When it’s time to pack for our annual beach trip, I put equal care into my outfit choices and my book picks. What you are reading while you enjoy the sound of ocean waves and the feel of sand on your toes can affect your entire vacation. For me, romance and popular fiction are my go-tos for my beach tote, but everyone is different. Sometimes you want to grab a new book for a trip, but you get anxiety about picking one you’re going to like.
That’s where I come in. I’ve created this extremely scientific quiz to help you figure out what summer beach read needs to make it into your suitcase. (And also because I read too much Seventeen magazine in the 90s…)
#1 Money is no issue, and you have no responsibilities for the next week… where are you headed?
A. The beach duh. I thought this whole post was about the beach?
B. Lake house. The beauty of the water without all that sticky sand.
C. England! Museums, old churches, and corner pubs. I want some culture!
D. Money doesn’t matter? Paris, stat. Or maybe Rome? Can we do both?
E. National park please. I want to hike, camp, and see the stars.
#2 It’s game night at your house…what are you bringing out?
A. Cards Against Humanity, Jenga, and Codenames
B. Clue, Mastermind, or one of those murder mysteries!
C. Catan, Forbidden Island, or Ticket to Ride
D. HedBanz, Uno, or Charades!
E. Scrabble, Wordle, or Tapple
#3 You enter your favorite book store, where do you go first?
A. Cafe first. No point in perusing without caffeine.
B. Wherever my heart takes me. Every aisle has a new thing to discover.
C. I go straight to my favorite aisle. No need to dilly dally, I know what I like.
D. The best stuff is always up front! Check those tables.
E. I like to see what’s on the best selling shelf and staff picks. Some hidden gems!
#4 You treated yourself to a book-related treat from Amazon. What’s waiting at your front door?
A. Bathtub tray caddy – nothing says self-care like a book and bubble bath
If you answered mostly A…you’re a romance girly! There’s a million great books out there for you but the one I will always recommend is Book Lovers by Emily Henry. If you have a favorite Hollywood crush, check out Funny You Should Ask by Elissa Sussman. And if you wish The Bachelorette was more size-inclusive, please grab One To Watch by Kate Stayman-London.
If you answered mostly C…you’re a fantasy fanatic. For 200 pages of action-packed world hopping, check out The Keeper’s Six by Kate Elliott. If you are more into science fiction, check out this murderous robot with a heart in All Systems Red by Martha Wells. And if you love a family, your heart will leap for The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune.
If you answered mostly D…you’re a popular fiction fan. You know what’s trending and you stay on top of it. Lessons In Chemistryby Bonnie Garmus is a must read. I love everything by Taylor Jenkins Reid, but Malibu Rising seems best for the beach. And if you are still looking, check out Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin.
If you answered mostly E…you’re a non-fiction lover. Whether it’s autobiographies or self-help…you want to live in the here and now. If you want to start the season fresh, grab Atomic Habits by James Clear. If you need some creative juice…Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. If you love learning about others, you have to read Born A Crime by Trevor Noah.
Did I get you right? Let me know what books you’re packing for the beach this summer!
