Between a Wolf and a Dog
Georgia Blain
This book completely took me by surprise but has since become one of my favourite reads of all time. Told from the perspective of many different and intertwining characters, Between a Wolf and a Dog focuses on the intricate wonder of human relationships. The language is so beautiful it will wash over you like cool waves on a Sunday afternoon. Every character has a story, and feel like they will continue living, breathing and existing long after you turn the last page.
– Laura
What makes it a perfect beach read? The language, the story, the characters… oh, and the fact that the cover looks excellent on Instagram
The Beach
Alex Garland
The Beach is a story of one young man’s gap year when he hangs out in Thailand, meets new friends and strangers, and is introduced to a mysterious island. You must swim to get there, the waters are pristine, and the vibes are high… until they’re not. It’s thrilling and adventurous and creepy. The best thing is that you can nab one of those orange penguin classics and impress your friends with how literary you are.
– Amy
What makes it a perfect beach read? The title, duh!
You
Caroline Kepnes
I really, really wanted to hate this book (yes, I am a book snob), but two hours later I was ignoring all of my responsibilities and refusing to talk to anyone until I’d finished the entire thing. Joe is the kind of guy you love to hate, and as you follow his relentless pursuit of Beck, I can promise that you will second guess right and wrong and above all else, everything that is good in the world. You is the kind of book that will have your stomach doing backflips right down to the very last page. It’s creepy, weird, and will stretch and test your empathy bone until you feel like you’re about to implode. Wild, huh?
– Laura
What makes it a perfect beach read? The story will have you hooked from the very first page, the language is buzz-feed-fan friendly and the gritty streets of New York make for a great escape from the ‘real’ world you’re living in.
The Testaments
Margaret Atwood
You’ve seen the Handmaid’s Tale series and you’re ready for your next fix. Look no further than Atwood’s long (loooong) awaited sequel to the story. Released in September this year, The Testaments is already on everyone’s to-read list. It’s electrifying, dystopian and at times feels more like fact than fiction, which only makes the whole thing more addictive to sink your teeth into.
– Amy
What makes it a perfect beach read? You won’t be able to put it down and then you can discuss it with all your friends over spritz by the sea.
That’s Not How You Wash A Squirrel
David Thorne (Kindle & e-Book)
Sometimes what you really need from your next great beach read is a hearty LOL, or in the case of this next title, a lolololol. Thankfully, satirist and all-round pest David Thorne is here to provide you with the goods. That’s Not How You Wash A Squirrel is a collection of personal essays, emails and assorted re-tellings of office antics. Basically, it’s a way for you to metaphorically extract revenge on your least favourite co-workers, without even leaving your beach chair.
– Laura
What makes it a perfect beach read? It’s light, breezy, quick to flick through and will have you saying, ‘Thank god I don’t work with this guy but good on him for doing what he does.’
Daisy Jones and the Six
Taylor Jenkins Reid
The guarantee of a good read in 2019 is whether Reese Witherspoon’s production company has snapped it up for a TV series or movie release. Daisy Jones and the Six is one such book – full of strong female characters, troubled rock stars, sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll. It’s told from the perspective of all the former members of a fictional band fronted by the glorious Hollywood starlet singer-songwriter Daisy Jones. Their lives intertwine through the free love era of the 1960s and beyond. This book is seriously a good time.
– Amy
What makes it a perfect beach read? Nothing says summer like setting New Year’s resolutions you’d happily give up in a heartbeat in favour of travelling the world with your fave band. Read it, soak it up and imagine your life if you’d run away with the rock star whose poster you used to kiss in your teenage bedroom.
Words: Laura Kebby & Amy Lovat
As seen in Swell Issue 5. Grab your copy here
