list of great beach read books

— This is a re-posting of an article from last Summer’s archives.  While I’m away in Europe I thought I’d give you a tour of my blog.  I’ve got years of content to delve into and plenty of fun content to keep you entertained while I’m away. —

One of the best parts of summer is reading a handful of really great *beach read* books, whether or not said books are actually read with toes in the sand. By beach read I mean totally delicious, no heavy philosophical burden required.

Here’s my list of Top 4 Beach Reads this summer:

1. Envy, by Anna Godberson

Anna Godberson is a promising young author who’s written The Luxe Series, Envy being the 3rd in the series. It’s scandal and intrigue centered around high society at the turn of the century in New York. I love each book in the series: The Luxe, Rumors, Envy, and the most recent and final installment in the series, Splendor. I haven’t gotten my hands on Splendor yet, but I can’t wait for it.

Totally fulfills the delicious quotient.

2. Being Nikki, by Meg Cabot

I love Meg Cabot, will until the end of my days. I consume her books like popcorn, just can’t stop at one. In fact, if I were ever to meet Meg Cabot in person I’d geek out much in the same way I did when I met Ree Drummond. It wouldn’t be pretty.

Being Nikki is a great popcorn read about a pop star, a la Britney, who gets her brain transplanted into the body of a super smart, average Jane teenage girl from New York. There are conspiracy theories about big corporate giant Stark Industries, teenage love triangles, and page after page of Meg’s brilliant writing.

Fabulous

3. When You Are Engulfed In Flames, by David Sedaris

David Sedaris is probably in my top 3 of favorite writers. He’s a master storyteller, in real life and on the page, and whatever he writes, I read. When You Are Engulfed in Flames is one of his most recent collections of short stories and I devoured it in an afternoon. His books always make me sad when they come to a close which I think speaks volumes about him as an author.

Warning: hysterical, but some offensive language + references might make the feint of heart a little squeamish.

4. Runaway, by Meg Cabot

See what I mean about loving Meg Cabot? Her books are quintessential beach reads. Runaway is the latest, and final installment in the Being Nikki series. Teenage hi-jinks, crushes, overcoming odds, self acceptance, and triumph ensue. More popcorn-y than Being Nikki, but still a totally enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.

What are you reading this summer? Any authors I need to know about?

Allison

Hello there! I'm Allison Czarnecki, founder + editor of Petit Elefant, a blog all about style on a budget for every part of your life: style / home / travel / family. I do a lot of how-to beauty + style tutorials, travel posts, easy recipes, home remodel projects, and cool DIY crafts you totally want to try. I'm super happily married (to a hot Polish immigrant) and am the mother of two kids, a daughter and son, all of whom are featured here on the regular. We live in the country but we're a little bit rock + roll. Welcome!