Sometimes all you need is a beach day to get the motivation to start reading again. I find that I usually only read on vacation or during the summer. There’s nothing better than laying out on a towel, listening to the waves, smelling like sunscreen while reading a book. I love the blue skies and the calming atmosphere, the peace and quiet except the sound of distant voices and music. The perfect reading day. Since summer is in full spring, I thought I would share some books to read on your next vacation.

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

Me Before You is unexpected and real. It’s a heartbreaking romantic novel that brings together an unlikely pair, Lou and Will. Set in a small town in England, Lou is poor and desperate for a job, which is how she ends up working for Will. It’s funny, heartwarming, and sweet. It'll leave you wanting more.

Looking for Alaska by John Green

I know what you’re thinking: “Not John Green.” Yes, John Green. Despite your opinions about The Fault in Our Stars, I have to tell you that Looking for Alaska is so much better. It’s a coming of age mystery that brings me to tears because of how imperfectly perfect the characters are. Pudge, the Colonial, and Alaska will forever be in your hearts. You’ll walk away with a new way to think about the world, and you’ll be reminded of how valuable your life is.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

I can’t say much other than you need to read it at some point in your life. The Perks has my heart. It always has, always will. Charlie is a socially awkward teen navigating his life through his freshman year of high school with the help of two colorful seniors. There’s an abundance of 90’s music and Rocky Horror references throughout the Charlie's letters.

Anna and the French Series by Stephanie Perkins

This is so cheesy, which is why I love it. You can predict the ending, but I love the story and the characters. It makes me happy each time I read it and makes me want Anna’s life as she begins her senior year of high school at an American boarding school in Paris where she meets cute English-French boys and explores the city. The two other books in the series don't focus on Anna, though she does make an appearance in both.

The Fault in our Stars by John Green

Some infinities are bigger than other infinities. I know that John Green is “basic,” but he knows how to write a love story between two cancer patients. It's a little messed up, but Hazel Grace and August Waters have a love worth fighting for.

The Hunger Games Series by Susan Collins

If you’ve seen the movies, still read the books. The movies are great, but they’re missing important characters and scenes. Reading about how Katniss volunteers for her sister gives me chills. Embark on an adventure as you enter the Hunger Games with Katniss while she fights for her life against 24 other tributes.

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Read this book because of Noah Shaw and you’ll thank me later. Mara wakes up in a hospital with no memory of the accident that brought her there. There’s a bit of paranormal activity, love, and mystery that fill the pages of the book as Mara tries to remember what happened to her.

It by Alexa Chung

Not much of a book, but great to skim through. Model Alexa Chung published a book featuring journal-style entries, photographs, and drawings. It’s food for the soul, and inspires the creative. It’s great for anyone who loves fashion, Alexa Chung, or entertainment.

Love, Rosie by Cecelia Ahern

Alex and Rosie are always falling for each other at the wrong times. They're best friends, and the book looks at their lives through a span of about a decade. It's realistic and relatable.

So what are you waiting for? Go to your local, independent book store and find your next summer read.