The warm weather is a time to lose yourself in a book while lounging on the beach or seeking shade under a tree. Here are five refreshingly light, fun beachside reads perfect for escaping into another world, igniting your imagination, and tugging at your heartstrings.
1. The Summer of Lost Letters by Hannah Reynolds
Abby Schoenberg is waiting for an adventure the summer before her final year in secondary school. One rainy day, she discovers a bunch of love letters from a man named Edward, who had written them to Abby’s late grandmother in the 1950s. The teen heads to the island where Edward lives and meets his grandson, Noah. As Abby and Noah uncover secrets about their grandparents’ relationship, they grow closer and realise it will take courage for them to confront the past.
“Usually, I wasn’t moved to tears by real-life events ... Then, when I was deep in the safety of a book and came across an emotional scene, I would cry deep, wrenching tears, out of proportion with the text.”
2. Someone Who Will Love You in All Your Damaged Glory by Raphael Bob-Waksberg
Written by the creator of the beloved animated comedy series BoJack Horseman, Bob-Waksberg’s collection of short stories explores modern relationships. Through a blend of humour, absurdity, and heartfelt moments, the stories explore love in its many forms. With his witty tone, Bob-Waksberg invites readers to think about vulnerability and the search for meaning in life.
“Love is about deciding that every single thing about another person is worth it.”
3. The Museum of Ordinary People by Mike Gayle
An old set of encyclopaedias containing an unusual collection of letters and photographs left by her late mother leads a young woman to an intriguing place known as the Museum of Ordinary People. Drawn to its collections, she becomes the museum’s unofficial caretaker, working alongside its enigmatic owner to uncover and explore the poignant stories behind the objects they curate.
“Even the path of least resistance leads somewhere, and not necessarily to the place you want to end up.”
4. The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
Written by the bestselling author of Tomorrow, Tomorrow and Tomorrow, this novel follows A.J. Fikry, a grumpy bookstore owner whose life takes an unexpected turn when a mysterious package appears in his store. Filled with humour and heartwarming moments, the novel celebrates the power of books and community.
“We read to know we’re not alone.”
5. A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare
For those seeking literary classics, this whimsical comedy is the perfect summer read. Set in Athens and an enchanted forest during midsummer, the play follows four young lovers and a group of amateur actors who become entangled with the mischievous antics of fairies. Blending magic and romance, this beloved tale is sure to give you a delightful fever dream in the summertime.
“Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind, and therefore is winged Cupid painted blind.”
