One of the best things about beach vacations is that they provide countless opportunities to unwind. The gentle ocean breeze, warm sand, and crashing waves are the perfect recipe for some much-needed R&R. And what goes better with a day of seaside relaxation than a good book? There's nothing quite like getting lost in an enticing novel while enjoying your time off the grid.
So, before you jet off to the coast, throw a book (or four) in your beach bag! Need some recommendations? We've got you covered. Let's take a look at some of the best books for vacation reading.
1. "The Woman in The Window" by A.J. Finn
Good luck putting this one down. "The Woman in the Window" is, quite plainly, astounding. The story revolves around Anna Fox, a New York City recluse who can't bring herself to venture outside. She spends her days drinking wine, watching movies, and indulging in her voyeuristic tendencies by watching her neighbors. Despite her existence in the liveliest city on earth, Anna's life is quite mundane. That is, until the Russells move in across the way. It's then that Anna sees something she shouldn't. There are secrets, lies, questions of identity, and plot twists you'll never see coming.
2. "From Scratch" by Tembi Locke
This memoir is nothing short of a page-turner. "From Scratch" is a story of love and loss, documenting the three summers Tembi spent in rural Sicily following the death of her beloved husband, Saro. It's in this tiny Sicilian town – Saro's home – that Tembi forges a newfound connection with her late husband's family, from whom she was once estranged. This honest, heartfelt novel will have you laughing, crying, and dreaming of escaping to the Italian countryside. And if you need any more reason to add "From Scratch" to your summer reading list, it was recently featured in Reese Witherspoon's book club.
3. "City of Girls" by Elizabeth Gilbert
From the New York Times best-selling author of Eat, Pray, Love comes a story of lust, adventure, and scandal. In "City of Girls," 89-year-old Vivian Morris finally decides to tell the tale of her escapades in the 1940s New York City theater world. Written from the perspective of an elderly woman looking back on her younger years, this novel is a unique twist on the classic love story. If you're looking for a read that will satisfy your craving for glamour and 1940s charm, throw "City of Girls" in your beach bag.
4. "How Could She: A Novel" by Lauren Mechling
No summer reading list is complete without a tale of female friendship. And what better setting than in the competitive, cutthroat world of New York City media? "How Could She" tells the story of Geraldine, a 30-something who follows her childhood friends, Sunny and Rachel, to New York City following a devastating break-up. However, she quickly learns that all that glitters isn't gold – Sunny and Rachel's lives are much less glamorous than she had originally thought. This juicy, drama-filled novel is a fresh take on the trials and tribulations of adult friendships.
Whichever vacation read you choose to take on your next adventure, be sure to also bring along the proper sun protection. After all, it can be easy to get sucked into a good book and forget how long you've been sitting in the sun. Therefore, it's important to keep your skin safe before you open your next beach read.
For convenient sun protection that you won't have to reapply, check out Cabana Life's collection of UPF 50+ beachwear. Our rashguards, swimsuits, and cover ups are the perfect addition to your beach bag. Visit our website to browse all of our stylish, functional options!