What Makes a Good Beach Read?

What is a beach read? It’s what every YOU want it to be! But since this term is so commonly used and, at times, controversial, we decided to ask our readers to weigh in on what makes a good beach read. Of course, we received a wide variety of answers, but there were definitely some common themes.

Table of Contents

• What Kind of Book Makes a Good Beach Read?
• Location, Location, Location
• Easy to Pick Up and Put Down
• Lighter Reads & Happily Ever Afters
• More Than Just Romance
• Join the Summer Reading Challenge
• Beach Read Recommendations

Full Table of ContentsShow Less

Beach Read Definition

Although “beach read” is not an official genre of literature, Dictionary.com defines a beach read as “a book, usually fiction, that one might enjoy during a vacation or a day at the beach because it is engaging, entertaining, and easy to read.”

The terms beach read and summer read are often used interchangeably. Throughout the year, it is common for readers to seek out different styles of books to fit their mood during different seasons. Just like many readers enjoy reading books about the holidays in December, and moodier/darker books in the fall, the books people gravitate to as the weather warms up are often lighter and more entertaining.

We recently surveyed our readers and asked this question: “What do you look for in a beach read/summer read?” We received 240 responses and noticed some definite trends. In the same survey, we also asked our readers to share their all-time favorite beach read titles and compiled a list that you’ll find here.

Location, Location, Location

Summer reading often reflects the desire to travel, spend time at the beach, and generally relax and enjoy a slower pace. The majority of our survey respondents mentioned the setting as an important part of a perfect beach read book. Some people simply said they look for a book set during summertime, but many specified that they prefer a beach location. Others told us they enjoy a book that takes place in a vacation or travel destination, especially one related to their own travel plans or bucket list.

“I look for books that mirror the vacation location and mindset that I want to be in. A vacation-worthy setting, an easy-to-follow plot, and a satisfying ending are usually my must-haves.” -Emily D.

“I like a great vacation setting, such as a beach house, lake house, a tropical island, the Mediterranean, an Italian Villa … I also like a juicy thriller/mystery/suspense as a beach read, especially if it involves wealthy people and/or a fabulous setting.” -Christine B.

“Setting and atmosphere. A character-driven plot is fine for a wintry tale, but for a summer read it’s location, location, location.” -Amy B.

“My favorite summer read is a fun, easy, light-hearted book preferably set in a far-flung destination that I’ve always dreamed about going to.”

“A story with a happily ever after ending and travel destination – beach, mountains, or foreign. May include a bookstore, some fun restaurants, a library, seashore and sunsets.” -Renate P.

“I’m a purist about a beach read. First of all, the setting needs to be at a beach — not a lake, not just summer. And the beach needs to be a factor in the story.” -Chris C.

“I like fiction that takes place by the ocean preferably in New England. Stories that evoke the sights and smells of the place.” -Laura D.

“I prefer a book that takes place in a sunny location or a cottage, even if it is off-season.” -Jean D.

“I love something that if fun, flirty, and definitely has some summer water fun. Overall, if I can picture myself having a fun summer in the book or wishing that was my summer – winner!” -Stephanie M.

Easy to Pick Up and Put Down

Regardless of whether readers told us they preferred romance, mysteries, or a different genre of book in the summer, one of the most common criteria people mentioned for a perfect summer read was a book that is easy to put down and later pick up right where you left off.

“A great beach read is a book with a captivating story but also one that you can lay down for a minute then pick back up without a struggle to get back into the story.” – Kenna B.

“I look for something light and engaging, ideally with a gripping plot or fun characters that make it easy to dip in and out of between dips in the ocean or pool.” -Mitzi K.

“To me, the perfect summer read is low stakes, high reward. I can put it down and pick it up at any time, but I still want to keep coming back to my book while I’m at the beach or on the porch.” -Lindsay S.

“I look for more light and fun reads in summer—something I can pick up or put down without losing track of the plot.” -Claire T.

“A light romance with a happy ending, something that I can pick up and put down and not have to go back and re-read to pick up the storyline.” -Sue T.

More Than Just Romance

While the stereotype of a beach read is romance, there are plenty of other books that make excellent summertime seasonal reads. Many of our readers mentioned enjoying books with a touch of romance, but we also received a wide range of other opinions, as reflected in this final set of quotes.

“I look for entertainment, but not just silliness. I love historical fiction, thrillers, cozies, and contemporary novels. Personally, I don’t think romances are the only thing a summer read should be.” -Kim V.

“Something serious to remind me that life is not a beach for everyone. Helps me to be very grateful for my beach days.” -Kris I.

“Of course romance is fun, but I prefer stories about relationships between family members and friends.” -Laura D.

“The most important thing I want is unputdownableness, if that can be a word! The genre doesn’t matter.” -Sonia G.

“I am as likely to read a dark mystery/thriller as I am a deep biography or a contemporary literature selection or a light rom-com on the beach – as any other time of the year. … Specifically, I like a beach read that is more character-driven, preferably with generational connections or a strong family story.” -Valerie C.

“I like to reread favorite classics or read the ones I haven’t yet.”

“I like something long and immersive with great characters. Most of my favorites are historical fiction. I love it when I am so completely pulled into a book that I feel like I’m leaving another place when I stop reading.” -Jane C.

“A summer book, IMHO, is a book that you have been putting off reading. You can take all the time you want sitting in the sun reading a summer book. It might be a more ‘important book’ and one that you want to treasure.” -Cheryl M.