Book recommendations: Top five books to read at the beach

The idea of the perfect "beach read" came as a marketing tool in the 1990s. With beach vacations being popular, it was common sense - why wouldn't someone bring a book to read while they lounged around in the sun? In recent times, the beach read has taken a different meaning. Often associated with "silly and frivolous" fiction, it leaves a bad connotation in some people's mouths. A connotation I personally feel is unjustified. There is a time for serious fiction, but the idea of stories that are fun are less important has always rubbed me the wrong way. So for me, a beach read is simple: it needs to be a quick read, have mass appeal, allow for an escape from reality, and most importantly - be to read! They don't necessarily need to be romcoms or even happy stories, but they need to fit those four categories. So with that being said, here are the five books I consider to be the best beach reads.

1. Beach Read by Emily Henry

This book was the one that first got me interested in the concept of "beach reads." It also was my introduction to the wonder of Emily Henry's writing - I haven't missed a release from her since! This book is a fun look at the concept of writer's block and the ways creativity and inspiration can come out of the most unlikely of circumstances. In addition, there's a steamy romance that builds between the two main characters and the will they/won't they tension is addicting as you are left wondering whether or not they will get together.

Beach Read is available through Penguin Random House

2. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

I can already feel people commentingThe Midnight Library does not belong on this list. I know it's not immediately what people would consider a beach read, but with the way it hooked me I knew I had to include it because it was a vacation book for me! The premise can be heavy for some as it deals with the themes of depression, suicide, and regret. But Nora's story of exploring the choices she didn't make in her life to potentially escape into them is a fascinating way to look at her life. And a library as an allegory, that's something I can always get behind.

The Midnight Library is available through Penguin Random House

3. The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren

What if contributing your DNA during the sign-up process could lead to you matching with your soulmate on a dating app? That is the question behind the premise of The Soulmate Equation. GeneticAlly is a fun look at what would happen if Tinder and 23andMe had a baby - with a spicy romance included. Our main character Jess is a single mom who submits her DNA only to match with the app's creator and founder Dr. River Pena. It's a fascinating and fun look at the idea of destiny versus choice - and for any data nerds out there, explores whether or not love can be quantifiable.

The Soulmate Equation is available through Simon & Schuster

4. The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins

A modern retelling of Jane Eyre, The Wife Upstairs creates a dual narrative of the two Mrs. Rochesters - one writing a journal while trapped in the attic, while the other lives in the shadow of her husband's dead wife. Rachel Hawkins plays with tension and suspense brilliantly as Jane takes a turn down the paranoia. Perfect if you're looking for a gothic thriller and a mystery to solve while you relax, though you might want to avoid any houses with attics during your trip - just to make sure your imagination doesn't get any ideas.

The Wife Upstairs is available through Macmillan Publishers

5. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

Immortality comes with a cost. This is a lesson Addie LaRue knows well, in making that deal for herself, she was cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets. However, after three hundred years of life, she meets someone. Someone who remembers her name. This book is a fascinating look at identity and the importance of being remembered. It's melancholy and yet inspiring as we see what Addie's life has been like, and serves as a reminder of the importance of living life to the fullest.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is available through Macmillan Publishers