Best Summer Reads: Books to Dive into on Lazy Beach Days

Reading at the beach in Dubai during summer is like getting the best of both worlds. You get to soak in the beach vibes and catch up on your favorite books. Picture yourself lounging on the soft sand, enjoying the perfect amount of sunshine, thanks to Dubai's beaches that are set up with shaded areas and spots where the breeze is just right. You're all set with sunscreen, a comfy hat, and a book you've been meaning to read for ages.

Whether thrillers that keep you glued to the page or romance stories that make your heart flutter, the beach is the ultimate place to get lost in those stories. And don't sweat the heat - the mornings and late afternoons are the ideal times to enjoy the beach, so you won't be too hot. Plus, there are loads of cafes and places nearby to grab something cold to drink or a quick bite if you need a pause from reading.

Think of it as your own little escape - a blend of relaxing beach time and making a dent in your reading list. It's easygoing, peaceful, and really, a smart way to enjoy Dubai's summer.

Here are some great book picks for this summer:

Love & Gelato (Jenna Evans Welch)

In the heart of Italy's sun-drenched Tuscany, "Love & Gelato" tells the poignant tale of Lina, a young girl grappling with the loss of her mother and the daunting reality of meeting a father she's never known. The last thing Lina wants is to spend her summer in a fairy-tale landscape shadowed by her mother's absence. However, the discovery of her mother's journal, filled with stories of love, art, and hidden corners of Italy, opens up a new world for Lina. Guided by the charming Ren and the secrets penned down by her mother, Lina embarks on a journey that is not just about tracing her mother's past but also about discovering her own identity. Set against the backdrop of Italy's enchanting countryside and its rich cultural heritage, this story is a beautiful exploration of love, family, and self-discovery, showing that sometimes, in searching for love and gelato, one may find much more.

Genre: Romance, Contemporary Fiction, Travel
Goodreads Rating: 4.0
Literary Awards: Rhode Island Teen Book Award Nominee for Honorable Mention (2018)
Publish Date: First published May 3, 2016
Setting: Tuscany and Florence, Italy
Page Count: 386 pages

A Thousand Splendid Suns (Khaled Hosseini)

"A Thousand Splendid Suns" is an evocative and powerful narrative that weaves the lives of two Afghan women, Mariam and Laila, through the tumultuous periods of Afghanistan's history. Mariam, married off at fifteen to the much older Rasheed, finds herself in a life of sorrow and repression in Kabul. Years later, tragedy brings the young and spirited Laila into the same household, initially as a rival but eventually as a sisterly figure and an indomitable partner in their shared struggle for survival. As Afghanistan endures the harrowing rule of the Taliban, the streets of Kabul become arenas of fear and conflict, testing the resilience and endurance of these women to their limits. Yet, in the face of unimaginable adversity, their story becomes one of profound friendship, maternal love, and an unyielding bond that challenges the darkness around them. Hosseini's narrative is not just a testament to the strength and perseverance of Afghan women but also a heartfelt exploration of the power of love to inspire hope and transformation even in the most despairing circumstances.

Genre: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Contemporary, Classics, War
Goodreads Rating: 4.43
Literary Awards: British Book Award for Best Read of the Year (2008), Book Sense Book of the Year Award for Adult Fiction (2008), California Book Award for Fiction (Silver) (2007), Exclusive Books Boeke Prize Nominee (2007), Lincoln Award Nominee (2011)
Publish Date: First published May 1, 2007
Setting: Kabul, Herat
Page Count: 372 pages

A Man Called Ove (Fredrik Backman)

"A Man Called Ove" introduces us to Ove, a man whose outward grumpiness hides a deep well of grief and a heart capable of profound connection. Living a life marked by rigid routines and unyielding principles, Ove appears to the outside world as the quintessential bitter neighbor. However, the arrival of a lively young family next door begins to dismantle the walls Ove has built around himself. Through a series of comedic, yet touching events involving flattened mailboxes, stray cats, and the challenges of parking a U-Haul, Ove's journey becomes one of unexpected friendships that challenge his long-held views and open his heart to the community around him. Fredrik Backman masterfully crafts a story that is as much about the transformation of a neighborhood as it is about one man's thawing heart, making it clear that beneath the crankiest exterior can lie a story rich with humor, warmth, and love.

Genre: Fiction, Contemporary, Humor
Goodreads Rating: 4.38
Publish Date: First published August 27, 2012
Setting: Sweden
Page Count: 337 pages

To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee)

"To Kill A Mockingbird" by Harper Lee is a profound narrative set in a quiet Southern town, exploring the depths of moral integrity and the complexities of human nature. First published in 1960, this novel quickly soared to both commercial success and critical acclaim, securing the Pulitzer Prize in 1961 and inspiring an Academy Award-winning film. At its heart, Lee's novel is a compelling coming-of-age story, seen through the eyes of the young protagonist, Scout Finch. It delves into themes of innocence, social injustice, racial prejudice, and the loss of innocence. Lee's portrayal of the bond between Scout, her brother Jem, and their father, Atticus Finch, as they navigate the turbulent waters of ethical dilemmas and societal expectations, has made this book a timeless classic. Beyond its portrayal of a critical historical moment, it's a story about understanding and empathy that transcends its setting in Maycomb, Alabama, during the 1930s, to touch the hearts of readers worldwide. Today, "To Kill A Mockingbird" stands not just as a simple love story, as Harper Lee modestly claimed, but as a pillar of American literature that continues to speak volumes about the essence of humanity.

Genre: Classics, Fiction, Historical Fiction
Goodreads Rating: 4.3
Publish Date: First published July 11, 1960
Literary Awards: Pulitzer Prize for Fiction (1961), Audie Award for Classic (2007), The Quill Award for Audio Book (2007), National Book Award Finalist for Fiction (1961), Alabama Author Award for Fiction (1961)
Setting: Maycomb, Alabama (United States, 1933), Alabama (United States)
Page Count: 323 pages

Lone Wolf (Gregg Andrew Hurwitz)

In the latest installment of the thrilling saga, Evan Smoak, once known as the government assassin Orphan X, finds himself tackling an uncharacteristically mundane task: searching for a missing dog at the behest of a desperate little girl. Far from the high-octane missions Evan is accustomed to, this seemingly small favor spirals into an epic confrontation. Thrust into a deadly game with AI tech moguls, a female assassin who mirrors his own lethal skills, and personal challenges that test him to his core, Evan is on a mission like no other. The stakes skyrocket as he races to thwart the Wolf, a mysterious assassin with Evan and a teenager - the daughter of the Wolf's last victim - in her crosshairs. This book pushes Evan Smoak to his limits, demanding every ounce of his cunning and resolve to outmatch an adversary as relentless as he is, in a story where the line between technology and humanity blurs in the shadow of espionage and deep-seated vendettas.

Genre: Thriller, Fiction, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Suspense, Crime, Action, Spy Thriller, Contemporary
Goodreads Rating: 4.47
Published Date: February 13, 2024

Book Lovers (Emily Henry)

Nora Stephens may not fit the mold of a typical heroine, but as a ruthless literary agent and devoted sister, she's a hero to her clients and her beloved sister Libby. When Libby convinces Nora to join her on a sisters' trip to Sunshine Falls, North Carolina, Nora reluctantly agrees, hoping for a transformative experience. However, instead of the idyllic small-town romance she envisioned, Nora finds herself repeatedly crossing paths with Charlie Lastra, a brooding editor from her city life. Despite their less-than-ideal history, their continued encounters lead them to unravel the carefully crafted stories they've written about themselves.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary
Goodreads Rating: 4.1
Publish Date: May 3, 2022
Literary Awards: Swoon Award for Contemporary Romance (2022)
Setting: New York City, New York (United States), Sunshine Falls, North Carolina (United States)
Page count: 377

Think Again (Adam Grant)

This novel delves into the transformative potential of embracing uncertainty and the value of being open to being wrong. Through compelling evidence, author Grant explores how creative geniuses and effective leaders thrive by constantly reevaluating their beliefs and seeking feedback. Divided into three sections, the book examines why individuals struggle to rethink, how to cultivate the skill of 'argument literacy' to help others reconsider their views and the shortcomings of institutions in fostering cultures of critical thinking. Grant argues that rethinking is not only a mindset but also a skill that can be learned, offering practical insights for personal and professional growth. Ultimately, "Think Again" suggests that mastering the art of reconsideration may be the key to navigating an increasingly fast-paced and complex world.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology, Self Help, Business, Personal Development, Leadership, Science, Philosophy, Education
Goodreads Rating: 4.22
Publish Date: February 2, 2021
Page Count: 307

Reading on the beach during the summer is a delightful way to unwind and escape into the pages of a good book. With the sun shining, the sound of waves crashing, and the feel of sand between your toes, there's no better setting to lose yourself in a captivating story. Whether you're into romance, thrillers, or heartwarming tales, the beach offers the perfect backdrop for immersing yourself in a world of imagination and adventure. So, grab your favorite beach read, soak up the sun, and let the pages transport you to new and exciting places. Happy beach reading!