5 Books to Read on the Beach This Summer

Sandy shores and salty air are the best escape from Charleston’s humid summer heat. The sea island breeze that rustles the palmettos is just enough to stay cool while soaking up the sunshine.

The only thing you need is a comfy beach chair and a good read. Here are five marvelous books I’ve dragged across the dunes this year.

For the inspired…

Undistracted by Bob Goff

This read is a deep dive into the distractions that keep us from living life to the full. Goff’s authentic and charming storytelling makes this introspective journey completely enjoyable. The lessons here are so poignant, your first read through won’t be your last.

For the classics enthusiast…

Emma by Jane Austen

Just when you’re thinking “classics are boring and stuffy,” Jane Austen waltzes in from the year 1815 to change your mind. Emma follows the tale of a 21 year old with too little to trouble her and the consequences of her favorite pastime: matchmaking. Is Emma to be adored or admonished? No matter which you decide, she certainly entertains.

For the romantic…

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

Not your typical Pride and Prejudice style rom com, The Hating Game follows dueling officemates Lucy and Josh as they vie for a coveted position. After making a dangerous deal to resign if the position isn’t hers, Lucy who defines herself as a reader with real depth, has to put aside her shallow judgments to win the prize.

To ponder long and hard on…

Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis

So, you may need more than two degrees to understand this read, since I’m still puzzling on it, but it’s gorgeously written even in its enigmatic glory. It was on my list, as a CS Lewis fan girl. Greek mythology enthusiasts (looking at you Percy Jackson gals) will appreciate this unusual retelling of Cupid and Psyche as a story of two sisters. If you read this and have a hot take… email me.

For the activist…

One Two Three by Laurie Frankel

If your favorite day of the week isn’t Monday, it will be when you finish this book. The story is told from the perspective of three sisters as they fight against the corporation that poisoned their town’s water supply, come into their own identities, and maybe fall in love.