Easy breezy.

Summer reading shouldn’t feel like a chore. Chances are, you won’t be in the mood this season to attempt Moby Dick, for example. Still, I find all the summer reading lists suggesting downright silly pulp just as unappealing. I may not want to read Dickens at the pool, but I need a story with substance, nonetheless. Give me variety! Give me absurdity! Give me adventure! Give me layers! Give me twists and turns!

Give me lots of breeze and just enough ease. (Please.)

These nine books aren’t your typical beach reads. I doubt you’d find them on other summer reading lists. But they’re good. From intergenerational family sagas, to poignant memoirs, to surreal adventures, they’ll hold your attention even if you’re a couple cocktails deep, poolside.

Cool Beach Reads: 9 Unique Books for Summer

*NOTE: I am a proud affiliate of these books, and I do receive a small commission from each sale, at no cost to you.