29 Easy, Breezy Beach-Perfect Books

Soak in the sun, sand, surf, and stories!

What is it that makes reading at the beach so satisfying? There's nothing like getting lost in a book with your toes buried in the sand, sunlight glinting off the waves, a briney sea salt breeze on your face, and the roar of the surf drowning out all your worries. It's a double dose of escape.

But what makes a perfect beach read? Well, that depends on the reader. Some crave light, fluffy fare requiring minimal focus, while others are looking to immerse themselves in an epic saga. If you prefer an easy, breezy light read, here are 29 beach-perfect titles for you.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Aging and reclusive Hollywood legend Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell her story. Obscure magazine reporter Monique Grant is shocked when Hugo taps her—seemingly out of nowhere—to write the iconic star's biography.

Even Cowgirls Get the Blues by Tom Robbins

Follow small-town girl Sissy Hanshaw's wild hitchhiking odyssey from Virginia to chic Manhattan to the Dakota Badlands, where FBI agents, cowgirls, and ecstatic whooping cranes explode in a deliciously drawn-out climax.

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

Marcellus is a keenly intelligent giant Pacific octopus who forms a bond with Tova, the night cleaning lady at the aquarium where he lives. Unbeknownst to Tova, Marcellus holds the key to solving the decades-old mystery of her missing son. 

Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld

When her average-looking male coworker starts dating a celebrity, comedy writer Sally, writes a sketch about how that would never happen to a woman. Then how can she explain the sparks flying between her and a dreamy pop star host?

Travels with my Aunt by Graham Greene

Described by the author as "the only book I have written just for the fun of it," this is the story of Henry, whose septuagenarian Aunt Augusta persuades him to abandon his dull suburban existence and join her on a raucous adventure.

Haven Point by Virginia Hume

1944: A nurse at Walter Reed Medical Center, midwesterner Maren falls for Oliver, a doctor whose family owns a summer estate on Maine's rocky coastline. Tracing seven decades, this generational saga explores what it means to belong to a place.

Book Lovers by Emily Henry

Nora, a big-city literary agent, embarks reluctantly on an extended vacation with her sister in a sleepy North Carolina town. Once there, she struggles to relax, beset by repeated run-ins with Charlie, a brooding editor from the city.

The Alchemist by Paul Coelho

Santiago is a young Andalusian shepherd who dreams of buried treasure in Egypt and sets out to find it. With the simplicity and richness of a fable, this novel offers the thrill of a treasure hunt, combined with the depth of a spiritual quest.

We Could Be So Good by Cat Sebastian

1950s NYC: Nick Russo is a gruff reporter from a rough Brooklyn neighborhood. Andy Fleming is the gentle son of a newspaper mogul, being groomed to take over. As the two men get acquainted, feelings bloom between them.

Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg

A plucky retirement home resident shares her story with an interested visitor. Her tale introduces the irrepressible tomboy Idgie and her friend Ruth—who back in the thirties ran a little restaurant in Whistle Stop, Alabama.

The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren

Olive is usually the unlucky twin. But when her charmed sister gets food poisoning at her own wedding, Olive finds herself headed to Maui, pretending to be newly married to best man Ethan, who also happens to be her sworn enemy.

The Princess Bride by William Goldman

The thrilling and timeless tale of Buttercup, Westley, and their fellow adventurers offers adventure, romance, and humor aplenty. The popular 1987 film may already be familiar to you, but if you haven't read the book, you're missing out.

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

Eleanor struggles with social skills and relies heavily on a carefully scheduled life of routines. This charming novel follows its quirky and troubled narrator as she learns that the only way to survive is to open herself up to friendship.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

In the wake of WWII, writer Juliet Ashton finds herself corresponding with a man she's never met, a native of the island of Guernsey. Captivated by his stories, she sets sail for Guernsey, and what she finds will change her forever.

The Guncle by Steven Rowley

When once-famous sitcom star Patrick, aka GUP (Gay Uncle Patrick), takes on the role of primary guardian for the summer to his niece and nephew, Maisie and Grant (nine and six, respectively), he's a bit out of his comfort zone.

The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen

Hart is a lonely marshal, tasked with the unforgiving job of patrolling the magical wilds of Tanria. Harried undertaker Mercy is tired of dealing with sullen jerks like Hart, who seems to have a gift for showing up right when her patience is thinnest.

A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson

The endlessly entertaining travel author chronicles his journey with a friend to hike the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. Marked by misadventure and witty anecdotes, Bryson's account is both amusing and inspiring.

Tom Lake by Ann Patchett

Spring 2020: Lara's three daughters return to their family's Michigan cherry orchard. As they bring in the harvest, Lara relates the story of her summer at Tom Lake, working as an actress and falling in love with famous actor Peter Duke.

The Perfect Couple by Elin Hilderbrand

It's Nantucket wedding season. When a body is found in the harbor, everyone in the lavish Otis-Winbury wedding party becomes a suspect. As Chief of Police Ed Kapenash discovers, every wedding is a minefield—and no couple is perfect.

The Bodyguard by Katherine Center

Hannah, a no-nonsense Executive Protection Agent, aka bodyguard, is less than thrilled with the fluff job of protecting superstar Jack Stapleton from a stalker. Adding insult to injury, he asks her to pose as his girlfriend while visiting his family.

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

In a peaceful retirement village, four unlikely friends meet weekly to discuss unsolved crimes. Then a local developer is found dead. As bodies begin to pile up, can this unorthodox but brilliant gang catch the killer, before it's too late?

Last Summer at the Golden Hotel by Elyssa Friedland

Long buried secrets emerge and new scandals erupt as two estranged clans convene for the summer at their beloved, but beleaguered, getaway in the Catskills. Perfect for fans of Dirty Dancing and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. 

Someone Else's Shoes by Jojo Moyes

Nisha lives the glamorous life of the super-wealthy, while down-on-her-luck Sam is struggling to keep her family afloat. When Sam accidentally picks up Nisha's bag at the gym one day, both women find themselves at an unexpected crossroads.

Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel

Earthy, magical, and utterly charming, this tale of family life in turn-of-the-century Mexico blends poignant romance, bittersweet wit, and delicious recipes. The beloved tale of mothers, daughters, and culinary tradition will make you hungry.

The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith

Meet the engaging Precious Ramotswe, Botswana's premier lady detective. With help from her loyal associate, Grace Makutsi, she navigates her cases and her personal life with wisdom, good humor, and the occasional cup of tea.

Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout

Through a series of interconnected stories set in the small town of Crosby, Maine, get to know the thorny, uncompromising Olive, a retired schoolteacher grappling with the indignities of growing older in a changing world.

Good Material by Dolly Alderton

Andy loves Jen. Jen loved Andy. And he can't work out why she stopped. Now he's without a home, still waiting for his stand-up career to take off, and wondering why everyone else seems to have grown up while he wasn't looking.

Meant To Be by Emily Giffin

He's American royalty. She comes from a troubled past. This chic, history-inspired summer read offers shades of the captivating romance between JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, posing the question: Are certain love stories meant to be?

Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding

In this devastatingly self-aware, laugh-out-loud daily chronicle, meet Bridget Jones—a 30-something Singleton who is certain she would have all the answers if she could: A) lose 7 pounds, B) stop smoking, and C) develop Inner Poise.

There you have it, from lasting classics to charming new titles, this is your list of easy, breezy, beach-perfect books. You can also check out our ultimate Beach-Perfect Books list, as well as our Beach-Perfect Thrillers edition.

And if you can't make it to the beach, these books will be equally as enjoyable in your backyard or a local park.

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Read more by Ashly Moore Sheldon