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12 Summer Beach Reads That You Won’t Be Able to Put Down
Best Books to Read On the beach 2021
Does your ultimate beach bag checklist include “books”? Are you someone who spends endless hours at the beach reading while listening to the soothing sound of the sea?
Then you’re going to love this ultimate list of summer beach reads!
I do find it hard to describe “what’s the perfect beach or summer read”. As often people love to read mystery, non-fiction or books like Harry Potter!
For instance, the other day, I was watching Bill Gates’ 5 summer book recommendations on Youtube and was quite surprised to see that the list mostly consists of non-fiction. From “The Choice by Edith Eger and “The Ride of a Lifetime” by Bob Iger to “Good Economics for Hard Times” by Abhijit V. Banerjee & Esther Duflo.
If you want to spend your summer vacation reading books that make you think or inspire you to work hard, have a look at
If you want to relax and enjoy great beach reads that are perfect page-turners, let’s get started!
Dial A for Aunties Novel by Jesse Q. Sutanto
Dial A for Aunties is a comedy thriller with an amalgamation of rom-com and murder mystery. Set in the background of the Chinese- Indonesian heritage and traditions. When Meddelin Chan accidentally kills her blind date, it’s her mother and aunts who help her get rid of it. A charming and unpredictable dark comedy that will make you laugh for hours.
Praise for the book
“Jesse Q. Sutanto’s Dial A for Aunties is a hilarious, heartfelt romp of a novel about—what else?—accidental murder and the bond of family. This book had me laughing aloud within its first five pages, and kept me bouncing between anxiety and delight until its very last. Utterly clever, deeply funny, and altogether charming, this book is sure to be one of the best of the year!”—Emily Henry, New York Times bestselling author of Beach Read
The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren
The New York Times bestselling author of The Unhoneymooners new novel is about a single mom Jessica Davis, a hardworking freelance statistician. When she and her best friend Fizzy learn about a new DNA-based matchmaking company they decide to give it a go. The intriguing story and charming characters make this a perfect beach romance.
Praise for the book
“Lauren, the author duo behind The Honey-Don’t List (2020) and countless other rom-coms, not only introduce a fascinating and unique premise but flawlessly execute it with their trademark humour and charm… A sexy, science-filled, and surprising romance full of warmth and wit.” ― Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
This sparkling adorable novel is about two polar opposite best friends- Alex and Poppy. Best pals from college always take a summer vacation together. However, due to unexpected events they didn’t talk for years. But poppy suggests one last trip to save their friendship. The story takes us to both their present and past summer trips. Gorgeous beach read for rom-com fans.
Praise for the book
“Emily Henry is my newest automatic-buy author, and People We Meet on Vacation is the perfect getaway: a heartfelt, funny, tender escape that you wish could last forever.”
—Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Two Ways
The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes: A Story of Love, Loss, and Rock-and-roll by Xio Axelrod
The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes is a faced-paced coming-of-age story of Toni B. As a kid, Toni B enjoyed spending time with smart Sebastian Quick. Although both had dreamed of running away from the small town, Seb leaves without her. Years later, she meets him during an audition in a new band. If you love romance, music and admirable characters this the best beach read for you.
Praise for the book
I devoured The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes! It’s so incredibly good! Axelrod’s richly complex characters and her authentic world of up-and-coming musicians deliver a truly captivating read. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. Xio Axelrod is an auto-buy for me! – Karen Rose, #1 Internationally Bestselling Author
The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth
This instant New York Times bestseller is about Rose and Fern, non-identical twins who have been extremely close despite their distinct personalities. Rose is an interior designer and Fern is a librarian. Told from two different perspectives, The Good Sister is a mix of psychological thriller and family drama. A compelling, unputdownable beach read.
Praise for the book
“Punchy prose helps propel the twisty plot to a creepy but satisfying conclusion. For fans of domestic dramas, this is a treat.“―Publishers Weekly
Twice Shy Book by Sarah Hogle
The story follows Maybell Parish, who always preferred living in her own world. When she inherits her great aunt’s estate, she prepares herself for a new life. However, she soon learns about Wesley Koehler, the co-inheritor of her aunt’s house. A bad-tempered man and a falling-apart house, Maybell has to face the tumultuous situation herself. A humorous and feel-good rom-com for your beach reading list.
Praise for the book :
Hogle did a marvellous job of turning what could be a heavy and predictable tale into a lighthearted story full of surprises, redemption and love.”—USA Today
Hana Khan Carries On by Uzma Jalaluddin
Twenty-four-years old Hana is a part-time waitress at her parents’ restaurant and a girl with big dreams. She also runs an anonymous podcast in order to tell the stories of her community. But life happens and Hana finds it difficult to achieve her life goals. Filled with fabulous and engaging characters and a storyline, Hana Khan Carries On is an epic summer beach read.
Praise for the book :
Hana Khan Carries On serves us all the ingredients of a delicious tale: a dynamic setting, vibrant characters, a romantic problem of wires-crossed proportions, and a lead you’ll find yourself rooting for until the end. Truly a burst of joy! — S.K. Ali, author of Love from A to Z
The Rose Code by Kate Quinn
A terrific World War II story that concentrates on three women from different backgrounds who carry distinctive personalities, develop a close friendship while working for the British allied code-breaking operation during the second world war. However, soon after they tear apart by secrets and disloyalty. A must-read for lovers of Alice Network.
Praise for the book :
“A knockout of a story, written by the reigning queen of historical fiction. Quinn’s trio of heroines practically leaps off the page in this stunning novel, which melds spy-hunting with love stories that will stir your soul. A book for the ages.” — Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Lions of Fifth Avenue
The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui
A beautifully illustrated memoir that explores the physical and mental suffering of immigrant parents. Bui takes us through her parents’ escape from Vietnam and the major stumbling block as migrant parents in a new country. A heart-wrenching life chronicle you would love.
Praise for the book :
“Thi Bui’s book took my breath away. In a time of continuing refugee crisis, its message is necessary. The Best We Could Do expands one family’s personal story into a global, historic context while condensing generations of war in Vietnam to intimate and human proportions. Beautiful and powerful.”-Craig Thompson author and illustrator of Blankets and Habibi
Kate in Waiting by Becky Albertalli
New York Times bestselling author Becky Albertalli’s new novel is about two best friends- Kate Garfield and Anderson Walker. They always enjoyed “sharing crushes”. However, things aren’t the same ever since they started to have feelings for Matt. With funny and adorable characters, Kate in Waiting will definitely entertain your summer reading days.
Praise for the book
“Albertalli has crafted a rom-com that’s not only sharp and funny, but distinguished by its casually diverse LGBTQ cast’s awareness that friendship (among friends, to be sure, but also siblings, and gasp, romantic interests) is as important as love.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
America for Beginners by Leah Franqui
A humorous tale that explores the themes of family, immigration and the great American dream. There are a few main characters- a widow from Kolkata, Pival Sengupta who is preparing her American journey. There is the owner of a tour company, Ronnie Munshi, a Bangladeshi. And Rebecca Elliot , a young actress turned tour guide. With easy to love characters and countless laugh out loud moments, Leah Franqui’s debut novel is a feel-good summer beach read.
Praise for the book
“Compassionate and funny, America For Beginners delves into the complications of the family as three unlikely companions venture across a country that challenges their understanding of themselves. A charming debut by a fresh new voice.” — Brit Bennett, author of The Mothers
The Stationery Shop by Marjan Kamali
This enchanting story of love and loss is set in two timelines – 1950s Iran and 2010s USA. The main character Roya lives in Iran during the political turmoil. Her love for books and poetry take her to the nearby stationery shop. Soon after she meets the lover of her Bahman in the shop. However, the unstable politics and government make their life problematic. An astounding novel that discusses love, culture, politics and relationships.
Praise for the book
“A beautiful, emotionally honest story about first love, deep family bonds, and fate.” ― Pop Sugar
There you have the 12 best books to read on the beach 2021.
Time for Your action:
What are some of your all-time favourite summer reads? Let me know in the comments!
Always curious to hear from you,
Stephy
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Stephy George
