Beach reads

Published 7:23 pm Wednesday, June 19, 2019

The first day of summer is upon us! Here are some reading recommendations for when the weather is warm and you’re relaxing by the ocean, poolside, on the porch, or inside in the comfort of air conditioning. 

 Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
The novel reads as an interview transcript with various members a fictional 1970s rock group, leading up to the band’s break-up at the height of their popularity and what caused it. (I’ve heard the audiobook version is amazing, with different narrators for each character.)  

 My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing
While not exactly “light,” psychological thriller fans might find this one fun as it is a slightly different take than usual. We know from the beginning who the killers are; it’s the narrator and his wife who murder unsuspecting women. But there are still plenty of secrets and twists. 

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 Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
When you first meet Eleanor in this book, she is a bit off-putting, as she struggles with appropriate social skills and tends to say exactly what she’s thinking. But you end up falling for her charm, wit, and deadpan humor as she navigates a friendship with her coworker Raymond. 

 The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
Stella thinks math is the only thing that unites the universe and has way less experience in the dating department than the average thirty-year-old. Which is why she hires an escort to teach her the ways of the world of romance. 

 The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory[Text Wrapping Break]Alexa and Drew get stuck in an elevator together during a power outage, and she agrees to go with him to his friend’s wedding as his fake girlfriend. They have an amazing time but unfortunately have to head back to their separate lives and careers. But they can’t stop thinking about each other. 

 Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis
Rachel Hollis exposes the lies and misconceptions that too often hold us back from living joyfully and productively and reveals practical strategies that helped her move past them. In the process, she encourages and entertains, all to convince you to do whatever it takes to get real and become the joyous, confident woman you were meant to be! 

 Opposite of Always by Justin A. Reynolds
This young adult novel blends love, friendship, and time travel. If you could go back in time to change a future outcome, would you? When Jack and Kate meet at a party, Jack knows he’s falling—hard. But then Kate dies… And their story should end there. But it doesn’t. 

Jen Pace Dickenson is the youth services librarian for Polk County Public Libraries. For information about the library’s resources, programs, and other services, visit polklibrary.org or call 828-894-8721.