Summer and reading go hand in hand. There’s something magical about settling into a beach chair, the sound of crashing waves in the background, and getting lost in a story. Whether you’re lounging on the sand in Ocean City, relaxing by the pool or escaping to your backyard hammock, the perfect summer read can make the season even sweeter.
Personally, I read the majority of the books that I complete each year before Labor Day. Why? Because a good read pairs well with sun-warmed skin, a cold drink with extra ice, and a big hat. The sound of waves crashing doesn’t hurt, either.
Whatever calls you back to the book, dear reader, be sure to pick up one of these trending stories before you stake out your spot on the sand:
‘My Friends’ by Fredrik Backman
No one writes about human connection quite like Fredrik Backman. In “My Friends,” the beloved author of “A Man Called Ove” delivers another moving and insightful story about relationships, loneliness and the people who shape our lives.
The story follows a young woman named Louisa and her connection to a piece of artwork, with interwoven details of the four teenagers who inspired the work years ago.
Bring tissues for this one — you may need them.
Perfect for: Anyone who loves emotional stories that celebrate the beauty of ordinary people.
‘The Swarm’ by Frank Schätzing
If your idea of a perfect beach read includes a little suspense and plenty of thought-provoking science, “The Swarm” deserves a spot in your summer stack. This international bestseller begins with strange events occurring across the world’s oceans: whales attacking boats, toxic jellyfish blooms and deep-sea creatures behaving in alarming ways. As scientists race to uncover the cause, they realize humanity may be facing an intelligent force from the depths of the sea.
Part eco-thriller, part science fiction and all-consuming, this thriller combines real marine science with page-turning action. At more than 800 pages, it’s the kind of epic novel readers can dive into for an entire summer down the shore.
Perfect for: Fans of scientific thrillers, environmental mysteries and sprawling, can’t-put-it-down adventures.
‘One Italian Summer’ by Rebecca Serle
If you’ve ever dreamed of hopping on a plane to the Amalfi Coast, this novel is your ticket. Rebecca Serle’s bestselling book follows Katy, a young woman grieving the loss of her mother. She decides to take the mother-daughter trip to Positano they had planned together, only to encounter a mysterious young woman who bears an uncanny resemblance to her late mom.
Filled with sunshine, Italian cuisine and heartfelt reflections on love and loss, “One Italian Summer” is an emotional escape that feels like a vacation between two covers.
Perfect for: Readers who love stories about family, travel and second chances.
‘Pets and the City’ by Amy Attas
Animal lovers, this one’s for you. In “Pets and the City,” renowned New York City veterinarian Amy Attas pulls back the curtain on her fascinating career caring for the beloved pets of celebrities, socialites and everyday New Yorkers. Through a series of heartfelt, humorous and occasionally heartbreaking stories, Attas shares the extraordinary bond between people and their animals.
Warm, witty and deeply compassionate, “Pets and the City” is the perfect companion for a lazy summer afternoon — especially with your dog curled up beside your beach chair.
Perfect for: Animal lovers, pet parents and readers who enjoy uplifting memoirs.
‘Yesteryear’ by Caro Claire Burke
What if you could travel back in time and experience another era firsthand?
In “Yesteryear,” Caro Claire Burke blends historical fiction and fantasy in a captivating story about identity, choices and the longing for simpler times. When a self-proclaimed “trad wife” somehow seems to end up living as a woman in the 1850s, Natalie learns that life might actually be better in the 21st century.
It’s the kind of book that keeps you turning pages with a smile turned sneer.
Perfect for: Readers who love historical fiction with a political edge and perhaps a touch of magic.
‘The Five-Star Weekend’ by Elin Hilderbrand
No summer reading list would be complete without the “queen of the beach read.”
Set on the picturesque island of Nantucket, “The Five-Star Weekend” centers on a food blogger who invites friends from different stages of her life to spend a weekend together. What unfolds is a heartfelt and often messy exploration of friendship, secrets and reinvention.
With ocean breezes, complicated relationships and plenty of summer vibes, it’s nearly impossible not to devour this book in one sitting.
Perfect for: Fans of juicy family drama and stories set by the sea.
‘The House in the Cerulean Sea’ by TJ Klune
Sometimes the best summer reads transport us to entirely different worlds. TJ Klune’s beloved fantasy novel introduces readers to Linus Baker, a quiet caseworker sent to investigate an orphanage filled with magical children.
What follows is a whimsical, uplifting story about found family, acceptance and discovering where we truly belong.
Perfect for: Readers seeking a feel-good escape with a touch of magic.
Whether you’re craving a tearjerker set on the Italian coast, a Nantucket escape or a magical adventure with extraordinary children, these titles offer something for almost every kind of reader.
So grab your sunscreen, pack your favorite beach towel and don’t forget to leave a little room in your tote bag for one more thing: a really good book.
Sarah Fertsch of Egg Harbor Township holds a Bachelors of Arts in Public Relations. She is a locally renowned poet, storyteller, and dog lover.
