers her family's hidden history and finds unexpected connections along the way. It's a tale of friendship, identity, and the power of female resilience.

Naked is a collection of autobiographical essays by David Sedaris that offers a humorous and candid glimpse into his unconventional upbringing and coming-of-age experiences. With his trademark wit and self-deprecating humor, Sedaris shares stories about his family, relationships, and various odd jobs, inviting readers to laugh and reflect on the absurdities of life.

The Firm by John Grisham is a legal thriller that follows a young attorney named Mitch McDeere as he joins a prestigious law firm in Memphis. However, he soon discovers that the firm has some dark secrets and is involved in illegal activities. As Mitch tries to escape the firm's grip, he becomes entangled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse.

What Alice Forgot is a thought-provoking novel by Liane Moriarty. It tells the story of Alice, who loses her memory after a fall and wakes up thinking she's 29, when she's actually 39 and in the midst of a failing marriage. As she tries to piece together the last ten years of her life, she must confront the reality of who she has become and decide if she wants to make amends.

The Fault in Our Stars is actually written by John Green and tells the story of two teenagers, Hazel and Gus, who meet at a cancer support group. As they bond over their favorite books and share their fears and dreams, they embark on a journey that challenges their perspectives on life and love. It is a poignant and beautifully written novel that explores the complexities of living with illness and the power of human connection.

The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks tells the story of Logan Thibault, a Marine who believes he survived multiple tours in Iraq because he found a photograph of a woman. Determined to thank her, he sets out on a journey to find her. The novel explores themes of fate, love, and the impact of choices we make.

One Plus One by Jojo Moyes is a heartwarming novel about a single mother, her quirky children, and an unexpected romance. When Jess and her family embark on a road trip to a math competition, they are joined by Ed, a wealthy and troubled stranger. As they journey together, they discover that sometimes, one plus one can equal so much more than two.

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman is a compelling novel that delves into the life of the quirky and solitary Eleanor Oliphant. As Eleanor navigates through everyday life with her unique perspective, her carefully constructed world begins to unravel. This heartwarming and thought-provoking story explores themes of loneliness, the power of human connection, and the possibility of healing.

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty is a gripping novel that delves into the lives of three women whose seemingly perfect lives unravel to reveal dark secrets and lies. Set in a picturesque coastal town, the book explores themes of friendship, motherhood, and domestic violence, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella follows the story of high-powered lawyer Samantha Sweeting, who makes a life-changing mistake at work. In a moment of panic, she flees to the countryside and ends up taking on a new persona as a housekeeper for a wealthy family. Hilarity ensues as Samantha navigates the unfamiliar world of domestic duties and discovers unexpected truths about herself.

The Paris Wife by Paula McLain is a captivating novel that offers a glimpse into the life of Ernest Hemingway and his first wife, Hadley Richardson. Set in 1920s Paris, the book delves into the complexities of their relationship, the challenges they faced, and the impact it had on their careers and personal lives. McLain's beautiful storytelling brings the era and the characters to life, making it a must-read for historical fiction enthusiasts.

When We Believed in Mermaids by Barbara O'Neal is a captivating novel that delves into the complexities of family, secrets, and the power of forgiveness. After seeing her supposedly deceased sister on a news broadcast, Kit embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about her sister's past. Set against the stunning backdrop of New Zealand, this book is a poignant exploration of love and redemption.

Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell is a gripping psychological thriller that unravels the mystery of a young girl's disappearance. Told through multiple perspectives, the story delves into the dark and twisted secrets of a seemingly perfect family. With unexpected twists and turns, it keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

The Light Between Oceans tells the story of a lighthouse keeper and his wife who rescue a baby adrift in a rowboat and decide to raise her as their own. Set on a remote island off the coast of Australia, the novel explores themes of love, morality, and the consequences of difficult choices. M. L. Stedman's beautiful prose and gripping plot make this a captivating read that will stay with you long after turning the last page.

Swimming Lessons by Mary Alice Monroe is a heartwarming novel that delves into the complexities of family relationships and the power of second chances. Set in the beautiful backdrop of the Lowcountry in South Carolina, it tells the story of a mother and daughter who must learn to reconnect and heal old wounds. With vivid descriptions and engaging characters, this book is a captivating read that will stay with you long after you finish it.

The Hideaway by Lauren K. Denton is a captivating novel that takes you on a journey to a charming bed-and-breakfast in Sweet Bay, Alabama. When Sara inherits the B&B from her eccentric grandmother, she uncovers family secrets and rediscovers her own sense of belonging. With beautifully descriptive prose and a heartfelt story, this book will make you want to escape to the countryside and find your own hideaway.