Dive into summer with our list of beach reads recommended by staff—your perfect companions for sun-soaked afternoons and bay breezes.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
This book was fast paced, and a quick, engaging read. It is full of twists, turns and magical mystery. While it is a Fantasy book, it parallels reality with reminders to follow our intuition and go where our dreams take us. I personally read this book while on vacation and I couldn’t put it down! - Kassy

Book Lovers by Emily Henry
"Book Lovers" offered a delightful escape into a charming small town and a blossoming romance. The story follows Nora, a career-focused city dweller, who finds herself in the idyllic Sunshine Falls. While initially hesitant to embrace the town's romantic atmosphere, Nora's experiences take a turn as she forges unexpected connections. With its heartwarming characters and captivating setting, the book delivers a refreshingly unique spin on the classic happily ever after trope. - Andrea

Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry
In "The Essex Serpent," Cora, newly freed from an unhappy marriage, heads to coastal Essex to look into reports of a mythical sea dragon. Amid the English obsession with fossil hunting and strict social norms of the late 1800s, Cora investigates reports of the Essex Serpent and with her new friend, the local clergyman. I'm sure the serpent represents something Victorian, but I enjoyed this book for the folkloric mystery and the sexual tension. - Elisa

How to Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley
In Clare Pooley's "How to Age Disgracefully," a senior citizens' center and a daycare collide with hilarious results. Lydia takes over the Senior Citizens' Social Club and meets quirky characters like Art, a kleptomaniac ex-actor; Daphne, hiding her past; and Ruby, a rebellious knitter. When the city council threatens their community center, they team up with the daycare, a teenage dad, and a senior dog to save it. This book is engaging, funny, and full of unique characters, focusing on older people without stereotypes. I LOL a lot! - Jennifer D

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Avery Grambs is just a normal high school student until her life completely changes when billionaire Tobias Hawthorne dies and leaves Avery his entire fortune. But Avery has never met the man and, to her knowledge, has no connection to him whatsoever. The catch is, to receive this inheritance, Avery must move to Hawthorne House, a sprawling family estate, and live there for one year among the hidden passageways, dark secrets, and family members Tobias Hawthorne left wanting. As time goes on Avery gets caught up in the wealth, privilege, and the game Tobias Hawthorne is playing from beyond the grave. This mystery will have you on the edge of your seat as the characters try to solve the puzzles and riddles and answer all the unknown questions. Perfect for some summer reading! - Natashia

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
The "Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" is a captivating book that keeps you guessing. With each new chapter, you'll discover another layer to the story, leaving you eager to learn what happens next. The book centers around Monique Grant, a reporter, and her interview with Evelyn Hugo, a legendary Hollywood actress in her later years. Through their conversations, Monique uncovers Evelyn's fascinating life story, including her numerous marriages. - Andrea

Summer Sisters by Judy Blume
Forever and always my favourite summer read. This book follows the story of two best friends who spend their summers together on Martha’s Vineyard and their complicated friendship. One is from a wealthy family and the other is trying to earn money to go to college, as she has no financial support. The story follows them from teenagers into adulthood and it has everything you want in a beach read: perfect setting, female friendship, first love, heartbreak, adventure, and conflict. I laughed, I cried, then I read it again. - Emma