My Top Five Beach Reads
(I’m off on vacation this week, so Allison was kind enough to put together some suggested reading for you all. Enjoy!)
My Top Five Beach Reads by Allison
There is a sandy spot along the Delaware shoreline that is calling my name. In a few short days, I’m heading off to beach for a relaxing vacation with my boyfriend and my best friends. Without a doubt, there will be lots of wine, lots of grilled burgers, lots of sunscreen, and (thank goodness) lots of reading. I’ve found myself so busy lately, that I haven’t had time to sit down with a good book, so catching up on my reading is something I’m really looking forward to doing on this vacation.
There are hundreds of thousands of novels that make great reads for beach vacations, but today, I’d like to share with you my top five. If you’re heading to a sandy shore this summer, consider one of these great choices:
5. Tender is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald
This book reminds me of summer simply because it is set on the French Riviera, where the characters open the book by relaxing on the beach. If you loved Gatsby, this is a must-read. Fitzgerald gets very autobiographical in this book, and in my opinion, it’s his best book.
4. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
Ok, ok…I know this is a book most of us read in junior high–but it is still a perfect summer read. It meets all of the requirements: short and fun to read, but still with substance, because it covers topics like racism.
3. The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
Most people say that Tuesdays with Morrie is Albom’s best novel, and I’m not saying that they’re wrong, but Five People makes a nice beach book, seeing as the main character works at the traditional beach amusement park. The story is sweet, and really great for everyone.
2. Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult
This is one of my favorite books of all time. You can actually check out other Jodi Picoult books if you’ve already read this one, but I simply picked Plain Truth because it was the first book I read by her. Her stories are easy to read, but touch on really difficult subjects that make you ask “what would I do?”. You may want to save this one for a longer beach vacation instead of just a long weekend, since it is a bit lengthy when compared to the rest on this list.
1. Angels and Demons by Dan Brown
I’m making Angels and Demons the top book on this list because many people who enjoyed Da Vinci Code never actually gave this one a chance. It starts off slowly, but don’t give up–make it your vacation project. Even if you hate it and hated Da Vinci Code, this book makes you talk about interesting subjects and historical possibilities.
On my vacation I’m *probably* bringing Bridget Jones’ Diary, but I’m still deciding! What are your favorite beach reads?
My blogs: www.RealityonBravo.com and www.FindReligion.net
My company website: www.ABContentonline.com
Tender is the Night, F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain, The Five People You Meet in Heaven, Mitch Albom, Plain Truth, Jodi Picoult, Angels and Demons, Dan Brown
July 2nd, 2007 at 9:46 am
I love Angels and Demons! Good choice Allison. It’s perfect holiday reading as although there are many complex issues at hand, it is essentially an easy pulp novel which flies by.
July 2nd, 2007 at 3:55 pm
Beach Novels, huh?
Practical Magic is one.
Crocodile on the San Bank is another.
July 2nd, 2007 at 3:56 pm
That’s Sand bank. Darn keyboard.
July 5th, 2007 at 1:03 am
Angels & Demons was a great book. I liked it even more than Da Vinci Code. I thought that just because I read Da Vinci Code first I’d like it better, but Angels & Demons kept me turning the pages more so than Da Vinci Code.
Oooh beach reads! I’d bring a chick lit book. Haha!