What to Look for in the Best Book to Read at the Beach
The summer sun is shining bright, which only means one thing: it is time for some beach fun! Alternatively, if you live somewhere without a beach, you can lounge near a pool or park. No matter where you spend your time outdoors this summer, you should bring a book with you.
Beach reads have become something of a beast of its own. While not limited to one specific genre or type of book, some books are better suited for summer reading. This article will take a look at what goes into a powerful summer, beach- or pool-side read. Whether you are looking for summer escapism or thought-provoking nonfiction, there is something for everyone.
Genre and Content for Your Next Beach Read
When looking for a good summer book, the first factor to consider is the content of the book. This can mean the genre, plot, characters, writing style, or anything else about what you are reading. Everyone has different tastes, but these are some common suggestions to start your search.
Some common genres include the more populist genres of mystery, romance, and thrillers. These books can have a wide range of plot and characters that keep the readers engaged. But, despite being more crowdpleasing, these books can have immense literary value.
People often assume beach reads have to be lower quality, which is not true. There is not one single genre or quality of a beach read. It is just important to like what you are reading on this hot summer day.
Back to School Reading
Obviously, these months are also a perfect, and sometimes required, time for students to do their summer reading. While these titles can be given to the students, sometimes they can choose their own.
When looking for a book to read, students should hone in on what makes them engaged. Summer provides endless opportunities for students to read. If they know where they will spend their summer activities, they can tailor their book selection. No matter what they choose to read, they will be better for it.
Book Formats for Summer Outdoor Reading
There are multiple formats your book will be published in: hardcover, paperback, digital, and audiobook. Each of these formats have their time and place, some of which are better for summer reading.
The most traditional and easiest format for summer beach reading is paperback. Specifically, mass market paperback is the most compact and portable kind of book to tote to the beach. At a lower price point, mass market paperbacks are also more durable to sand, wind, sunscreen, etc.
Traditional paperbacks are a solid second choice, but they are often bigger and more expensive. Hardcover books are not as common by the beach or pool, but if that is what you have, bring it!
Alternatively, you can bring a digital book or listen to an audiobook during your summer adventures. Many eReaders are compatible with reading outdoors, and you can download multiple books to choose from. Audiobooks allow you to rest your eyes and take in the book in any state of relaxation.
As long as you are comfortable and want to do some outdoor reading, you can read in any format.
Book Lengths
As for the length of your beach read, you know what kind of book you want to read. If you are planning on reading for hours on end during a longer trip, you can read a longer book. This can make you feel accomplished and productive, especially if it is a more complex story.
If you are planning on a shorter trip or want more mindless reading, you can bring a shorter book. This can be something that you do not need to put all your attention in, just helping you pass time.
Share with Others!
Nothing is better than a fun beach day with friends where you can crack into a book. Let your mind wander and bask in the summer sun. When you read at the beach or by the pool, that can even inspire others to do the same. If you have any particular beach reads you enjoyed, you can share that with your friends, family, and community.
At the end of the day, read whatever book at the beach or pool that you want to read! You ultimately decide what makes for the best beach read for you. If you are looking for a place to start your search for new books, visit Cloverly’s catalog of recent releases.
