Best Books to Read for a Blissful Beach Vacation
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Beach lovers around the world know - there's nothing that comes close to the feeling of sinking into a juicy novel while the ocean breeze gently blows your hair. The smell of the ocean, the feel of the warm sun, and the sound of the waves all combine for the ultimate sensory experience. Combined with a comfy lounge chair and story you can't put down, it's no surprise we can spend all day glued to the page! Read on for a list of our favorite beach reads - the ones we come back to again and again.
Best Romantic Comedy: The Unhoneymooners
Fans of romantic comedies will love Christina Lauren's The Unhoneymooners a story about two unlikely enemies who turn out not to hate each quite so much. Olive and Ethan have a history - one that's full of sour looks and veiled insults. They tolerate each other because their siblings are engaged. When an unlucky (or is it?) break thrusts them together for a week in Maui, they quickly discover just how much they hate each other. Or, do they?
There's comedy, drama, steamy romance, and enough predictability to ensure that feel-good feeling we all expect from Lauren. Plus, the lush setting is the perfect complement to whatever beach view you're enjoying.
We recommend having a Mai Tai on hand for this one.
Best For Restoring Faith in Humanity: The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise
Don't be fooled by the description on Dan Gemeinhart's The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise. Sure, it might be written for kids, but there's enough meat in here for adults too.
Coyote and her dad are nomads, living out of an old school bus Rodeo turned into a sanctuary after a devastating car crash turned their world upside down. When the last vestige of the past is threatened again, they begin a journey to heal, reconnect, and rescue what they've lost. Along the way, they meet people who will change both their lives forever. Plenty of hilarity ensues, but so do plenty of moments to restore your faith in humanity.
You'll smile, you'll laugh, and you'll cry. Worth it.
Best for What Could Have Been: The Midnight Library
If you've ever wondered what could have been (deep thoughts for vacation, right?), you'll love Matt Haig's The Midnight Library.
Nora is done. Done, done, and done. Life isn't what she wanted, and she doesn't know how to fix it. Doesn't even know if it can be fixed. And doesn't know where to start. If only there was a way to experience all those decisions she didn't make...
From large dreams to small dreams, and everything in between, Nora does. Over and over, she chooses what could have been. Eventually, she'll choose what will be. You'll cheer her on, and you'll begin thinking about all those dreams you once had. And who knows? Maybe when you get home you'll chase them.
Best for Belonging: The House in the Cerulean Sea
Sometimes, you need a story that makes no sense and all kinds of sense. That's impossible...yet so possible. That speaks to the weird and wonderful things within each of us. TJ Klune's The House in the Cerulean Sea is that book.
Part misfits tale, part coming home story, all joy. There are monsters and demons and garden gnomes. There are dogs. There are bad guys, there are good guys, and there are bad guys who turn out to be good guys. There are questions and answers and questions. There are battles and wars and moments of bravery, and moments of indescribable strength and compassion. There's fear and hate, hope and love, separateness and belonging.
And through it all, there's a world you'll never forget.
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