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Check out this season's hottest titles & add them to your list of books you need to read this summer!

You’ve got your beach towel, swimsuit, and snacks ready to go, but where’s your book? If you need some suggestions for the juiciest beach reads this summer, BookPal has you covered. Take a break in between splashing around to relax with some of these new and classic beach reads.

 

Romance/Drama

Even if it’s fictional, what’s better than a summer romance? Make your time at the beach even hotter (excuse the corniness) with some of these book picks:

1. Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari

You’ve probably heard comedian Aziz Ansari joke about technology, whether it’s in an episode of Parks and Recreation or during one of his stand up specials. Now his book on the subject takes a crack at the actual social issues that surround society when it comes to technology and dating. Ansari makes modern romance a little less terrifying, as he pokes fun at new dating complexities like online profiles and emojis.

2. Grey: Fifty Shades of Grey as Told by Christian by E. L. James

Maybe you still don’t want to admit to your friends that you read the Fifty Shades of Grey series — or that you saw the movie several times. But now that the book from Christian Grey’s perspective is out, you might be tempted to buy it. Yet, you may still not be ready to read it openly at the beach…

3. Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

When Eleanor and Park first start falling in love, they are keen to all the pitfalls and pain that are bound to accompany their young love. Yet, their logic can’t keep them from falling for one another. This cute, honest love story is perfect for a sweet summer read!

4. The Rumor by Elin Hilderbrand

Filled with scandal, housewives, and cocktails, author Elin Hilderbrand delivers all the elements of a true “guilty pleasure” read. If you’re looking for a steamy, gossipy novel then, this is your perfect summer read.

 

Suspense/Thriller

These books are sure to keep you on the edge of your beach chair.

1. Tom Clancy Under Fire by Grant Blackwood

Tom Clancy is pretty well known for his action, heart pounding books, and his latest novel definitely does not seem dull. As part of the Jack Ryan Jr. series, we follow Jack Ryan Jr. from Iran to Russia as he tries to find his longtime friend Seth Gregory -- hopefully before some other shady characters reach him first.

2. Finders Keepers by Stephen King

Based on this new novel, as well as the terrifying “Misery,” (Kathy Bates is still in my nightmares) author Stephen King seems to have some fears about his fans turning on him. The spook master’s newest novel focuses on an author’s obsessed fan who will do anything to obtain a new novel from him. His murderous quest spans decades, as he attempts to uncover the book that he’s willing to kill for.

3. Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

It seems as though everyone has been talking about this book since it’s release at the beginning of the year. So, if you haven’t read it yet, summer may be the perfect time to relax and unwind with this intense, “I refuse to sleep or eat until it’s finished” book.

4. Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll

This novel abides by classic suspense themes, as a book about a woman with a seemingly perfect life, but with a dark secret lurking in her past. If you read this right after “Girl on a Train” or “Her,” you may not be able to trust anyone for weeks.

 

Beach Themed

If you can’t get enough of the beach, then here are some books to remind you of your favorite summer spot while you’re inside.

1. Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life by William Finnegan 

Surfer William Finnegan’s memoir is the ideal book to read if you want real, in-depth summer vibes. His detailed memoir of his life surfing waves all around the world paints a beautiful picture of the culture and character of the classic summer sport.

2. Adrift by Paul Griffin

Though this is a young adult novel, young adult books always make for the greatest guilty pleasure reads. It’s filled with action and adventure, as five teens lost at sea have to learn to work together. This book will definitely make you appreciate sitting on your beach towel on dry land.

3. The Vacationers by Emma Straub

While vacation is supposed to be a time of relaxation and camaraderie, Emma Straub’s “The Vacationers” exposes the real stress families can experience even in paradise. With an idyllic island backdrop, continual past dramas expose and test the Post family’s true dynamic.

4. Does This Beach Make Me Look Fat? by Lisa Scottoline & Francesca Serritella

Written by a mother and daughter, this book is made up of funny stories that anyone can relate to and enjoy. It’s perfect for a light read on the beach and some giggles.

 

New Releases

Use your time at the beach to catch up on the books everyone will be gossiping about at the water cooler on Monday.

1. Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee

This book is a pretty big deal. As the companion to Harper Lee’s classic novel “To Kill a Mockingbird,” it features a grown up Scout returning to Maycomb to visit her father Atticus Finch. It’s not often that sequels to classic novels are unearthed, so don’t miss out on this rare reading opportunity.

2. In the Unlikely Event by Judy Blume

Yet another famous author is releasing a new book. Judy Blume’s latest novel feels just like a classic Judy Blume novel — centered on dynamic relationships that the reader can feel for. The novel also draws on Blume’s own experiences during the 1950’s, making it personal and heartfelt.

3. Aurora by Kim Stanley Robinson

SciFi lovers rejoice! Acclaimed science fiction writer Kim Stanley Robinson is releasing a new title this summer. Explore a new planet and the challenges faced by its new inhabitants in this exciting work of space fantasy.

4. God Help the Child by Toni Morrison

Nobel laureate and author Toni Morrison returns with a novel that explores how the sufferings of childhood can shape and misshape the life of the adult. If you've read any of her other bestsellers, you know you're in for a powerful, life-changing read!

 

What are the top three books on your summer reading list? Share with us by leaving a comment below!

 

This post was written by Sydney Moorhead, a customer service associate at BookPal. She is currently reading Work Rules by Laszlo Bock, Eat Move Sleep by Tom Rath and Stir by Jessica Fechtor.