Top Ten Beach Reads

I personally don't like reading at the beach.  Too windy, too many distractions, and often too cold.  But I'll attempt to ignore those irritations for now and just give you a list of a variety of favorites that happen to have what I consider the necessary qualities of a beach read:  entertaining (high interest level), quick (lively writing style), and smart (mentally engaging).

1. Something Current:  Miss Entropia and the Adam Bomb by George Rabasa

A tale of dysfunction, mental illness, and purpose of life, all told in a remarkably funny and lighthearted manner.  From the lovely Unbridled Books.

2. Something Modern Classic: Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut

Check this off your list: a bizarrely historical and science-fiction-y book that jumps around as much as the beach volleyball team.

3. Something Fantasy: Stardust by Neil Gaiman

A quick trip into the fantastic, Stardust is never short on action.  Creativity and humor abound in this finely imagined tale.

4. Something Vintage Classic: Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day by Winnifred Watson

 Whether you are up for a romp through London's social scene in the 1930s or just want a little Cinderella daydreaming, this delightful book fits the bill.

5. Something Western: True Grit by Charles Portis

More in the mood for a quirky western?  Look no further than True Grit.  Its fairly simple story is told with such a unique voice that it may be a struggle to refrain from reading out loud.

6. Something Young Adult: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

Showcasing some of the best attributes of YA (honesty, growth, humor) this book will have you laughing, but may have you crying as well.  And you just may learn something in the process.

7. Something Sweet and Southern: Looking For Salvation at the Dairy Queen by Susan Gregg Gilmore

Looking for proof that all the oddball irritations in life can turn into something worthwhile?  Look no further than the Dairy Queen.

8. Something Mystery: And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

Fun in that classic mystery suspense sort of way, this book will keep you turning pages.

9. Something Classic: Lois the Witch by Elizabeth Gaskell

There's no reason why the beach must stand in the way of your classic literature goals and desires, especially with a trim piece of historical interest such as this.  A tale of the Salem Witch Trials by the author of North and South, Wives and Daughters, Cranford and others.

10. Something Linguistically Clever: Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn

Finally, if you tend towards wanting something witty and love word plays, this might be just the thing.  A fable told in a series of letters, it's a delightful way to pass the time.

(Thanks to The Broke and the Bookish for hosting Top Ten Tuesday!)