My Favorite Beach Reads of 2014

Summer is finally here, and you know we all have those days where we're yearning for a day at the beach. I don't know about you but whenever I go to the beach, bringing a book is a must. There are some tips and tricks I would like to introduce today that are helpful to me when packing for a long vacation, or just for any quick day at the beach: 

1. Always bring a stand alone novel! Let me just tell you there are hundreds of times where I like to bring the first book in a trilogy to the beach. You're at the beach to relax, not to bring yourself to read something that's been on your TBR pile for as long as you can remember. 

2. Never apply sunscreen before reading a book! There was a time where I covered my hands in sunscreen and then picked up my hardcover copy of The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black. I totally ruined the cover. When I got home, it was sticky and smelly and just plain awful. 

3. I tend to leave my books out in the sun when I feel the need for a quick dip in the water. Dont! I left my book tanning for two hours, and the sun nearly burned the book to pieces. Keep your books well hidden underneath a piece of clothing or a towel. 

4. Lastly, always set up your chair and towel away from the water. If the tide rises high enough to reach your stuff, you're screwed. Your books and other important things will be soaked! 

I also have some favorite beach books that I would like to share.

1. That Summer by Sarah Dessen 

I don't think anyone could go wrong with a Sarah Dessen book for the summer. These light and easy contemporaries are the most probable choice for a day at the beach! Not too long, but at the same time, not too short. This book especially calls out summer to me because of its fun and relaxing cover. The title speaks for itself as well! I believe there are times where you could get away with finishing this book in one day. 

2. Deep and Dark and Dangerous by Mary Downing Hahn 

I'm a sucker for novels by Mary Downing Hahn. Deep and Dark and Dangerous is a scary stand alone novel about a vacation in the summer gone wrong. It's all the things people look for in a classic ghost story. If you're not into ghost stories for the summer, you shouldn't read this book. But if you're looking for some excitement, then check it out for sure. This is definitely the kind of book you would read for if you're only looking to read 100-200 pages. 

3. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

Okay, fine. If you're dying to read a series over the summer, the only one I would recommend is Harry Potter. Harry Potter is a long series, don't get me wrong. But people love a good series that will last them for the entire summer. 

You don't necessarily have to follow these tips. They are just things I find helpful to me when going to the beach. I would love to know some of your summer tips and tricks in the comments below. How do you keep your books safe from the impending heat wave?