Summer Beach Reads
If you know me, you know that I love to read. I read all the time for school, but law school requires reading that is significantly more dense than what I enjoy doing in my spare time. My genre of choice is a little mixed, but I generally love beach reads/romantic comedies and memoirs of people that I find inspirational. I’ve linked everything here to Amazon, but I’m a huge proponent of supporting local bookstores or even checking out books from your public library. One of my favorite ways to read is using the Overdrive app— you sync your library card and then you have access to all of your library’s e-books! Some popular titles will have waitlists (on average I’m probably only on the waitlist for a week or so unless the title is crazy popular), but many don’t. If you have a tablet, definitely check it out! Here are a few of my favorites that would be perfect to pack along for your summer vacation, plus a few that are on my TBR (“to be read”) list!
Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
This is one of my favorite books that I’ve ever read! It reads like a script, but in the way that a reality show is produced, if that makes sense (think the confessionals). For the longest time, I did not realize this was fiction…which is pathetic. It took me Googling their music to realize that “Daisy Jones and the Six” was not a real band— so don’t feel bad if you thought the same. Great news is that Reese Witherspoon’s production company, Hello Sunshine, along with Amazon Studios, is producing a 12-episode series based on the book.Beach Read by Emily Henry
Obviously, a book with this title deserves to be read at the beach. I also gave this 5 stars! It was such an easy and fun read, but it contained a few unexpected plot twists.One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London
If you’re a fan of reality TV/The Bachelor franchise in general, you’ve got to read this. Such a fun read that I read in like 3 days during the school semester…it was that good.The Guest List by Lucy Foley
Normally, I’m not a mystery reader, but my book club gets me reading things that are sometimes out of my comfort zone. This was so good, even William read it after me and liked it!Rush by Lisa Patton
If you went to Ole Miss (or really any school SEC school), you’ll think this is an interesting read. The author was my aunt’s pledge sister! I thought it was kitchy at times, but overall it was a good, easy read that will bring you right back to freshman year of college.The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
I read this one because everyone said it was so good, and it lived up to the hype. It wasn’t the ending I was expecting, but it was still good!In Five Years by Rebecca Serle
If you’re in your twenties, this one will really get you. I could not predict where this one was going until the very end!The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
This is by the same author as Daisy Jones, and it was recommended to me by so many people. I loved this one. So many twists and turns, and I love a book about old Hollywood. Very glamorous, and full of steamy details. The main character gave me Marilyn Monroe/Elizabeth Taylor vibes. Very, very good read!Educated by Tara Westover
This is a memoir, so if you like more a light page-turner, skip this one. This is one of the most interesting books that I’ve ever read. I don’t know a ton about the Mormon faith, so reading this was incredibly eye-opening, plus inspirational to realize where the author started and where she ended up.In the Sanctuary of Outcasts by Neil White
This is another memoir, but one of the most interesting books that I’ve ever read. Long story short, the author went to prison for kiting checks, and the prison he was sent to doubled as one of the last hospitals for lepers (located in Louisiana). Wild. The author now resides in Oxford, and I later found out that his wife was one of my professors!The Nest by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney
I read this one on my honeymoon! It was such a quick read. William read it after me and enjoyed it, too!Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
I love the South and southern culture in general, particularly North and South Carolina (you can imagine, I was obsessed with “Outer Banks” on Netflix).
What I’m Currently Reading:
Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty
This is such an interesting and funny setting and plot. I’m only about halfway done, but I’m enjoying it. One of my friends told me that it’s supposed to be made into a Hulu show, which I think would be hilarious!My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh
You’ve probably seen the cover of this book. It’s widely popular which is why I went to read it in the first place. I read a review of this book that described it as “darkly hilarious” and I think I have to agree. Not what I thought this was going to be (I’m a little over halfway done)— it’s a little repetitive, but I find the protagonist interesting in that I’m getting to see a glimpse inside someone’s head who is so incredibly different from me. Reviews on the book are polarizing, but if you like dark humor I’d give it a shot.
On my TBR (meaning I haven’t read them, so no promises but I have heard good things!!)
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
This is by the same author as Daisy Jones and Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and just came out June 1! I can’t wait to read. I know the setting is Malibu in the ‘80s, but that’s all I know!Verity by Colleen Hoover
I haven’t read any Colleen Hoover, but I’ve heard so many good things. I have heard this is a great mystery, and is very steamy!!Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah
I haven’t read anything by Kristin Hannah (yet), but so many of her books have been recommended to me (The Great Alone and The Nightingale, specifically)! I haven’t watched Firefly Lane on Netflix yet, just caught bits and pieces from when it was on while William was watching it (he watches TV while I read/study for school, meaning that he has watched way more shows than me, and the ones that we have both seen, we likely have watched at different times).The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley
Same author as The Guest List. I’ve heard the plots are really similar, but still want to read it!The Duke and I by Julia Quinn
Ok, so little known fact….my grandmother is the author of an adult romance novel. No, I’m not kidding! That would make a great two-truths-and-a-lie fact. She got the inspiration for her first novel from The Duke and I, the first of the Bridgerton series. I loved Bridgerton on Netflix, and since my grandmother loves romance novels, my mom and I wanted to start a book club with her. We’re starting with The Duke and I (yes, Granny has already read it, but we thought it would be a good starting point).
Let me know if y’all read any of my recs, or if you’ve already read one of the books on my TBR list! Happy summer and happy reading!
xoxo,
-Bess