I tried to rack my brains to think of books I have enjoyed reading on the beach. I prefer light, fun, cute reads for vacation- you don't want anything heavy bringing down your mood! I think books set in summer, warm countries or on vacation because then they add to your summery mood! I also like mysteries and thrillers because they are so addictive and you can just relax while engrossed in one. Here's my list:
Titles: The ENTIRE Sweet Valley High or Sweet Valley University series! Author: Francine Pascal Good on the Beach Because: These are the ultimate trashy, gossipy, beautiful people, beachy feel-good books. Me and my sister collected these and read them all when we were young and I still have to pack one if I'm ever going to the beach!
9.
Title: Anna and the French Kiss Author: Stephanie Perkins
Good on the Beach Because: As every book blogger will tell you, this book is much much more than its cheesy cover and title. It is romance and travel and culture and great writing that you get absolutely addicted to. Perfect beach read.
8.
Title: The Lover's Dictionary
Author: David Levithan
Good on the Beach Because: This book would be great to read on the beach because it is easy to read in short bursts between naps. It is simple, short and sweet.
7.
Titles: The ENTIRE 'Adventure' series by Enid Blyton
Author: Enid Blyton
Good for the Beach Because: I adore this series, which is highly underrated. It features four children and a parrot who go on REAL adventures. It is so English and wonderful and perfect for the beach due to shortness and their adventures are usually over the summer holidays so it makes you feel very summery and beachy!
6.
Title: The Secret History
Author: Donna Tartt
Good for the Beach Because: I'm not sure why, but this was the first book that came into my head when I saw this weeks theme! It is addictive and SO WELL WRITTEN and I think a great book for on holiday. Very character based and a great one to get lost in.
5.
Title: Death on the Nile
Author: Agatha Christie
Good for the Beach Because: I always read Agatha Christie books on the beach. They are quick, engrossing and she is the queen of the murder mystery! I especially love the Poirot books, of which 'Death on the Nile' is one. It is fantastic and because it is set in Egypt it has that vacation-y vibe.
4.
Title: Skin
Author: Roald Dahl
Good on the Beach Because: This is a book of short stories, which I think works really well on the beach as long as the stories have narratives and aren't all wishy washy and tedious. These are wonderfully written little stories that all have a punchline.
3.
Title: The Shell Seekers
Author: Rosamunde Pilcher
Good on the Beach Because: This is a lovely story that has my favorite holiday bits of any book I have ever read (one of the characters gives up her stressful work life for a year and goes to the nice, picturesque bit of Ibiza and it is wonderful). If you haven't read this book, grab a copy and get down to your nearest beach right now!
2.
Title: The Colour of Magic
Author: Terry Pratchett
Good on the Beach Because: Everyone needs to read at least one Terry Pratchett book in their lives and this is where you should start. The best world building ever, funny, witty and short so you can read it in one sun lounger sitting!
Title: The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Author: Stieg Larsson
Good for the Beach Because: Addictive. Long enough to last your entire holiday (unless you're like me and sat up all night reading it because you couldn't put it down!). If that does happen, there are always the two sequels which are just as good!