Beach Reads: What They Are, Their History, and 6 New Books
Discover the history of beach reads and summer reading and get six book recommendations.
Why We Love Beach Reads (Plus 6 Perfect Picks for Your TBR)
There’s something magical about picking the right book for summer—whether you’re actually lounging on the sand or just craving the laid-back vibes of vacation from home. But what even counts as a “beach read”? For some, it’s a breezy romcom. For others, it’s a twisty thriller they can’t put down. Personally, I think a beach read is any book that sweeps you up, keeps you turning the pages, and pairs perfectly with sunscreen and a cold drink.
What Exactly Is a Beach Read?
The Macmillan Dictionary defines a beach read as “a book you can take on holiday, which is good enough to keep you engaged but not so serious it will spoil your holiday.” I think that’s a good starting point, but I’d add this: the best beach reads are immersive, entertaining, and just plain fun—whether or not you ever set foot on sand.
A Brief History of Beach Reads
I found an article by Katy Waldman in The New Yorker, The Invention of the “Beach Read,” that I highly recommend you read.
Based on my reading of this article, and according to Waldman, summer reading became a thing due to two significant developments: one, travel became easier and more widely accessible due to steamships and railroads, and it allowed folks to escape the overcrowded cities; and two, folks were inspired to travel and engage in summer reading and other leisure activities because they were influenced by magazines and newspapers who started running articles on resort towns, summer activities, things to do and buy, plus the images of idle strolls at the beach and leisurely reading.
Publishers, of course, jumped on this trend, and they started creating summer reading lists and guides and series designed to keep folks occupied with reading material for the entire summer.
On the other hand, the term “beach reads” came into widespread use during the 1990s. So while the summer reading trend began in the early 1900’s beach reads was of the 1990s and, in my opinion, created purely for marketing.
Again, I highly recommend you read the article by Katy Waldman in The New Yorker, The Invention of the “Beach Read.”
6 Beach Reads to Add to Your Summer Reading List
Here are six books I couldn’t resist adding to my own summer TBR—each with a quick look at the story, why I chose it, and who it’s perfect for.
Ciao For Now by Kate Bromley
This swoony enemies-to-lovers romcom follows Violet, an American intern at a Roman fashion house, who immediately clashes with her boss’s grumpy son—only to find that sparks can’t be ignored forever. I chose this one because it perfectly balances humor, banter, and heart, and it left me smiling. If you love Emily in Paris vibes with a pinch of The Devil Wears Prada, this one’s for you.
A Most Agreeable Murder by Julia Seales
When a wealthy bachelor drops dead at a ball, Beatrice Steele—a young woman discouraged from indulging her detective obsessions—takes matters into her own hands in this witty Regency mystery. I picked this because it’s part comedy of manners, part whodunit, and it gave me that cozy-yet-clever reading experience I crave. Perfect for fans of Bridgertonwho also love Agatha Christie.
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Yellowface by R. F. Kuang
This razor-sharp satire follows June Hayward, a struggling author who steals her dead best friend’s manuscript and publishes it under her own name. I had to include this because it’s not only wildly entertaining but also makes you think about ambition, identity, and the publishing industry itself. Readers who like messy, thought-provoking fiction will devour it. It left me equal parts shocked and fascinated.
Bad Summer People by Emma Rosenblum
Set on Fire Island, this biting social thriller revolves around a clique of privileged New Yorkers whose summer is upended by a suspicious death. I selected this because it’s gossipy, juicy, and dark in all the right ways. If you’re into Big Little Lies–style secrets and scandals, this one belongs in your tote bag. It made me feel like I was eavesdropping on the beach’s juiciest conversations.
The Beach at Summerly by Beatriz Williams
Transporting us to mid-century New England, this lush historical novel follows Emilia Winthrop as she gets entangled in Cold War secrets and small-town intrigue. I loved this one because it’s rich with atmosphere and drama, the kind of book that completely sweeps you away. It’s for readers who love glamorous settings, high stakes, and smart heroines. It made me feel like I was walking along the shoreline with a secret of my own.
The Con Queen of Hollywood by Scott C. Johnson
This nonfiction thriller unravels the international hunt for a con artist who impersonated powerful Hollywood executives to scam creators and gig workers. I chose this because it reads like a novel—you’ll forget it’s true—and because it scratches the itch for readers who want their beach reads with a side of jaw-dropping real-world intrigue. It left me both fascinated and furious.
Final Thoughts
Beach reads might mean something different to each of us, but that’s part of their charm. For me, it’s about finding a book that feels immersive, entertaining, and perfectly paired with long summer days. Whether you’re into swoony romance, juicy thrillers, or escapist historicals, I hope this list inspires you to find your next perfect beach read.
Now tell me: What’s your all-time favorite beach read? And what’s on your list this summer? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to compare notes.
