Which of my #TopFive beach bag approved titles are in your beach/pool bag, in your suitcase, or on your summer TBR?
5 Beach Bag Approved Titles for Summer Reading
As you’re anticipating a day at the beach or the pool, or you’re packing a suitcase, here are my 5 best recommendations for lighter summer reads.
You might also enjoy my 2026 Summer Reading Guide and my recent collaborative post: One Must-Read Book of Summer 2026.
All beach bag approved!
***This post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Titles are linked to reviews when available.
(In no particular order)
The Shippers by Katherine Center
This story is fast-paced with witty dialogue. Not yet reviewed. (contemporary women’s fiction)
Down with the Shipmans by Meg Mitchell Moore
Heartfelt and complicated family drama, sisters, relatable, and so much better than Sandwich and Wreck IMO.
(contemporary fiction)
This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page
Book about books and an honest portrayal of grief. Heartwarming.
(contemporary fiction)
Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan
Likeable characters, thoughtful themes, and witty banter.
(contemporary women’s fiction)
Leave and Come Back by Lavanya Lakshmi
Complicated (but not dysfunctional) family drama. Indian-American family wedding. Review linked. (contemporary fiction, diverse read)
QOTD:
What book are you packing in your beach/pool bag or suitcase this summer?
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Libby’s Page’s book is on my list this summer, Carol!
I hope you enjoy it!
Oops! I saw the ad for Tai Chi walking and thought that was a book!!
😂 when I first opted in for WP ads, I selected the option that they would only appear at the top and bottom of posts. Slowly they have encroached throughout the whole post. Ugh!
All great choices, Carol. I have either read or am in the queue at the library for the rest of these books. I am getting antsy about a couple of them. The library list is going way too slow.
Those slow library queues are frustrating! I hope you enjoy them all whenever they come!