Summer practically screams as the time for catching rays, relaxation and a good beach read. Some individuals prefer a keep-you-on-your-toes mystery. A good chunk get enthused by juicy romance and deceit. Others chose to pass a couple hours reading a simple feel-good story. Whatever you describe your niche as, we got you covered.
Check out College Magazine’s top eight summer beach reads!
1. People We Meet On Vacation by Emily Henry
A titillating take on friendship, People We Meet On Vacation follows the polar opposite duo, Alex and Poppy, through seven summers as their relationship unfolds. Poppy, the extraverted free spirit, is going through a rough patch in her career. In an attempt to pull herself out of her rut, she reaches out to her newly estranged best friend: Alex. The two decide to dive into a weeklong vacation without discussing the repercussions of that one fateful night. Can one last vacation save their friendship or will the looming memory of what happened two summers ago stand in the way forever?
2. Shoulder Season by Christina Clancy
While this book is set to release in July, the waitlist goes on. As one of the hottest books of this summer, the plot-line adds more than just a spark to a hot summers day. After the death of her parents, Sherri Taylor decides her life needs a change, a big one. Rather than waste her days away at the church organ, Sherri exchanges her bible for stilettos and moves into the “bunny hutch”, Playboy’s version of a college dorm, except way more fun. Through this story, Sherri not only learns how to party, but also how to love herself for who she is.
3. The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
Don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about you mystery lovers. Meet the hottest mystery book of summer 2021. The Last Thing He Told Me details the sudden disappearance of Hannah’s husband of one year, leaving her with her new step-daughter, Bailey, who wants nothing to do with her. Before Hannah’s husband vanishes, he slips her a message that will change the course of their lives forever.
“This book is crazy. The author does such a good job at giving the reader enough clues to keep them interested but still so curious at the same time. I would definitely recommend this to any mystery lover,”Auburn University senior Taylor Gosselin said.
This duo who seems doomed from the start battling fake identities, spousal deceit and riveting plot twists with a strength they never thought they had.
4. The Dating Plan by Sarah Desai
Daisy Patel is a gifted, independent and routine individual; that is when she’s not around her childhood crush. Liam Murphy, the free-spirited playboy always has his cool-guy mask on; that is when he’s not around the love of his life.
“My roommate made me read this book and I don’t regret it. This was the best romance I’ve ever read; I wish the book never ended,” Auburn University senior Kylie Murray said.
A chance encounter brings these two together after years of silence and gives an opportunity that’s too good to pass up: a fake proposal. While this phony proposal is the answer to all of their problems, will it end up being the idea they will question most? This steamy story is a MUST read for romance lovers.
5. The Guncle by Steven Rowley
Patrick, also known as Gay Uncle Patrick, is used to being the fun relative. He has the lavish pad in Palm Springs, the perfect personality to entertain the nephew and niece and the perfect lifestyle for a popular bachelor. His life is seemingly…. well, perfect. When an unexpected death occurs in the family, Patrick’s perfect lifestyle is put on pause as he becomes the caretaker of his beloved niece, Maise, and nephew, Grant. Through the trials and tribulations of death and loss, Patrick realizes that life isn’t always fun and games and family comes before everything.
6. The Maidens by Alex Michaelides
Author of The Silent Patient, Alex Michaelides brings us yet another mystery masterpiece. A secret society known as The Maidens holds a looming presence on the Cambridge University campus. Its alleged legitimacy is called into question by Mariana Andros as two homicides occur with a possible link to The Maidens. This murder sends Andros on an investigative path through the dangerous inner-workings of this powerful yet invisible entity.
“I was so excited to start this book since I read The Silent Patient and LOVED it. I’m in the middle of reading it and Michaelides has outdone himself,” University of Tennessee senior Celia Ernst said.
You can’t trust anyone, and no one can trust you.
7. The Summer Job by Lizzy Dent
Have you ever wanted to trade lives with someone just for a day? How about the whole summer? Birdy gets the opportunity of a lifetime to work for a notable Scottish hotel but there’s a catch. Birdy can’t be Birdy; she has to act like she’s her best friend. The task seems easy enough, until love comes into play. Can Birdy hide from her true feelings and herself for the summer? You’ll have to read to find out.
8. A Special Place for Women by Laura Hankin
You know you’re at the top of society when you’ve made it into the most exclusive social club, especially in NYC. The women-only club is home to the most influential trendsetters, businesswomen and secrets in this metropolitan city. Rumors of their innerworkings and scandals have circulated the societal B-listers and failing journalist Jillian Beckley sees them as her opportunity to save her flop of a career. But as Jillian investigates, she is forced to ask the question: is her career worth dying for?
