Some of our favourite summer beach reads
While some people head to the beach in search of adrenaline, whether that’s catching the waves or getting some wind under their sails, there are a niche group of people that simply follow one rule: relax.
And what better way to relax on the sand, under the shade of a beach umbrella, with a good book?
Let the sounds of the waves crashing act as your background music as you immerse yourself in a fantastic beach read this summer...
Beach themes and light reads
The Beach by Alex Garland
If you’re at the beach, it only seems fitting to read a book called The Beach, right?
Alex Garland’s coming-of-age novel tells the story of backpacker Richard, who’s travelling through Asia and stumbles upon paradise on earth. Exhilarating twists and frightening turns beg the question - how long can paradise last?
The contemporary tale was adapted into a film starring Leonardo Dicaprio in 2000.
Le Freak: An Upside Down Story of Family, Disco, and Destiny by Niles Rodgers
You might not have heard of Niles Rodgers, but we bet you have heard of classics like We Are Family, Let’s Dance, or Daft Punk’s song that was stuck in our head for the entirety of 2013, Get Lucky.
And what do all these songs (and hundreds more) have in common? They’ve all been produced or written by Rogers.
Creating masterpieces that defined the 70s and 80s, Rogers worked with the biggest names in music, including Madonna, Diana Ross, and David Bowie.
This is one memoir guaranteed to make you smile as you reflect on the nostalgia of yesteryear’s music.
Suspenseful page turners and meaningful tales
The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
Slovakian-Jew Lale is sent to the concentration camps at Auschwitz and is given the role of Tätowierer - German for tattooist - responsible for branding new prisoners as they arrive at the camps.
The juxtaposition of the story is moving: the darkness of World War II is met with a story of love and hope, as the relationship between Lale and Gita blooms.
This book is hard to put down and will keep you captivated until the very end.
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
Profoundly devastating and exhilarating the same time: A Little Life is the story of four young men, all recent university graduates, embarking on the next step of their lives.
A tale of friendship, the book is described by some as harrowing while simultaneously the best book they’ve ever read. In short, brace yourself.
A good, old-fashioned classic
Catch-22 by Joseph Heller
If you never had to read this in high school, you’re missing out.
Heller’s satirical tale, set during the final months of World War II, was first published in 1961 and has gone on to become a cult classic.
A lesser-known sequel, Closing Time, was published more than 30 years later, in 1994.
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
This allegorical novel tells the story of a group of young boys who become stranded on an island following a plane crash. Tensions arise as new sides of humanity are displayed as the group tries to govern itself.
It explores themes of human impulses, social organisation, paranoia, and rational vs. emotional reactions.
Lord of the Flies initially sold poorly, but reached cult-like status decades after its release. There have been three film adaptations of the book.
Buy Lord of the Flies from Booktopia.
Ensure a comfy beach read with these must-have beach accessories
Beach chair
Whether you like being propped up or prefer to lounge closer to the sand, choosing the right beach chair is essential for a comfortable day out.
Beach umbrella
Protect yourself from the sun and avoid strained eyes with a beach umbrella and Klaoos beach umbrella. Relax and indulge in the shade of an umbrella as you get lost in your favourite reads.
Sunscreen
If you’ve found yourself deep in a good read, minutes can quickly turn into hours. Ensure you stay protected from the harsh UV rays of the sun with a high quality sunscreen and cocooil.
Don’t forget to reapply as per the instructions, and also after swimming or excessive sweating.