The 10 Best New Beach Reads To Pick Up ASAP

Though sunscreen, a swimsuit and some sunnies might suffice for a day on the sand, a juicy, not-too-intense book makes the day even better. In fact, getting lost in a fun read is high on our list of favorite off-duty activities, no matter where we’re stationed for the day. With a long, low-key weekend on the horizon, what better time to pick up a new one? Here, 10 new titles for every mood and setting.

What To Read This Weekend

If “The Devil Wears Prada” didn’t satiate your conniving thirst: The Knockoff.

Ever get the feeling that you could be doing a better job than your boss? This hilarious novel explores every subordinate’s dream of taking the reigns, all with a millennial twist.

If you think “Gossip Girl” could’ve gone on for a few more seasons: Primates of Park Avenue.

There’s something addictive about the well-heeled women of the Upper East Side. In her memoir, Wednesday Martin analyzes the antics of Manhattan’s elite through the lens of anthropology and primatology.

If you’re looking for that certain je ne sais quoi: My Paris Dream.

This coming-of-age memoir documents former Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar editor Kate Betts’ ascent through the sartorial ranks in 1980s Paris. Let’s consider this your go-to for career advice and chic Parisienne inspo.

If you like rooting for the underdog: Almost Famous Women.

This compelling collection of stories explores those heroines who were born in proximity to the spotlight, but never quite got their chance to shine. Notables include Lord Byron’s illegitimate daughter and Oscar Wilde’s unruly niece. Caution: highly addictive.

If you want to curl up and cry (in a good way): Go Set a Watchman.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Harper Lee wrote To Kill a Mockingbird in 1960. More than 50 years later, Lee will be releasing her second novel, which features many of the same characters from her first book some twenty years later.

If you’re feeling rebellious: Girl in a Band.

Kim Gordon— musician, fashion icon, and role model for a generation of women— recently put pen to paper to recount her life as an artist, mother, and one of the first females of rock and roll. If you feel like you’ve been playing by the rules too much and want to switch things up, this might be the book for you.

If you’re a looking for a few (thoughtful) laughs: Bad Feminist.

This collection of essays touches on politics, criticism, and feminism all with a funny and insightful edge. Since it’s broken up into short essays, Bad Feminist is the perfect read for the lady on the run.

If you're all about those #squadgoals: All the Single Ladies.

In this charming novel, Dorothea Benton Frank covers the complexities of friendship in women’s lives. If you don’t have a fuzzy blanket nearby, you may want to consider investing in one.

If drama is your drug: The Santangelos.

No summer is complete without some juicy drama. This book follows the life of Lucky Santangelo as she deals with the antics of a drug addled Colombian club owner, a sex crazed Italian family, and a teenage daughter who’s on the cusp on becoming an “It” girl in Europe’s modeling world. Buckle up.

If you grew up in the '90s: As If!: The Oral History of Clueless.

In celebration of the movie’s 20th anniversary, pop culture journalist Jen Chaney shares an oral history of the cult classic film. This book is a must-read for every girl who ever considered buying a white Jeep in honor of Cher Horowitz.