There’s nothing better than lying in a beach chair, encompassed by golden sunlight as the sand warms your toes and the waves rumble in the distance.
What really makes it perfect, though, is a good book that brings you to another world and pulls you into the lives of fictional people.
Here are a few books that I found were perfect to distract me from reality with my feet in the sand.
The Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins
I read this novel last summer while the waves crashed on my tanned legs on Hilton Head Island. I barely noticed when the tide came up because I was riveted by the fast-paced intriguing murder mystery. Its constant twists and turns kept my nose tucked into its pages the whole week of vacation.
A Fall of Marigolds by Susan Meissner
Historical and modern day stories intertwine to become one, fascinating story. It is easy to become absorbed by the characters’ experiences after 9/11 and after the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire in 1911.
Though it’s exciting and interesting, this mystery novel has a more soothing and calm feel to it keeping readers turning the pages without being afraid of what’s coming next.
The Nightingale by Kristen Hannah
Though you may be intimidated by this novel’s 500+ pages, you won’t want them to end. It is easy to become engrossed by the lives of two courageous women, who were braving the hardships brought on by the Nazi’s occupation of France.
This book is not only inspiring, but it will open your eyes to a time when battling adversity was a part of everyday life. It made me appreciate having the ability to bask in the sun on the beach, where my greatest battle is against sunburn.
The Emperor’s Children by Claire Messud
Messud uses language to create such a fluid, fascinating story allowing an easy look into the character’s lives.
Each chapter provides insight into the lives of each of the three 30-something friends struggling to make their dreams come true in New York City in 2001.
This novel keeps you guessing as to the true connection and dynamic among the characters, coming together with the tragedy of 9/11.
13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher
This book is fast paced and easy to read, as its format switches between the dialogue of the tapes of a dead girl and the narration of the main character, Clay Jensen.
The story of each teenager mentioned is captivating and the story, as a whole is extremely thought-provoking. It recently became a hit on Netflix, making it fun to read and providing something to look forward to after vacation when readers can see the characters come to life.
The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling
The death of one man causes a ripple effect throughout the town of warring families, friends and colleagues.
The politics and the question of who will get the dead man’s spot on the town’s council has the town at war with one another.
As you read through this novel, more and more mysteries are uncovered and you’ll be surprised page after page.
Image: iStock
Reflect & Refresh 