As summer arrives it is important to keep yourself entertained and occupied. To pass time many students turn to spending time with friends, shopping, swimming, walking, etc. So during those days when you don’t have any plans, or during those hours you spend laying outside trying to get a nice tan, you should read a book. The best part about reading for pleasure is that the books you choose to read don’t have to be philosophical, you don’t have to analyze like you do in school! You can simply enjoy the story written on the pages. So as summer approaches, here is a list of beach reads to enjoy.
The Perfect Couple, written by Elin Hilderbrand is a great beach read. The novel takes place in Nantucket, Massachusetts, where the Otis-Winbury wedding will be held. The wedding is expected to be extremely intricate and lavish, there is only one problem; a body discovered in the harbor just before the wedding is supposed to take place. Chief of Police Ed Kapenash suspects everyone, including the wedding party. In addition to reading the Novel, Netflix also produced a mini series on this novel starring Nicole Kidman.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, by Taylor Jenkins Reid, tells the tale of a fictional movie star, and each of her seven marriages. Nearing the end of her life Hugo spills all the details of her rise to fame to unknown reporter Monique Grant. The details of Evelyn’s life become more complicated and Grant questions if this is the right job for her. “I loved this book so much. I found Evelyn’s life so entertaining and endearing,” said sophomore Eloise McDonald.
Written by Alison Espach, The Wedding People takes place in Newport, Rhode Island at the luxurious Cornwall Inn. Phoebe Stone arrives with the intention of spending her last 24 hours by the beach before taking her own life. Instead, she is mistaken by guests as one of the wedding attendees. When the bride discovers Phoebe’s plans she tries to stop her suicide. The bride, Lila’s efforts are not simply to help Phoebe, but to save her wedding.
Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson follows three women of the wealthy New York Stockton family. Sasha, a graphic designer from a middle class family who married into the family, older sister Darley who struggles with her decision to quit working, and younger sister Geogrine who deals with the moral struggles of an affair. As each grapples with changes in their lives the three begin to grow closer and rely on each other. The novel also follows each of their struggles to fit in society and within their own family.
Normal People written by Salley Rooney tells the story of love, connection and mental health. All their life Connell and Marianne have gone to the same school, however they never spoke until their senior year in highschool. The more time spent together a stronger connection grows between the two of them, although they won’t admit it. Both driven students end up at Trinity College in Dublin and their lives circle one and other. The plot weaves through their joyful, and hard times in life through break-ups and successes. In 2020, Hulu released the show version of this novel starring Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar Jones.
Another great beach read by Taylor Jenkins Reid is Malibu Rising. This novel takes place in Malibu and the plot revolves around the famous Riva family. As the night progresses the party dives into further chaos, by morning the house is up in flames. Simultaneously the story also follows the love story of the parents and ultimately the undoing of their marriage. In the end the family has to choose what part of their past to keep or leave behind, including secrets.
