Memorial Day Weekend Beach Reads

I’m so excited for the holiday weekend, even though I’m going from a summery Maryland to a much chillier Rhode Island, so a warm beach day may not be in the cards. But even if the weather doesn’t cooperate, my choice of reading is definitely going to reflect my summer beach mindset. We’ve got all kinds of options from novels set on the Cape or in Malibu, to acerbic and entertaining non-fiction. There’s something for everyone depending on if you want to get lost in book or if you’re going to be distracted by friends or kids wanting to chat or jump in the water. Everyone needs a fun read tucked into their bag whether you’re at the beach, pool, boat, or just wishing you were…

Memorial Day Weekend Beach Reads

• Our lovely sister-in-law Jessica loaned me Laura Hankin’s previous book, Happy and You Know It, which perfectly captured the twisted drama of an Upper East Side playgroup, and in her new book, A Special Place for Women, takes on the world of exclusive women’s clubs in NYC. Her writing is funny, sharp and a quick read, and takes on the dark side of “champagne problems” - the ideal combination.

• When we were away last weekend, I was wishing I had something light and easy to read and when an ad popped up for Jennifer Weiner’s newest book, That Summer, I knew I had a winner. So far, it’s classic Weiner story-lots of heart, women that you can find something in common with, and a thoughtful look at how little events can pull our lives in strange directions that we never would have anticipated. -E

• I have loved Casey Wilson since Happy Endings and now love listening to her on Bitch Sesh. The Wreckage of My Presence is high on my list as essay collections are ideal in the summer, because you get easy stopping points and can come back to it days later without losing the plot. When those essays are about some of my favorite actors and comedians? Sign me up! - D

• People We Meet On Vacation by Emily Henry is getting so much buzz right now. I really liked Henry’s last book, Beach Read, so I want to check this one about friends who vacation together every year until something goes very wrong and they have one last chance to fix things between them. -E

• 99 Glimpses of Princess Margaret actually came our way from our mother! It’s the perfect thing to read when you want a royal fix, but are distracted by children, friends stopping by your umbrella or chatting with friends as it’s broken down into smaller stories and anecdotes. - D

• The Housewives: The Real Story Behind The Real Housewives by Brian J Moylan, whose genius Housewives recaps on Vulture are one of my favorite things on the internet, is all about looking at the shows get made. I would love to know how casting works, who actually plans their trips and how much they get paid! -E

• Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Read technically doesn’t come out until one day after Memorial Day (June 1), but it’s still one of the books I have been most anticipating this summer. A famous family, a huge party and a mysterious fire sound like the perfect combination! I loved Daisy Jones and the Six and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, so I can’t wait for another steamy, Hollywood escape. - D

• I saw on Instagram that Becca Freeman just read Just Last Night by Mahairi McFarlane and she loved it, so I immediately added it to my list. Becca is a great source for all things rom-com and this book about four friends in thirties who love trivia and have secret crushes on each other sounds like it’s just up my alley. -E

For more summer reading ideas, take a look at our post that highlights the new books that came/are coming out April - June. It includes some of these titles and many more!