When you read this I am hoping to be on the beach in Mexico! We were not able to go last year, pandemic and all, but this year we decided to go even if it was a bit risky to travel. So I thought I would share what I plan to read while I am gone.

Perestroika in Paris by Jane Smiley: I love Jane Smiley; her books are so interesting! This book is about a horse named Perestroika who gets loose and wanders around Paris. What a quirky and fun premise! It was a must read for me just just based on that plot line and with a writer like Smiley it has to be good!

The Beekeeper of Aleppo: by Christy Lefteri. I have heard so many good things about this book, but it is a emotionally heavy topic so it has taken me a while to find the right time to read it. As I have mentioned previously, I find the beach to be the best place to read heavy, emotionally charged books. This is the story of Afghani refugees and the terrible and difficult journey they make to start a new life. My husband’s family are currently helping an Afghani family adjust to their new life in the US, so this seemed like a perfect way to learn more and to understand the difficult transitions so many immigrants must make when they leave their own countries.

I have always loved history, so when I saw that Edward Rutherford has a new book called China, I decided to include that in my beach reading. Rutherford has written some notable books, like Sarum, a multi generational novel about Salisbury, England and New York, which traces the city from its very humble beginnings to the attack on the World Trade Center. China begins in 1839 with the first Opium War, and follows several Chinese, American, and British families through the rise of Mao’s Cultural Revolution until the present day.

Diana Gabaldon has a new book out called, Go Tell The Bees That I Am Gone and I have been saving it to read at the beach! The is book 9 in the series which I have reviewed here previously. I am looking forward to seeing what new things are happening in 1779 on Frasers’ Ridge and to Jamie and Claire and their family.

I always loved read something gripping and suspenseful while I am at the beach. this year I chose two books, The Last Thing He Told Me, by Laura Dave and Dark Horse, Gregg Hurwitz. Laura Dave’s book is about a wife whose husband suddenly disappears and his boss is arrested by the FBI. With her world turned upside down all she has left is her husband’s last words: “protect her.” Dark Horse is book 7 in the Orphan X series which I have reviewed here before. I am looking forward to the next installment of Evan Smoak’s adventures!

I have a few more books I am planning read, but I think this list gives you a sense of what I will be reading and maybe it will stimulate you to try one, or two, or all of these books as well!

Happy Reading!