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Top 10 books to read on Spring Break

This spoiler-free spring break reading list is much needed for a relaxing vacation. All of these books are available at libraries, bookstores, or on Kindle.

The title pretty much sums up why you should read “People We Meet on Vacation” on a vacation — or better yet — by the beach.
The title pretty much sums up why you should read “People We Meet on Vacation” on a vacation — or better yet — by the beach.

1. “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid

“The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” is one of my favorite books that I've read over the past year. This historical fiction novel published in 2017 follows an author who is writing a memoir for a reclusive Hollywood icon, revealing all from her glamorous and scandalous life. I loved this book’s thrilling conclusion so much I might reread it soon. Taylor Jenkins Reid has had her novels named as the best books of summer by numerous publications and this thought-provoking read is no exception.

2. “The Love Hypothesis” by Ali Hazelwood

“The Love Hypothesis”, a contemporary romance novel published in 2021, follows Ph.D. candidate Olive trying to convince her best friend that she is dating and falling in love, despite Olive not believing in lasting romantic relationships. She begins a fake relationship with a young hot-shot professor and slowly realizes her hypothesis about love is able to break her heart. Spring break will be the perfect time to pick this up for a swoon-worthy read. 

3. “American Royals” by Katharine McGee

I read this book just last week. “American Royals” is a New York Times fiction best-seller published in 2019. The story was so captivating and well written that I finished it in one sitting — despite its 437 pages. It depicts the life of the royal family of the United States, in an alternate world where after the revolution, the country remained a monarchy. If you’re traveling and need something to occupy your attention for a couple hours, “American Royals” is the perfect airport companion. 

4. “The Golden Couple” by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

“The Golden Couple” was given to me as a gift for my last birthday, so I truly had no idea what to expect with this suspense-filled thriller. Published only last year, the novel explores the lives of a couple that seem perfect on the outside from the point of view of an unlicensed marital counselor, but there is so much more going on underneath the surface. It has twists and turns that leave you truly wondering what is going on until the very end — when the truth is finally unveiled. “The Golden Couple” is perfect for when you need a book that will keep you on your toes from cover to cover. 

5. “People We Meet on Vacation” by Emily Henry  

The title pretty much sums up why you should read this on a vacation — or better yet — by the beach. I have wanted to read this romance novel since it came out in 2021 and will definitely be reading it over my spring break trip. The book follows the lives of two best friends, Poppy and Alex, who have taken a vacation together every year since college. After they have a falling out, they go on one last vacation together to try to fix their friendship — but will they discover something more? I’m so intrigued and excited to read this cute friends to lovers romance over spring break! 

6. “The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” by V. E. Schwab

Published in 2020, the novel’s titular protagonist, Addie Larue, is able to live forever but cannot be remembered by anyone she sees. She goes unremembered for 300 years as she attempts to find herself and make the most of her unending life — even if she will be alone forever. If you’re wishing to travel this spring break without leaving the comforts of home, sink into the novel’s 450 pages for a lush historical fantasy that traverses centuries and continents. 

7. “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens

“Where the Crawdads Sing” is a classic coming-of-age novel published in 2018 and was recently adapted into a movie. The protagonist is a young girl from North Carolina accused of murder, and the narrative follows the ensuing murder-mystery. I haven’t read it yet, but have been meaning to ever since I watched the movie’s gripping trailer. I recommend reading the book, then watching the movie to see how it compares. A New York Times Book Review calls this novel “a murder mystery, a coming-of-age story and a celebration of nature”. 

8. “Firefly Lane” Kristin Hannah 

“Firefly Lane” is a historical fiction novel published in 2008 — one of my all-time favorites by Kristin Hannah. Recently, it has been adapted into a series on Netflix with a second season that was released in December. “Firefly Lane” is a story of two best friends, Tully and Kate, and how their friendship grows and changes through the years. Their friendship is the main constant in their lives, throughout all the ups and downs — this novel is a true testament to the power of lifelong friends. 

9. “The Best of Me” by Nicholas Sparks

Nicholas Sparks is a bestselling romance novel author, who has written 24 novels — many of which have been adapted into movies. “The Best of Me” is a novel about two high school sweethearts, Amanda and Dawson, and how their lives come back together 25 years later. They bond after the passing of the man who was a father figure to Dawson, but a tragic event changes their lives once again. If you’re looking for a classic romance novel that spans the sparks of first love and second chances, “The Best of Me” is an engrossing and engaging read.     

10. “It Ends with Us” by Colleen Hoover

Colleen Hoover is one of my favorite authors I discovered this year. I learned about her novels from TikTok and I’ve read a handful of them so far. “It End with Us” was the first novel that I read by her, and is the perfect starting book to learn about Hoover’s unique writing style. “It Ends with Us” is an intense story of a woman named Lily attempting to navigate her complicated love life —  as she reconnects with a long-lost love while also involved in a tragic relationship. 

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