ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN DE MODE | LITERATURE
Article Published on: 11TH DEC 2024 | www.demodemagazine.com
When it comes to beach reading, the perfect book is one that can capture your attention while allowing you to relax and enjoy the sunny surroundings. Beach reads often balance engaging stories with lighter, entertaining themes, providing just the right mix of excitement, humor, and sometimes even romance. Here are three of the best books to take with you to the beach—each offering an immersive escape perfect for lounging in the sun.
1. "Big Little Lies" by Liane Moriarty
Key Themes: Secrets, friendships, domestic drama, suspense
Liane Moriarty’s Big Little Lies is the quintessential beach read—equal parts suspenseful, witty, and emotionally compelling. Set in the coastal town of Pirriwee, Australia, the story revolves around three women—Madeline, Celeste, and Jane—who become entangled in a web of secrets, lies, and intrigue. At first glance, these women seem to lead perfect lives, but as the novel unfolds, it becomes clear that things aren’t as idyllic as they appear.
Madeline is a force to be reckoned with—bold, outspoken, and struggling to balance her complex family dynamics. Celeste, her close friend, is stunningly beautiful but harbors dark secrets about her marriage. Jane is the newcomer to town, a young single mother trying to escape a traumatic past. Their lives become intertwined as their children attend the same prestigious school, and a series of playground events escalate into a full-blown mystery.
The novel is structured around the lead-up to a shocking incident at the school’s annual trivia night, with each chapter revealing more about the characters’ hidden lives. Moriarty expertly weaves together humor, drama, and suspense, creating a story that explores serious issues—like domestic abuse, toxic relationships, and the pressures of modern motherhood—without ever feeling too heavy. The combination of relatable characters, juicy gossip, and escalating tension makes Big Little Lies a page-turner that’s perfect for reading under the sun.
While the novel tackles some darker themes, Moriarty’s sharp wit and playful dialogue keep the tone light enough for beach reading. Big Little Lies keeps readers hooked with its clever blend of humor and mystery, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to dive into an engaging story while soaking up the sun.
2. "The Vacationers" by Emma Straub
Key Themes: Family dynamics, relationships, travel, self-discovery
Emma Straub’s The Vacationers is the perfect beach companion, offering a lighthearted yet thoughtful look at family life, relationships, and the complications that arise when everyone is stuck together on vacation. Set against the lush backdrop of Mallorca, Spain, the novel follows the Post family as they embark on a two-week vacation that forces them to confront long-held secrets, simmering tensions, and personal challenges.
The story centers on Franny and Jim Post, a couple celebrating their 35th wedding anniversary. They are joined by their son Bobby and his older girlfriend Carmen, their daughter Sylvia, and Franny’s best friend Charles and his husband, Lawrence. What starts as a seemingly idyllic family vacation quickly turns into a hotbed of drama as old resentments surface, relationships are tested, and the characters grapple with their own insecurities.
One of the novel’s strengths is Straub’s ability to capture the nuances of family dynamics—both the love and the frustration that come with spending extended time together. Each character is well-drawn and relatable, from Sylvia, a teenager looking forward to leaving for college, to Jim, who is dealing with the aftermath of a midlife crisis. Straub delves into themes of infidelity, aging, and personal growth with humor and warmth, making the novel feel both introspective and entertaining.
The Vacationers is perfect for beach reading because it combines the escapism of a beautiful, exotic setting with the emotional depth of a family drama. Straub’s writing is breezy and accessible, with vivid descriptions of Mallorca’s beaches, architecture, and cuisine adding to the appeal. It’s an easy, enjoyable read that explores how families evolve over time, making it both a relaxing and satisfying choice for a day at the beach.
3. "Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine" by Gail Honeyman
Key Themes: Loneliness, personal transformation, mental health, human connection
For those looking for a beach read with a bit more emotional depth, Gail Honeyman’s Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine is a perfect choice. While the novel deals with serious issues like loneliness and trauma, it also features moments of humor, hope, and heartwarming human connection. Eleanor Oliphant is a quirky, socially awkward woman in her thirties who leads a life of routine. She goes to work, eats the same meals, and spends her weekends alone with a bottle of vodka. Her life seems perfectly manageable, though devoid of joy and meaningful relationships—until an unexpected encounter changes everything.
When Eleanor and her coworker Raymond help save an elderly man named Sammy who has collapsed in the street, it sets off a chain of events that forces Eleanor to confront her painful past and begin opening up to others. The novel charts her gradual journey toward self-acceptance, personal growth, and healing, as she learns to let others into her life and realize that there is more to living than merely surviving.
What makes Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine such a compelling beach read is Honeyman’s deft balance of humor and emotion. Eleanor’s narrative voice is witty and dry, offering plenty of laugh-out-loud moments even as the novel delves into darker territory. Honeyman’s portrayal of Eleanor’s isolation is both poignant and relatable, and readers will find themselves rooting for her as she slowly learns to build meaningful connections and embrace her individuality.
Though the novel deals with mental health and the effects of trauma, it ultimately offers a message of hope and resilience. Eleanor’s transformation is gradual but rewarding, and the relationships she forms with Raymond and Sammy provide much-needed warmth and humor. Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine is both uplifting and thought-provoking, making it a great choice for readers who want a feel-good story with emotional substance while lounging at the beach.
Conclusion
Whether you’re in the mood for suspenseful drama, family dynamics, or personal transformation, these three books—Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty, The Vacationers by Emma Straub, and Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman—offer the perfect blend of entertainment and thought-provoking themes for a day at the beach. Each novel transports readers to different worlds, from a sun-soaked coastal town in Australia to the vibrant streets of Mallorca and the quiet life of a socially awkward woman in Scotland.
What makes these books ideal for beach reading is their ability to balance engaging stories with lightness and wit, allowing you to enjoy the drama, humor, and emotional depth without feeling weighed down. Whether you’re lounging by the ocean, sipping a cold drink, or simply soaking in the sun, these novels provide the perfect companion for a relaxing day of escape into the world of fiction. So, grab one of these page-turners, find a comfy spot on the sand, and get ready for an unforgettable literary getaway.