4 Smart Beach Reads That Are Actually Brilliant
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Beach reads don’t have to be fluffy to be fun. If you’re craving a summer book that has emotional depth, compelling plots, and characters you won’t forget, you’re in the right place. These smart beach reads offer substance and escapism—perfect for readers who want more than just a breezy plotline.
This list was inspired by a member of the Bravo Cocktails community (yes, IYKYK) who wanted books like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. Think literary fiction meets pop culture—with stories that stick with you long after the last page.
If you’re looking for a beach read that actually makes you think (but still keeps you turning the pages), here are four standout titles to pack in your tote bag this summer.
Margot’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe
Why You’ll Love It:
This smart and funny novel follows 19-year-old Margot, a broke college student turned accidental OnlyFans star. Her journey into online fame is both hilarious and heartbreaking—made even more complex by her chaotic family, a baby on the way, and a very messy ex. If you love coming-of-age stories with sharp social commentary and unexpected warmth, this one’s for you.
All the Other Mothers Hate Me by Sarah Harman
Why You’ll Love It:
Part mystery, part snarky PTA drama, this novel follows a former party girl navigating elite London mom culture after her son becomes tied to a missing child case. With biting commentary on class and motherhood, this one is giving Big Little Lies but smarter. Think sarcastic, scandalous, and strangely heartfelt.
The Favorites by Layne Fargo
Why You’ll Love It:
Told in a documentary-style format with a full cast audio, this Wuthering Heights retelling follows a pair of competitive ice dancers reunited after a decade. There’s obsession, betrayal, and intensity—and it’s made for readers who love a good “messy relationship” drama. If you loved Daisy Jones & The Six, this one hits all the same beats.
The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan
Why You’ll Love It:
A Reese’s Book Club pick that lives up to the hype. This one blends celebrity, secret identity, and self-reinvention as it follows a bestselling author hiding from the world after a personal scandal. Told in multiple timelines and featuring a full-cast audiobook, it’s a deeply emotional story of love, loss, and reclaiming your voice.
Looking for More Smart Reads?
Here are a few additional titles to check out:
- The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller
- Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson
- The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
👉 Want a custom list based on your reading taste? Sign up for my newsletter or shoot me an email—I’ll send personalized picks and maybe even feature your request on the podcast!
Final Thoughts
These four smart beach reads prove that you don’t have to choose between entertaining and thought-provoking. Whether you’re a literary fiction lover or a curious romance reader looking to branch out, these books offer the best of both worlds.
📬 What’s your favorite “smart beach read”? Let me know in the comments—and don’t forget to subscribe for more curated recommendations every week!