Westerly Sun Column | Library Boasts a Bevy of Beach Reads

‘Tis the season for … beach reads! Vacationers (and staycationers) come to the library looking for the perfect read to complement their time off. Often, this means something lighthearted and engaging. Summer-themed books are in high demand, as are quick, fluffy reads that don’t take themselves too seriously. Rom-coms are a popular choice, but so are fast-paced thrillers and suspenseful page-turners. In short, there’s no true definition of “beach read,” but with the hundreds of thousands of book available, you’ll be able to find the right one for you.

Personally, my ideal beach read is a bit quirky, simple enough that I can keep track of the plot while my kids interrupt every three pages, but with a bit of substance as well. If this is you too, try “Charlotte Illes is Not a Detective” by Katie Siegel, an entertaining mystery about a former child detective (think Encyclopedia Brown) in her mid-twenties who is reluctantly coaxed out of retirement for one last case. I also have “The Patron Saint of Second Chances” by Christine Simon on my list. In it, the self-appointed mayor of a tiny Italian village tries to boost tourism and save his town by spreading a harmless rumor that a famous celebrity will be filming there. Of course, things quickly get out of hand. It’s described as “heartwarming” and “charming,” which is exactly what I need this summer! Speaking of heartwarming, I also plan on reading “The Guncle” by Steven Rowley, author of the bestseller “Lily and the Octopus”.

If you’re someone who tears through books, you may enjoy making your way through the works of one specific author. Elin Hilderbrand, who New York Magazine referred to as the “queen of beach reads” is a great choice. Most of her books are character-driven romances set in or around Nantucket, and they don’t need to be read in any particular order to be enjoyed. Her latest, “The Five-Star Weekend,” has a bit of a holds list on it, but I recommend “The Hotel Nantucket” or “28 Summers.” For more along these lines, try authors like Emily Henry, Jasmine Guillory and Katherine Center.

On the topic of holds lists, summer can be a great time to catch up on some of the bestsellers from a year or two ago that are now much easier to get your hands on. Taylor Jenkins Reid was immensely popular for a while (largely due to BookTok, but also because she’s a fabulous writer), but the demand has slowed a bit and it’s easier to check out a copy of her bestsellers. “Malibu Rising” and “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” will both make satisfying summer reads. If you like mysteries/thrillers, “The Last Thing He Told Me” by Laura Dave and “The Paris Apartment” by Lucy Foley are captivating choices.

There are plenty more books to choose from, with new ones hitting the shelves every week. Take a look at the Staff Picks display on the first floor to see what our library staff recommend!

by Cassie Skobrak, Adult Services Librarian