I’m an avid reader when school is both in and out of session, so it’s no surprise I have spent weeks building the ~perfect~ spring break reading list for anyone who plans to spend their days lounging on the beach, like myself, or even has a lengthy plane ride during which they’d love to sit back and dive into a new story.
1. Beyond Me by Jennifer Probst
This book explores the “relationship” that develops between two main characters, Quinn and James, while on Spring Break trips in Florida. It presents their story from both perspectives, which is an element I love in books. Quinn views James as a fling at first, yet he draws her in so easily. However, Quinn soon realized what they were finding with each other had grown from lies. James, on the other hand, saw Quinn as a challenge from the start when he made a bet with his friends that he could have her in bed by the end of the week. To his surprise, he begins falling for her as well. But, whatever lies he keeps from her may prove to be far too much to admit to and reconcile for there to be any true romance between them at the end of the week.
2. Take What You Want by Jeanette Grey
This story starts with a pre-med college student who barely has any time to think about what she wants for lunch, let alone think about what to do for spring break. So, when the time comes, she acts impulsively and spends the week portraying herself as the care-free girl she has always wanted to be. In the bar, she picks out a guy she deems perfect for a quick one-off. The guy, however, recognizes her from their pre-med classes and mistakes her unreturned recognition for a game of “strangers in the bar.” Following their one night stand, one of them wants more and one of them wants the truth.
3. Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan
For anyone interested in a novel that doesn’t follow spring break escapades, this one should be a top contender! The main character, Clay Jannon, finds himself employed at Mr. Penumbra’s bookstore during the trying times of the Great Recession. Clay is incredibly intrigued by the types of customers that come in and out of the store. Not only because there are so few of them, but also because they don’t make any purchases. The customers, instead, check out obscure items from various parts of the store. Jannon decides to dive deep in an investigation of the mysteries of the bookstore. Along the way, he finds himself in store for something far beyond what he imagined.
4. Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis
If you’re not interested in reading fictional stories, Rachel Hollis’ book presents a witty and relatable outlook on life. In reflecting on her own mistakes and accomplishments in life, Hollis offers ways for her readers to overcome and correct their own mistakes and even work towards achieving their own successes in life. She does so in an energetic and hysterical manner that will keep your attention throughout and even kick your butt into gear for when you return home from your spring break destination.
5. The Way I Used to Be by Amber Smith
The final book on my personal spring break reading list is Amber Smith’s The Way I Used to Be. Eden is a lively, tenacious high school freshman who had the most positive outlook on life. She was more than excited to start high school, until her brother’s best friend, and the guy she had a crush on, raped her. Her entire world capsized. The story follows the growth Eden experiences through her four years of high school as she works towards moving past what happened to her and learning to accept her new view of the world.