Picture this: you’re rolling out your beach towel in the hot sand. The sun is shining, you have your sunscreen and sunglasses on, and you’re ready to bask it all in. You reach into your bag and pull out a book. But what book is it? 

The good news is that there are plenty of great books that fit into this scenario. A good beach read is often light and easy to jump right into. It’s something that will pique your interest without being too complicated.  

Whether it is a steamy romance, a fast-paced political thriller, or a hilarious celebrity memoir, a great beach read is a book that you won’t want to put down. Read below for our Selector's favourite beach read picks. 

1. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo 


For teens or adults who enjoy the excitement of books like The Hunger Games or Maze Runner, we would recommend you read Six of Crows next. It will leave you on the edge of your seat... or the edge of your lawn chair if you’re outside.  

You can’t go wrong with a classic. For a reimagined version of The Great Gatsby, try the graphic novel version! With all the fun summer parties that Jay Gatsby hosts, it’s especially fun to read on a warm day. 

This new thriller by Canadian author Shari Lapena is one you can easily finish in a weekend. Wanting to maintain their lavish lifestyle after an investment goes wrong, a couple decides that the death of a wealthy family member would solve their problems. Trust us, you won’t be able to put this book down.  

For those who love... love, Our Perfect Storm is Carley Fortune’s most recent summer romance. Be sure to check out her other books, too — some are being adapted to  movies and they often include picturesque Canadian locales. 

Hockey romance has taken off in 2026. If you’ve already finished Heated Rivalry and Off Campus, you’ll love Evening the Score. Olivia gets a job as a hockey team's mascot and embarks on a passive-aggressive campaign of undermining a star player. What could go wrong? Or better yet, what could go right?  

If you like your beach time accompanied by some chills, check out Not a Word. This thriller is by a Canadian author and recommended by the king of horror himself, Stephen King! 

While you’re outdoors, you might want to learn more about what’s around you. This popular science book explores the hidden connections within forests, revealing how trees communicate, support one another, and shape resilient ecosystems. 

This laugh-out-loud thriller is a murder mystery that blends comedy and suspense. This book would be great for a summer book club.  

For short and funny riffs, no one beats David Sedaris who will make you snort out loud on the beach. 

This heartfelt coming-of-age memoir about first love, friendship, family, and finding the courage to be yourself — all with the help of a lovable rescue dog. We think it's perfectly appropriate to cry at the beach. 

This Montreal garbageman's sharp and funny memoir is highly entertaining no matter which format you read it in. It’s also quite short so you can get through it in an afternoon while sitting by the lake.

12. Meanwhile, Back in Nokomis by Will Ferguson

Want to feel like you’re on a summer road trip across Canada? Meanwhile, Back in Nokomis is collection of essays blending stories of travel, small-town Canada, and everyday life with sharp wit and keen observations.  

Since you’re reading anyway, you may as well take part in the Ultimate Summer Challenge. You’ll be eligible to win incredible prizes just by signing up. 

If you can’t make it to the beach, there are plenty of other spots in the city to read these books. Check out the top five places to read in Calgary.