Friday Mood Recs: Twelve books that will transport you to the beach

Idyllic destinations, craggy shores, and deep blue waters for the perfect summery reading

Hey, readers!

You probably already know that I define beach reads a little differently than the culture at large. My Paperback Summer Reading Guide is largely filled with literary fiction—immersive books, yes, light books, not so much.

But one thing I can get on board with for summer reading is books that transport me to a summer setting, preferably a beach. Today I’m sharing twelve books with beachy settings. These range from frivolous and frothy to languid and literary—with a few windswept craggy shores for good measure.

Whatever your reading taste, I have a beach book for you!