7 Essential Summer Beach Reads
You probably remember Summer reading to be such a bore. Well, that's because it was school-mandated, and when has anything required been fun?
But now that we can read for pleasure since we don't have so much dang homework, the literary world is our oyster! There are SO MANY incredible books out there. When it comes to packing a beach bag, you won't want to forget one of these wonderful novels.
1. "Homegoing" by Yaa Gyasi
A story of family spanning generations, "Homegoing" is the smashing debut novel from Yaa Gyasi. Opening with two half-sisters in Ghana during the 1700s, the story travels through time and space as the family grows and expands. It's a beautiful, and at times tragic, story that deals with elements of race and racism still prevalent in today's society.
2. "The Hopefuls" by Jennifer Close
What happens when a young couple moves to Washington D.C. and find they don't fit in? Stiff competition, betrayal, and a whole lotta fun! Close crafts a quirky novel about young professionals that'll have you racing through to the final page.
3. "Modern Lovers" by Emma Straub
One day you're a cool hipster making art. The next, you're a 40-year-old parent. How in the world do you deal with that? This is the question Straub explores quite funnily, in her third novel. If you are, or have ever been, a young person, (and we all have,) you won't want to miss this book!
4. "It's Okay to Laugh (Crying Is Cool, Too)" by Nora McInerny Purmort
Just when she's about to give up on dating, Nora (the author and main character) meets the man of her dreams. It was like a love she never felt. When her lover gets diagnosed with terminal cancer, the reader goes on an emotional journey with Nora, learning about love, laughter, tragedy, and the strength of humanity. Be prepared to both laugh and cry, as the title so aptly suggests.
5. "Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore" by Robin Sloan
If you're into weird stories, then you've found your summer read. What's strange about a 24-hour bookstore in San Francisco? A LOT! Zany characters with whacky secrets only begins to cover what goes down in Sloan's novel.
6. "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" by J.K. Rowling
You've probably already read this (I've read it 14 times and counting), but given the current political climate and 2016 presidential election, this book is definitely worth a re-read. What is the role of government? Of power? How much change can one person have? Examine these philosophical questions at the best school in the world - Hogwarts.
7. "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" by Ransom Riggs
This book was a bestseller 3 years ago, but if you haven't gotten around to reading it yet, now's your chance! The movie, which looks decent despite some major changes from the book, comes out September 30, 2016.
I'm one of those people who has to read the book first! What about you? If you enjoyed "Harry Potter" or "The Hunger Games," I have a hunch you're gonna love this peculiar story...
