Brilliant Beach Books

Sunbathing. Fantastic in theory; lying on a beach, sun on your face and the sound of waves crashing ashore. What could be better?

Nothing - for about 5 minutes, at which point boredom sets in. And what better way to occupy your tanning time than with a good book!

Of course, not all books suit summer reading. Chances are, if you spurn classic literature the rest of the time, it won't be any more enticing on a bus ride through S. E. Asia. Equally, 'I was abused / abducted / insert major drama here' confessionals are not ideal for inter-railing across Europe, and worthy, Gore-esque tracts about changing the world will only increase the guilt over the carbon footprint your excursions have created.

But, that doesn't mean reading mindless trash. Here are 5 worthwhile books to cover with sand, spill ice cream on and quite possibly drop in the Atlantic ocean!

Jodi Picoult - Nineteen Minutes

Books by Picoult are like returning to the same holiday destination year after year; you'll be familiar with her characters, locations and plotlines after reading just one of her novels. Nineteen Minutes is no different, but it's a shocker that will keep you gripped until the sun goes down!

Audrey Niffenegger - The Time Traveler's Wife

If you haven't read this beautiful tale then now is the perfect opportunity. Henry and Clare are the perfect couple. Only problem is, Henry travels through time sporadically, meeting Clare at different ages and playing havoc with the chance of a functional relationship!

Rohinton Mistry - A Fine Balance

For an intelligent, but still manageable read, look no further. Set in 1970s India, Mistry weaves together the lives of characters from contrasting social worlds, with vastly different experiences, in a richly descriptive and heartrending way.

Truman Capote - Breakfast at Tiffanys

A short read, this is more bittersweet than its celluloid counterpart. Bringing to life mid-century New York, Holly Golightly, Audrey Hepburn's character on screen, is a captivating character with a past that is becoming all too present.

Asne Seierstad - The Bookseller of Kabul

Ok, so non-fiction doesn't scream beach read. But this is a simple work, telling stories from one Afghani family. Seierstad paints a picture of the tumultuous capital by giving insight into the lives of real men, women and children. And if that's not enough, the author is being sued by the bookseller over her controversial work!

Happy reading!