What makes a great beach read? There’s really no one perfect definition or genre to encompass all these varied, wonderful books. In general, though, we usually think of beach reads as the kinds of books you can pack in a bag and bring with you to read while you’re lounging by the pool, on the beach, or in the park to soak up some sun while you relax. They might be fluffy romances, engrossing adventures, or heartwarming tales of family and history, but they probably won’t be too heavy or demanding — they’re reads for relaxation, above all.
From icons of literature to brand-new books from the past few years, there’s no shortage of great picks for your beach reading! Check out just a handful of our favorites that will pair perfectly with your summer plans.
— Additional reporting by Emily Weaver and Sabienna Bowman
