Catch some well-deserved rays and chill out with some of the best audiobooks to listen to on the beach, on the car ride over, and of course, while lounging in the sand.
Is there anything better than relaxing on the beach with a good book? Sun, sand, and stories come together in this list of the best books to read on the beach. But what is considered a "beach read," anyway? Something easy, breezy, and relaxing. This means, of course, that beach listening trumps beach reading. Forget awkward tan lines and lounging positions as you try and shield your eyes to read: just pop on your headphones and hit play on the 22 best summer books in audio form to start summer off right.
From rom-coms to historical fiction, poignant stories for men, or short all-in-one-sitting listens, this list has something for every type of book lover to enjoy this summer. Whether you lean towards romance novels when lounging on the beach, or you are all for excitement and action, a murder mystery, a family drama story or quick summer listen, there is a new book for everyone to dive into this summer.
Audiobooks to Set the Summer Tone:
From stories of self discovery to friendships, family ties, and summer adventures, these summer beach listens are perfect for lounging on the beach. Whether you’re on vacation, or taking a break from your day, get lost in these stories that set the mood for summer.
The next best thing to vacationing somewhere fabulous is listening to a story that’s set there. Bestselling author Taylor Jenkins Reid has transported us to 1940s Hollywood and 1970s rock ‘n’ roll. Her latest listen takes us into the lives of the rich and famous in 1980s Malibu, California. The story takes place over one night in August in 1983 when the Riva siblings throw their massive annual end-of-summer bash. By midnight, the party is out of control, and by the morning, the mansion has gone up in flames. In between, we flash back through the decades to learn about Malibu’s history and the Riva family, whose saga contains glamour and tragedy, surfing and secrets. As always, Julia Whelan’s impeccable narration rides a wave of sheer perfection.
Jennifer Weiner’s novel begins with a deceptively simple premise: One woman receives messages meant for another woman with a very similar email address. The two women eventually become friends, but it turns out the email mix-up is more than just a coincidence. One of them is hiding a painful secret of a sexual assault that happened to her when she was a young teen—a secret that once revealed, will be devastating to her new friend. Narrated by Sutton Foster, That Summer explores provocative and timely themes while allowing listeners to imagine: What would you do if you were in these women’s shoes?
Emmy-winning co-host of The View and author Sunny Hostin centres this brilliant beach listen in Oak Bluffs, the legendary and exclusive African-American summer haven on Martha's Vineyard in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Imposing matriarch Amelia Vaux Tanner summons her three adult goddaughters to her house on the vineyard for one last time with the promise of giving one of them her beloved home at the end of the summer. Shocking family secrets will be spilled–all the more deliciously when they're brought to life with January LaVoy's award-winning voice. Add this juicy audiobook to your library in time for your next vacation.
The YA community was the first to lose their minds over Angeline Boulley's incredible debut novel, but its reputation has grown far beyond genre recognition. Following an Ojibwa girl named Daunis over the summer before she goes to college, the story takes a shocking turn when Daunis witnesses a murder that thrusts her into an FBI investigation that threatens to tear her community apart. Be warned: Isabella Star LaBlanc's narration might make you cry, but that will only make you love this listen more. A true page-turner of a listen, this is no average book club story but a powerful book that pairs tradition with modernity.
Red White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston is one of the most highly-praised and decorated romantic novels in recent years. It was named the Best Book of the Year in 2019 by a number of publications, including Goodreads Choice, Shelf Awareness, Kirkus Reviews, NPR and Vogue Magazine, as well as AudioFile Magazine's Best Audiobooks of 2019. Not a typical romance, it is a story full of emotion, vulnerability, and authenticity. The main characters, Alex and Henry, are the first son and Prince of Wales, respectively. When they are forced to ‘play nicely’ for the media, they begin to see there may be something deeper there. McQuiston tackles ideas of identity, image, coming out experiences, and the power of being your true authentic self. Moving and full of feeling, this romance has a political edge without feeling like an agenda. It is a pure well-written story of love–for others and for oneself.
Romance Listens:
What could be more fun than a summer romance? These beach-worthy audiobooks are full of sultry, sweet, and heartfelt love stories. From a young woman returning to her small-town home, to best friends who are secretly in love, these romance tales cover all the best love story tropes and storylines.
This story of two best friends who come together on vacation once a year is a laugh-out-loud listen that is light, lovely and full of humour. Its characters are wonderfully relatable and believable, and author Emily Henry writes impressively accurate dialogue. This easy listen is perfect for lounging on a beach and taking in the easy comforts of two people who know each other so well. Between the sweet moments and the building tension between them, People We Meet on Vacation is a binge-worthy story you may have to try hard not to finish in one sitting. Henry’s writing is channeled by the effortless Julia Whelan, who brings to light this glorious and utterly charming getaway story of two seemingly mismatched individuals.
If dark, sexy, and suspenseful is your summer jam, do not miss P.J. Vernon's sophomore psych thriller about a glamorous couple who seem to have it all, from a loving relationship to an impeccably restored Washington, D.C. townhouse. But when Oliver has an illicit encounter at a discreet gay bathhouse, he ends up the victim of a brutal attack and barely escapes with his life. In the traumatic aftermath, he’ll do anything to keep Nathan from finding out his secret—and as the danger moves closer to home, the lies follow. Cunningly crafted, this pitch-perfect thriller ratchets up the suspense with a dual POV voiced by Michael Crouch and Daniel Henning.
Some listens are just magical: the perfect marriage of plot, characters, and performance. Everything comes together in The Stand-In by Lily Chu, an irresistible romance about Gracie, who becomes a stand-in for a famous Chinese actress—and in the process, has to get to know her uber-famous 'guide'. Of course, the guide is someone who Gracie can’t stand. Or so she keeps telling herself. Narrated by Phillipa Soo of Hamilton fame (who turns out to be a comic genius), this enchanting romance will send you straight to your summer happy place in a world of luxury, humour, and unexpected sparks.
A Barefoot Summer is the perfect summer love story. Author Jenny Hale writes this sweet and lovely about family, first loves, and coming home. You will laugh and cry on this emotional journey of love and loss as Libby tries to figure out what the perfect life really means. Should she stay in her hometown or leave again as soon as she can–in search of bigger and better dreams? And what about Pete, the man she loved so dearly but left behind, breaking his heart all those years ago. An excellent listen for fans of emotional summer tales, A Barefoot Summer is a must-add to any summer listening list.
You may already be familiar with the storyline of Crazy Rich Asians from the blockbuster and Academy Award-nominated movie, but you may not have known it was based on the incredible book by Kevin Kwan. This tale is part romance story, part status politics, and a whole lot of family drama. Follow Rachel Chu as she discovers that her already wonderful boyfriend is actually the most eligible bachelor in Singapore. A story of old money, new money, prejudice, and snobbery, it is a great summer listen full of love, laughs, and great life lessons. It is a heartfelt audiobook that is perfect for summer.
The Wedding Party by Jasmine Guillory is a classic romance story of two enemies turned lovers. The passion is strong, the hook ups hot, and all of it is veiled with untold feelings and feigned disdain. Jasmine Guillory is an expert at writing romance stories that are perfect for lounging at the beach. This binge-able, and fun story of rivals turned wedding planners for their mutual best friend, has all the steam of a summer fling with the story to back it. The Wedding Party was also a best seller on the New York Times romance list, and has been a major hit with book fans. Will Maddie and Theo give in to their feelings, or will pride prevent them from discovering something so much more than a fling?
Another great enemies-to-lovers story is The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren. Christina and Lauren’s style is funny, witty, and heart felt, which makes for a perfect romance story. It brings all the feel-good vibes and swoon-worthy moments while also adding a dose of reality and humour. Between the love story, the wedding setting, and a beautiful Hawaiian vacation, this story hits all the musts for a good beach book. Sit back and relax with a tale that will sweep you away to sunny sand beaches, and warm embraces of a sweet and fun love story. If you're looking for a summer listen with a laugh-out loud edge, this story is for you.
Short Beach Listens:
Short stories and novellas are a great option for beach listens. These shorter tales pack a punch, and can be listened to in one sitting for an extra exciting experience.
Imagine if, in just a few hours of sunbathing, you could finish a new story by a National Book Award-winning author in one sitting. Kacen Callender's audio novella clocks in at under three hours, but it will burrow its way into your heart for far longer. When 27-year-old Charlie must leave New York City for his mom's conservative hometown, he's sure he's one of the few Black, and only trans, people in town. But when he meets Jackson Ford, a former football star turned outsider after coming out, the two fall for each other in a swift and surprising romance narrated by nonbinary performer Commarrah J. Yochanan.
It can be easy to get bogged down with the heaviness of the world. From tragedies to wars, politics and civil rights movements, there are a lot of major issues weighing on the world’s consciousness. A perfect remedy is the positive, upbeat, and joyful audiobook All Together Now by Alan Doyle. Known to many as the lead singer of Newfoundland based music group Great Big Sea, he has penned a collection of “A Newfoundlander's Light Tales for Heavy Times.” These short listens are the perfect mood-boosters for a summer day. Sit back and enjoy an uplifting tale or two that will help you escape from the heaviness of the world. Doyle has a contagious joy in his work and his voice, which brings these stories to life and can’t help but make you feel good.
Nghi Vo's The Empress of Salt and Fortune is an exciting, fast-paced story that is nearly impossible not to listen to all in one sitting. The story is set in an empire much like Imperial China that unfolds is a story of feminism and friendship amidst a fantastical world of monarchy and empresses. Exciting and full of beautiful descriptions and compelling characters, this audiobook novella has a gorgeous poetic tone to it. It is a great summer read for those looking for something short, but full of substance. Listen all in one go, or spread it out to savour the story.
Best Beach Listens for Guys
While many ‘summer beach reads’ seem to be tailored to women, there are so many more diverse stories out there. These titles are great options for guys looking for the perfect beach-time audiobook.
The Guncle by Steven Rowley in this utterly charming and heart-exploding novel, set in glamorous Palm Springs. Enjoy a delightful and entertaining audiobook that will transport you into a world of fun, and brings all the feels. Rowley himself narrates the story of a gay former sitcom star who finds himself the primary caretaker of his young niece and nephew after a family tragedy. Wit, wonder, and wisdom ensue as the Guncle (gay uncle) teaches Maisie and Grant and learns something about his own heart and the meaning of family in the process. This is a feel-good heartwarming story that pairs well with some sun and sand.
Sometimes you need something delightfully soapy for the beach—but that doesn't mean it can't still be a meaningful or important book. In Torrey Peters's groundbreaking debut, a trans woman named Reese receives a curious proposal from her ex, Ames: help raise a baby he's fathered with his new partner, a cis woman named Katrina. Ames, who was born male but lived as a woman for years before de-transitioning, speculates that Reese can help him come to terms with the fraught prospect of fatherhood. With an epic beach scene at its explosive finale, this time-hopping journey through gender and identity lets you luxuriate in both a juicy premise and well-deserved literary accolades.
New York Times bestselling author Jason Mott writes a stunning story of a fellow author on a book tour across the country. At the same time, it tells the tale of a young Black boy named Soot and a potentially imaginary child known as “The Kid.” Moving, powerful, and poignant, it is the perfect psychological thriller for those looking for a story with a purpose. Mott’s portrayal of race and manhood - from the lens of being Black in America - is a timely and dramatic story that will hit home for many. From his depiction of Black childhood to the wider look at race politics across the nation, Hell of a Book is a gripping and deeply emotional story.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a dynamic listen that is full of life, drama, and great storytelling. Former movie star Evelyn recounts her old Hollywood lifestyle to an eager and essentially unknown reporter, spilling secrets and scandals and telling her own version of her life. The two start to become increasingly connected and in potentially dark ways. This audiobook adaptation is an audio masterpiece and includes a cast reading by Alma Cuervo, Julia Whelan, and Robin Miles. The narration is so stellar that the book was a 2018 Audie Award Finalist for the Multi-Voiced Performance category. Entertaining, glamourous, and intriguing, this is a great listen for those looking for a summer title with substance.
Another hit by Taylor Jenkins Reid is Daisy Jones & the Six, an absolute must-listen. A story of sex, drugs, and rock and roll, this is a hard-hitting music lover’s dream. This is the story of Daisy, the up-and-coming musical star with a voice sure to catch your attention, and Billy Dunne of The Six - the brooding band leader. In this epic tale, they come together for a musical sound - and the resulting phenomenon is a true musical masterpiece. If you’re looking for a raw and passionate story to accompany you on the beach, this is the perfect lively listen. It has topped summer reading lists, book clubs, and listener libraries, andwas even named an Audible essential.
This list would be incomplete without a title from Elin Hilderbrand, who was dubbed the “queen of beach reads” by the New York Times. Hilderbrand has a slew of fantastic summertime listens to choose from, each bringing her signature romance style. The Hotel Nantucket is no exception and is the latest in a long list of beachy classics. The story has a little bit of everything. You’ll stumble across a teenage ghost that haunts the hotel halls, a lead female fresh off a breakup, and a range of interesting characters in this fun-filled, easy-listening title. The Hotel Nantucket is an ideal listen for beach-goers and vacationers.
