books

11 of the very best beach reads to lose yourself in this summer.

Summer is here, and it's time to kick back, relax, and dive into a good book. I mean, is there anything better? No!

Whether you're lounging by the pool, soaking up the sun on the beach, or enjoying a lazy afternoon at home, we've got you covered with the ultimate list of beach reads. After some serious book-browsing and brainstorming, the Mamamia team has handpicked the very best reads to keep you entertained all season long.

Watch: If all the girls in the world could read. post continues below.


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From gripping thrillers to heartwarming rom-coms, there's something for everyone.

The best beach reads for your summer holiday.

Really Good, Actually by Monica Heisey. 

A book cover that shows a woman with red hair crying. Really Good, Actually is a hilarious story of love and friendship. Image: Goodreads.

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This comedic story follows Maggie: 29 year's old, broke, and newly divorced after 608 days, Maggi is embracing life as a surprisingly young divorcée. With new hobbies, late-night hamburgers, and a dating life full of ups and downs, she navigates her first year of single life with the help of her tough-love advisor, Merris, her newly divorced friend, Amy, and her group chat. The book is hilarious yet heartwarming in many ways and it beautifully captures the ups and downs of modern love and friendship.

Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid.

A book cover that shows surfers swimming in the ocean. You'll cry and laugh at Malibu Rising. Image: Goodreads.

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'Malibu Rising' tells the story of a family that experiences one unforgettable night, where each member must decide what to hold onto from their past and what to let go of as they confront their legacy.

The premise is simple: Four siblings throw an unforgettable party to mark the end of summer, but in just twenty-four hours, their lives will be changed forever. You'll cry. You'll laugh. You'll feel the whole spectrum of emotions with this one.

And if you need further convincing, Taylor Jenkins Reid is the genius behind many popular books including 'Daisy Jones & The Six' and 'The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo'.

Storylines by Carrie Cox.

A book cover showing a woman looking into a hand held mirror.Storylines is both moving and funny. Image: Goodreads.

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Nessa keeps her world small — her family and a work colleague with a knack for dying wishes. But even they don't truly know her.

Inheriting her father's impossible gift and a rundown homestead, Nessa reluctantly creates a wellness retreat for women. As she tries to maintain her distance, her feisty niece, Lily, challenges her in ways Nessa isn't ready for, forcing her to confront truths she'd rather avoid. 'Storylines' is a deeply moving, extremely funny exploration of how we see ourselves.

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee.

A book cover that shows a woman in Korean traditional wear. Pachinko follows a Korean family as they navigate life in Japan. Image: Goodreads.

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The book follows a Korean family who migrated to Japan, offering a powerful exploration of their journey through a foreign land.

The story centres around an ensemble of characters through time, each grappling with the harsh realities of racism and discrimination, while also navigating the complexities of belonging. 'Pachinko' is a beautiful and heartbreaking story about cultural identity, which captures the nuances of society and survival.

If you're in the mood for a heartier, moving book you simply can't put down then 'Pachinko' is the choice for you.

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Just For the Summer by Abby Jimenez.

A book cover showing an illustration of a man and woman holding hands and running in the water with a dog behind. Just For The Summer is a perfect summer read. Image: Goodreads.

You really cannot go wrong with a summer romance. This rom-com follows Justin, whose curse means every woman he dates finds their soulmate right after they break up. When Emma — a gal with the same curse — reaches out to Justin, they plan to date, break up, and cancel out each other's curses.

Emma's summer assignment in Minnesota seems perfect for a fling, but when Justin becomes the guardian of his siblings, and Emma's toxic mother arrives, their connection deepens. It's deliciously adorable and perfect for the warmer months. I mean, it's right there in the title!

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Beach Read by Emily Henry.

A book cover showing an illustration of a man and a woman lying on beach towels and reading. Beach read is, well, the perfect beach read. Image: Goodreads.

Who doesn't love an Emily Henry novel? Augustus Everett writes tragic literary fiction, while January Andrews crafts happy romances. Stuck in neighbouring beach houses with writer's block, they strike a deal: Augustus will write something upbeat, and January will tackle the Great American Novel.

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No romance, just a summer of creative challenges… or so they think. There's nothing we love more than a romantic comedy, add the fact that it's about two romance writers and it's literally called 'Beach Read'? You really couldn't pick a better book to dive into when you're done surfing the waves.

Love & Virtue by Diana Reid.

A green book cover with pink and red birds on the front. Love & Virtue will ask you some hard-hitting questions. Image: Goodreads.

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Michaela and Eve, roommates at university, come from different worlds — Michaela is confident, Eve is reserved — but they bond over their shared critiques of campus life. After a drunken encounter, they are forced to confront uncomfortable truths about consent and power.

As their friendship deepens, they discover how fragile trust is and how easily betrayal can occur. The book explores consent, privilege, and modern feminism, and is both intriguing and challenging. Definitely one that will leave you with some burning questions about life.

I Give My Marriage A Year by Holly Wainwright.

A rainbow book cover showing a woman leaning her head against a wall. I Give My Marriage A Year is both humorous and truthful. Image: Goodreads.

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After 14 years of marriage, Lou begins to question if her relationship with her husband is still worth it. Following a tense Christmas, she sets a series of monthly challenges — from intimacy to brutal honesty — to decide whether to leave.

As secrets emerge and old wounds resurface, Lou must confront the truth about her marriage. Relationships can be complex, and this book does such a wonderful job of exploring those challenges in a humorous and truthful way.

Battle Royale by Koushun Takami.

A read book cover with two silhouettes of students. Battle Royale was rather controversial when it came out. Image: Goodreads.

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While summer is for romance, it can also be for those insatiable thrillers you just can't put down. Koushun Takami's is just that.

This novel is an intense thriller and follows a class of students forced to fight to the death on a remote island as part of a ruthless government program. Initially criticised for its violence, the novel became a bestseller in Japan, drawing comparisons to 'Lord of the Flies' for its stark portrayal of survival and youth in a brutal world. It's also been adapted into a film of the same name.

Hook, Line and Sinker by Tessa Bailey. 

A turquoise book cover with an illustration of a man talking to a woman. Hook, Line and Sinker is the perfect read for summer romantics. Image: Goodreads.

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We're back with another recommendation for the romantics. Fox Thornton is known for his charm with women, a reputation he's always embraced… that is, until he encounters Hannah Bellinger during the summer. After she heads back to LA, they begin a friendship over text, sharing their love for music and slowly uncovering more about each other over the following months. Heads up, this one is spicy!

Still Life by Sarah Winman.

A white book cover with blue illustrated border and an bird in the centre. Still Life is a beautiful tale of love and family. Image: Goodreads.

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In 1944 Tuscany, young English soldier Ulysses Temper meets Evelyn Skinner, an art historian rescuing paintings from war-ravaged Italy. Their brief connection sets Ulysses on a path that will shape his life for decades.

Returning to London, Ulysses reconnects with old friends at a local pub, but the memories of Italy stay with him. When an unexpected inheritance takes him back to Tuscany, he must confront his past once more. 'Still Life' is a heartfelt tale of love, beauty, and chosen family.

Looking for more book recommendations? Check out…

Not sure where to begin? Here's our definitive ranking of Emily Henry books.

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If you loved A Court of Thorns and Roses, here are 6 romantasy books to read next.

10 books every woman should read in their 40s.

The 8 best spicy reads that aren't all-out smutty.

Every Colleen Hoover book adaptation in the pipeline.

Feature image: Goodreads.

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