17 Librarian-Approved Beach Books To Add To Your TBR Pile

Don’t worry, I take mental health breaks from all the doom and gloom. That’s why I love beach reads – emotionally “lighter” books that pack a little punch and won’t freak me out. Beach reads are books you can finish in one breezy afternoon while digging your toes in the sand. (Let’s face it, if you’re off to the Caribbean with friends, are you bringing along a copy of Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace or Emily Henry’s Funny Story? Exactly.)

Summer is almost here, and I need some reading material with substance that won’t pop my brain cells. So, I asked librarians about their best beach reads for 2024, and, boy, did they deliver. They know all the “hidden gems” out there.

From new releases to can’t miss classics, here are their summer picks for your Kindle and your beach bag. (Or your ear pods, if you prefer audiobooks!)

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The Paris Novel, by Ruth Reichl

Allison Murphy, Library Director at EC Scranton Memorial Library in Madison, Connecticut, calls The Paris Novel “one of my most anticipated books for 2024 by author, chef, and food writer Ruth Reichl.” Here’s the rundown: When Stella’s mother dies, she leaves Stella a note and a plane ticket to Paris. Stella begins her adventure, but after trying on a vintage Dior dress, she soon stumbles upon a mystery, and the next chapter of her life kicks off. (A plot that takes place in Paris, involves food, fancy clothes, and independence? I’m mentally diving into this one. Bonjour!)

Summer Romance, by Annabel Monaghan

Summer Romance, by Annabel Monaghan, is also on Murphy’s “page turner” list. Last year, I read Monaghan’s (bestselling!) Nora Goes Off Script and worried it would be a little too Hallmark-y for my darker tastes, but I enjoyed the whimsical love story. It’s nice to see Monaghan has a new novel out. Murphy says, “The Summer Romance is perfect for anyone who loved Young Adult romances as a teenager but wants to get into something more relatable when adulthood throws life's crazy path at you.” It’s about a professional organizer and the unexpected romance she finds herself swept up in when her pup pees on a human hottie. 

My Favorite Mistake, by Marian Keyes

“Whether you’re headed on your European summer travels or just daydreaming about it, Anna's story in My Favorite Mistake is a fantasy we all have,” says Murphy, a big fan of Keyes’ writing style. “A high-end job in beauty PR, a doting partner, and a gorgeous apartment in New York should make for an amazing life for Anna. When she realizes that none of this fits the bill, Anna hightails it to Ireland to pursue a PR job working for a coastal retreat and finds a new challenge on the other side of the pond.” It’s modern day romantic adventure you can’t miss.

By the Book, by Jasmine Guillory

“I'm recommending the Meant To Be series to anyone looking for light contemporary romance with a fun twist: they are all contemporary takes on your favorite Disney princess tales,” says Rebecca Vnuk, Executive Director of LibraryReads. “I'm looking forward to Entangled by Christina Lauren coming out in June, but my favorite so far is last year's By the Book, Jasmine Guillory's delightful update to Beauty and the Beast.” This sounds like an epic choice for you Disney lovers out there! (And those who cry at the movie Enchanted!)

Such Sharp Teeth, by Rachel Harrison

If you just can’t resist a lil’ supernatural, author Rachel Harrison’s writing focuses on the terror and fear of being a woman in her thirties in the 21st century. “Such Sharp Teeth, a werewolf story, is a great place to start reading Harrison's compelling and darkly humorous stories, which feature realistically flawed women,” explains Becky Spratford, Horror Expert and Library Consultant at RAForAll. “But reader beware – these are not ‘chick lit’ novels!” 

Sandwich, by Catherine Newman

Cari Dubiel, Librarian and Reviewer for Booklist Ohio, wants you to take a bite out of Sandwich, by Catherine Newman. “It's the perfect summer book for someone who wants more of a ‘thoughtful’ family read, but it's also witty and light.” (It’s set in Cape Cod, one of my favorite New England vacay spots!)

Where Sleeping Girls Lie, by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

If you’re all Harry Pottered out, try Where Sleeping Girls Lie by author Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé. “Readers of dark academia will love this story about Sade, a new student to boarding school, who fights to uncover a history of dark secrets when her roommate goes missing,” says Dawn Ferencz, Head Librarian at Elk Grove High School in California. One online reviewer called it a mix of Mean Girls and Wednesday, which is pretty cool if you ask us.

Even if It Breaks Your Heart, by Erin Hahn

Ferencz likes young adult (YA) literature because “there’s a hopeful aspect to YA books in general that isn't always present in adult lit.” One to try? Even if It Breaks Your Heart by Erin Hahn. “It’s perfect for fans of The Summer I Turned Pretty and My Life with the Walter Boys. This book includes dual narration, horses, shared grief, and, of course, a very sweet romance.” Cute, cute, cute.

The Outlaw Noble Salt, by Amy Harmon

Social media personality Janssen Bradshaw, a children’s librarian, says, “My number one beach read this year is The Outlaw Noble Salt by Amy Harmon. It’s a historical fiction title about (famous rebel) Butch Cassidy and a "what if?" romance all rolled into one. The audio is especially terrific, and it's truly one of the best books I've read this year!” It’s a New York Times bestseller with over 2,000 reviews online. Renowned voice-over artist Rob Shapiro narrates the audio.

Just for the Summer, by Abby Jimenez

According to Kristin Roccaforte, a Digital Librarian for Libby, an app used in 90% of public libraries in North America, lately, “there’s some really good summer romances out there!” She recommends Just for the Summer, by Abby Jimenez. “Readers meet Justin, who is looking for his soulmate. Every woman he dates finds their soulmate after dating him. He meets a woman cursed with the same fate, and for them, it just might be love!” 

The Spellshop, by Sarah Beth Durst

The Spellshop, by Sarah Beth Durst, is a “cozy fantasy,” says Roccaforte, while stressing that “romantasy” books are hot right now. “It’s about a young librarian – and yes, librarians love reading about librarians! – and the library she works for ends up burning down. She saves some books and brings them back to the island she grew up on. From there, the adventure starts.” Sounds spellbinding!

Bury Your Gays, by Chuck Tingle

The title is initially jarring, but in Bury Your Gays by Chuck Tingle, nothing is what it seems. “It’s about a Hollywood writer feeling pressure from his producers to kill off the gay characters in his screenplay – he doesn’t want to do that, and things start going awry,” explains Roccaforte. “Chuck Tingle has such a great voice, so this book’s both fun and slasher-y.” Even if you’re shying away from drama this summer, Roccaforte says, “Thrillers are still having their moment!” 

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, by Taylor Jenkins Reid

“Don’t roll your eyes at this suggestion,” jokes Roccaforte. While some may argue it was “overhyped” when it first debuted back in 2017, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is still a beloved summertime classic for Roccaforte. (A beach read doesn’t have to be a new-to-market!) “I just couldn’t put this one down. It’s a blend of historical fiction, romance, and old Hollywood,” explains Roccaforte. “I think this summer it will still continue to show up on people’s bookshelves.”

The Husbands, by Holly Gramazio

Add The Husbands by Holly Gramazio to your booklist. “Lauren is greeted at her home by her husband – only she’s never been married before,” explains Jennie Pu, Director of Hoboken Public Library, in Hoboken, New Jersey. “When Lauren’s ‘husband’ goes upstairs to change a lightbulb, a new husband has taken his place and she realizes that her attic is producing new and more husbands.” (This was a recent “Read with Jenna” selection, highly endorsed by morning TV personality Jenna Bush Hager.)

Sag Harbor, by Colson Whitehead

If you’re heading out to the Hamptons this summer and craving a read about Long Island’s East End, you’ll enjoy Sag Harbor by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Colson Whitehead. With 1,000+ reviews on Amazon, this novel – also recommended by Pu – is “a hilarious coming of age novel set in the 1980s Hamptons. I checked this book out before going to visit our good friends in Sag Harbor years ago, and it's been a favorite ever since.” It’s about a black teenager (one of the few at his prep school) and his adventures in both Manhattan and Sag Harbor, where a group of black professionals live.

Open Book, by Jessica Simpson

It feels like every celeb from A-listers to reality TV stars suddenly have a “tea”-filled book out. If you’re anything like me, chances are you can’t resist a juicy tell-all! If you’re into Hollywood gossip, check out Open Book by singer/actress/fashionista Jessica Simpson, which is Pu’s celebrity memoir pick! (See? Even librarians can’t resist celeb biographies!) Open Book pulls back the curtain on one of pop culture’s biggest stars.

Love Letters to a Serial Killer, by Tasha Coryell

While I’m on a (temporary) break from true crime, you might like Love Letters to a Serial Killer by Tasha Coryell. “Hannah starts corresponding with Wesley, who has been arrested for a series of murders,” explains Lisa R. Varga, MLS Executive Director of the Virginia Library Association. “Hannah is lonely, recently ghosted, and looking to connect with someone; anyone. When he is released, Hannah is the first person Wesley calls – and he moves in with her!” OMG. Wasn’t this a Lifetime movie? If not, it should be, and of course, I’ll watch…

Closing Thoughts

As we ease into those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer, I hope you find some beach reads you truly cherish! 

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