Some people pack for the beach like they’re climbing Everest — sunscreen, snacks, a backup swimsuit, and fifteen pairs of sunglasses. Me? I pack books. The real kind. Paperbacks with lots of plot twists and bad decisions. This summer, my TBR stack is a delightful chaos of psychological thrillers, steamy romances, and one obscure literary novel I pretend I’m totally going to read even though we both know I’ll abandon it for the murder-y stuff by Chapter Three. I’m bringing The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine Open Link Here(because rich-people drama is basically sunscreen for the soul), Funny Story by Emily Henry Open Link Here (for the romance, the banter, and the serotonin), and One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware Open Link Here (because murder on an island is oddly soothing when you’re safe on land with snacks).
But reading at the beach is an art, not a sport. You need the right setup or you’ll end up wind-slapping your pages into the face of a nearby lifeguard (which, depending on the lifeguard, might not be the worst thing). I bring this foldable Tommy Bahama Beach Chair (open link here)with a built-in cup holder and SPF-level smugness, a roomy “Support Your Local Bookstore” tote bag (open link here) that says “I’m literary” but is secretly full of Cheez-Its, and this rechargeable clip-on fan (open link here) that attaches to my chair like a tiny, loyal butler. I also pack a waterproof Kindle Paperwhite (open link here) for reading mid-splash, oversized retro sunglasses (open link here) that make me feel like I should have a yacht (or at least an Aperol spritz), and a Turkish towel (open link here) so pretty I’m tempted to frame it.
And because I have no shame and am absolutely dropping links like they’re breadcrumbs in a fairy tale, here are all my favorite beach reading accessories below — each one bookaholic-tested and Amazon-approved. Affiliate links mean if you buy something, I get a few cents toward my next iced coffee. You get a perfect beach read setup. I get caffeine. Everyone wins.
🏖️ Shop My Beach Reading Essentials
Because books deserve luxury treatment, too.
📚 Waterproof Kindle Paperwhite [https://amzn.to/45njsz8]
Survives waves, wine spills, and dramatic bathtub exits. 10/10.
👜 “Support Your Local Bookstore” Tote Bag https://amzn.to/4lgaEzU]
Roomy enough for five books, two snacks, and one bad decision.
🪑 Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair [https://amzn.to/3FUmlNy]
Built-in cup holder + back pocket = beach throne.
🌬️ Clip-On Rechargeable Fan [https://amzn.to/3HJRRhM]
Because sweating while reading is a crime against literature.
🕶️ Retro Oversized Sunglasses [https://amzn.to/4lePiTj]
Makes your book club think you summer in Cannes.
🧺 Turkish Beach Towel [https://amzn.to/3Tu5nZq]
Dries fast, folds flat, and makes you look 32% more sophisticated.
The Bookaholic Blog 