Culture

17 Librarian-Approved Beach Books To Add To Your TBR Pile

I’m a self-proclaimed true crime addict, which basically means I seek out crime-themed podcasts, watch SNAPPED marathons, and post in Facebook “Whodunnit?” groups. Not surprisingly, I have a penchant for mystery novels, even ones that border on horror.

By Rachel Sokol5 min read
Pexels/Наталья Маркина

Don’t worry, I take mental health breaks from all the doom and gloom. That’s why I love beach reads – emotionally “lighter” books that pack a little punch and won’t freak me out. Beach reads are books you can finish in one breezy afternoon while digging your toes in the sand. (Let’s face it, if you’re off to the Caribbean with friends, are you bringing along a copy of Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace or Emily Henry’s Funny Story? Exactly.)

Summer is almost here, and I need some reading material with substance that won’t pop my brain cells. So, I asked librarians about their best beach reads for 2024, and, boy, did they deliver. They know all the “hidden gems” out there.

From new releases to can’t miss classics, here are their summer picks for your Kindle and your beach bag. (Or your ear pods, if you prefer audiobooks!)

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The Paris Novel, by Ruth Reichl