If you’re anything like us, one of the first items you toss in your beach tote is a book. Plus, you’re probably looking for a new book to dive in to rather than reading the one the semi-liked from last year. From inspiring true stories to lighthearted romantic comedies, we’ve shared our top five new books, each of which is perfect to immerse yourself in at the beach. Take a peek at our list below:
- The Gone Dead by Chanelle Benz: A touching Southern mystery embedded with plentiful compassion, The Gone Dead is the perfect easy beach read. After 30 years, Billie returns home to a nearly deserted town apart from her only neighbors, the McGees – a family who has been connected to Billie’s since the days of slavery. All seems well until she hears a rumor that Billie herself went missing on the day her father died. Filled with a rich history and gut-wrenching memories, The Gone Dead unveils the long-concealed wounds of a family. You’ll be on your toes from start to finish.
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- A Dream About Lightning Bugs: A true story about American singer-songwriter, Ben Folds, explores painful life-lessons that helped him grow and develop insight. This book recalls Folds’ earliest childhood dreams and delves into how much it influenced his development as an artist. A Dream About Lightning Bugs is divided into several short stories where each tells a unique life story that shaped Folds into the person he became.
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- The Dreamers by Karen Thompson Walker: This novel takes place in a college town in Southern California, setting the perfect scene for a beach book. When one girl falls asleep and does not wake, even with medical assistance, her friends begin to worry. Soon enough, this sleeping spell spreads to multiple people. The twist? The “dreamers” show higher brain activity than ever recorded before. So, what could possibly be the explanation? This novel explores the possibilities that await humans if we only open our eyes to them.
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- The Second Mountain by David Brooks: An incredibly insightful novel explores what Brooks calls “two mountains.” The first mountain is the one that we think we’re supposed to follow: school, career, and goals that are aligned with success in terms of our society’s definition of success. When we get to the top of this mountain, we feel unsatisfied. The other mountain focuses on a journey dedicated to others rather than the inner-self. On this mountain, people want things that are truly worth wanting, not what society convinces them they want or will bring them success. The second mountain is comprised of 4 commitments which is fleshed out through personal accounts of people who have lived joyous and committed lives. From this, Brooks uses the character’s wisdom to tells readers how we can integrate these commitments into one fruitful purpose. Truly inspiring and propelling, The Second Mountain should be at the top of your reading list.
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- The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary: After a devastating breakup, Tiffy creates the so-called perfect roommate schedule with a man named Leon who works night shifts. While this duo is seemingly the perfect roommate match, one can only imagine what awaits them when both Tiffy and Leon begin to leave each other notes as their primary form of communication. For a light beach read, The Flatshare is the optimal romantic comedy for those seeking a playful romance novel.
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Have you read any notable new releases lately? If so, please share them with us! We’re always looking for a new book to get lost in. Plus, tag us on Instagram with the book you’re currently reading on the beach!
