You know what makes beach reads and summer reads so great? They’re meant to be easy. And by easy, we mean books that’ll suck you in with their impeccable storytelling, their irresistible characters and the lessons they leave you with. Maybe they’re books you’ve read a million times over because you love them that much, or maybe they’re books that are completely new to you. Whatever the case may be, summer reads have this way of inspiring creativity, inspiration, wanderlust — and all the emotions.
From newer releases and books-turned-films to classic, iconic novels, these 15 books are perfect for throwing into your pool or beach bag or shoving into your backpack while you pack for your next flight. Plus, they span genres from hilarious memoirs and chick lit to horror and adventure, so you know there’s something in this list for everyone.
‘On the Road’ by Jack Kerouac
The quintessential road trip novel, Jack Kerouac's On the Road never gets old. You won't be able to put down this book about Kerouac and his friends' trip across the United States.
‘Wild’ by Cheryl Strayed
After Cheryl Strayed loses her mother and her own marriage deteriorates, she embarks on a more than 1,000-mile hike of the Pacific Crest Trail. Strayed's true story will inspire you to get outdoors and reconnect with yourself.
‘The Gunners’ by Rebecca Kauffman
After Mikey Callahan's friend Sally commits suicide, he finds himself confronting dark secrets about his own past. This new novel by Rebecca Kauffman received rave reviews from The New York Times, so you know it's worth a read this summer.
‘Big Magic’ by Elizabeth Gilbert
In a creative rut? Elizabeth Gilbert's Big Magic will inspire you, empower you and allow you to fully embrace your curiosity and creativity again.
‘Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?’ by Mindy Kaling
Perfect for reading while you lay out by the pool or on the beach, Mindy Kaling's first book will leave you laughing out loud and falling more in love with the writer, director and actor than you thought possible. Here, you'll get a deep dive into her observations on romance, friendship and Hollywood.
‘Yes Please’ by Amy Poehler
Another book from a funny lady and true inspiration for young girls, Amy Poehler's Yes Please is the perfect blend of hilarious snippets and retellings and empowering, inspiring words and life tips. This one's an easy read, but her words will resonate with you for days, weeks and years to come.
‘Killing Yourself to Live’ by Chuck Klosterman
Arguably Chuck Klosterman's best book (yes, even better than Sex, Drugs and Cocoa Puffs), Killing Yourself to Live takes you on a cross-country tour of sites where rock stars have died. But the book is about so much more than that: Klosterman dives into life, love and the meaning of death.
‘Lord of the Flies’ by William Golding
Now on to the classics — and Lord of the Flies never gets old. Amazon's description of the book says it best: "The classic study of human nature which depicts the degeneration of a group of schoolboys marooned on a desert island." Yep, it's time to read this one again.
‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ by Harper Lee
When's the last time you read this classic novel by Harper Lee? High school? Invite Scout Finch back into your life and get lost in what Lee always considered a "simple love story."
‘The Shining’ by Stephen King
Who says you can't read a scary story at the beach? Besides, you'll want to be in broad daylight when you read this horror classic by Stephen King about Jack Torrance and his family in a haunted Colorado hotel.
‘The Virgin Suicides’ by Jeffrey Eugenides
Sure, you've seen the movie, but have you read the book? The Virgin Suicides is about the five beautiful Lisbon sisters, who all commit suicide one by one over the course of a year. It's a truly unforgettable novel.
‘Bridget Jones’s Diary’ by Helen Fielding
Skip rewatching the movie for the umpteenth time, and read the book instead — all about the hilarious, 30-something Bridget Jones and her love life. This easy read is great for bringing along on your vacations.
‘The Devil Wears Prada’ by Lauren Weisberger
Another easy beach read coming up right: The Devil Wears Prada. Find out for yourself if the book — about Andrea Sachs and her high-fashion boss from hell — is truly better than the movie.
‘All the Light We Cannot See’ by Anthony Doerr
Another Pulitzer Prize winner, All the Light We Cannot See spent more than two and a half years on the New York Times bestseller list! So, if you haven't had the chance to read this novel about a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths collide, you must — this summer.
‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’ by J.K. Rowling
Every summer — nay, any time of the year, every year — is a great time to reread this masterpiece of a series. And we all know the books are far better than the films, anyway.
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