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Ladies and gentleman, put away your coats and lather yourselves up with sunscreen, because summer is finally here. And, now that the clouds are beginning to disperse, what better time to lay on the beach and bask in the sunshine with a classic read? Here is a list of 15 great beach books to enjoy in the beautiful outdoors now that the brightest season is upon us!
Let's kick this list off with a real classic. Over two centuries old but still relevant today, this romantic novel exploring the importance of marrying for love over money (as well as the error in making hasty judgements, as hinted at by the title) is an ideal summer read for anyone wanting to get lost in a tale of passion, comedy, and human decency.
Though not without tragedy, who can help but love this influential story of a Long Island playboy millionaire madly in love? And let's face it, we all wish we had our own lakeside penthouse. This is the perfect book to relax in the sun with while you dream of such luxury...
Now that the sun is out, there are few places more fitting to read about in the warmest season of the year than the scorching town of Maycomb, Alabama. Though To Kill a Mockingbird deals with the troublesome issues of racism and prejudice that were prevalent in an early 20th century US, the tone is surprisingly one of hope and humour. Perfect for a bright and sunny day!
Set on a sweltering farm in California, this classic novella is another book on this list with a setting most suitable for warmer seasons. With it's the short length, this heartbreaking short story of innocence and hopefulness is a moving tale that can be read in a single day but contemplated for a lifetime.
Or maybe you just want a fun, easy read for (arguably) the most relaxing season. Moving on from the heavier literature, Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland is an awesome and beloved fantastical adventure story that can be enjoyed by people of all ages any time of the year. Throw a bit of sunbathing into the mix, and you have yourself a perfect day.
Another fantastical and equally beloved tale of adventure is J. M. Barrie's Peter Pan. A story with tragic influences, Peter Pan is proof that even the most harrowing experiences can be used to create something bright and beautiful. This is also another example of a children's story that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. The child inside us never really needs to grow up, after all!
This classic Disney tale can be enjoyed on the pages as well as on the big screen with this vintage Penguin edition. A timeless and magical story that emphasises the notion that it's what we're like on the inside that matters most, you no longer need to be shut away from the sun in front of a TV screen to experience it!
One of Shakespeare's most popular works, and certainly one of his most humorous, A Midsummer Night's Dream is a comedy any literature buff should read at some point in their lives. Intertwining the funny with the fantastical, this pick is a great candidate for a midsummer read! Probably best to do so in the day instead of the night though, if you're on a beach...
This is where epic fantasy as we know it today began. From beautiful countrysides to perilous mountains, Tolkien's first Middle-Earth masterpiece is an exhilarating adventure you can enjoy from the safety and comfort of your nearest beach, beyond the reach of nasty orcs. Remember, they don't like sunlight!
The adventurous rascal that is Tom Sawyer has been a part of the literary world for almost one hundred and fifty years, yet he remains every bit as entertaining to this day. With plenty of satirical social criticisms of the time period it was written during, this book can be both enjoyed as a fun summer adventure read and as insight into the flaws of societal conventions before our time.
As Mark Twain's direct sequel to The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, this is also a must read if you go with our previous option. Including Tom in the fun, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a fantastic addition to Twain's legacy. With admirable and colourfully descriptive language, this is undoubtedly a great choice of literature for a day outside around yellow sands and blue waters.
This timeless book, almost three centuries old, is a brilliant option for an adventurous and light-hearted read for a beach day as you look at the ocean horizon and ponder the world beyond. Full of satire regarding human nature and traveller's tales, you'd be mad not to include this on your summer reading list!
Beaches and jungles - two very tropical, but very different settings. So while you're taking it easy in the sand, read all about the adventures of Mowgli amidst the perils of the jungle! This story is just one of the many wonders left behind for us by the incredible Rudyard Kipling.
Veering away from books for something slightly different, this authentic and vintage comic of Aladdin makes for a fantastic short and visual read. With unique and colourful artwork, make sure you read this beneath the bright rays of the sun to really appreciate its detail and beauty!
And finally, let's take the title of this list literally. There's nowhere more relaxing than a sunny beach on a summer's day, and this book is an ideal addition to help you appreciate all of the life, sights, and diversity that our beautiful beaches have to offer.
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