Is there anything more relaxing than a day at the beach? The surf, the sun, your 6-year-old kicking sand into the cooler, giving an unfortunate new meaning to the word “sandwiches”…. Put your husband on “keep-the-kids-from-injuring-themselves-or-others” duty and lose yourself in one of these gripping beach reads, recommended by our trusty panel of mamas, book-clubs, and local booksellers.
The Read: Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah
Nominated by: Books & Greetings Bookshop in Northvale
What you’ll love: Watching the relationship grow and evolve between two best friends, Kate and Tully, who met when they were 14 years old.
Why you should read this: Because “Beaches” is still your favorite movie of all time.
What you’ll need: A box of tissues by your side
The Read: Scar Tissue by Anthony Kiedis
Nominated by: The Hollywood Bound Book Club, Tenafly
What you’ll love: Red Hot Chili Pepper Rocker Anthony Kiedis’ candid account of his hard fought battle with drugs amidst a rapid rise to fame will have you cheering for the underdog (and longing to get his autograph).
Why you should read this: Your upbringing will actually seem normal after hearing about his family life.
What you’ll need: “Under the Bridge” and “Californication” playing on your ipod
The Read: Jersey Girls: The Fierce and the Fabulous by Marie Moss and Barri Leiner Grant
Nominated by: Bergen Mama!
What you’ll love: Learning that not all Jersey-ites “GTL”, have high hair and cruise the mall all day.
Why you should read this: To learn about other cool mamas who hail from the Garden State (Susan Sarandon and Judy Blume to name two) and some Jersey catch phrases and traditions.
What you’ll need: Your morning cup of cawfee
The Read: Maine by J. Courtney Sullivan
Nominated by: The Franklin Lakes Book Club
What you’ll love: The four female family members who play off each other at their Maine beach house, which they return to as an annual tradition.
Why you should read this: You’ve always wanted to experience Maine in the summer and you’re up for a good laugh (and cry).
What you’ll need: A cure for hiccups after you giggle your way through it
The Read: Life by Keith Richards (with James Fox)
Nominated by: Bookends Bookshop in Ridgewood
What you’ll love: The matter-of-fact, smart storytelling of one of rock’s most well known legends complete with private accounts of Mick and amazing, never before seen photos of the band
Why you should read this: This is one book you can actually share with your guy
What you’ll need: A cold glass of beer by your side
Now pick one and bury your nose in it!
