AnaElda Ramos | Illustration Editor

Spring Break is nearly upon us, and with that comes the cherished few days when you can settle down with a good book. Whether you are hopping on a plane to a beach destination or enjoying the sunny weather that’s finally graced St. Louis, there’s nothing better than a nonacademic read. Here are a few of my favorites to hopefully brighten your break!

“Book Lovers” by Emily Henry 

You can’t talk beach reads without mentioning an Emily Henry novel, and “Book Lovers” is one of my personal favorites. I have a soft spot for anything sibling-related, so I instantly fell in love with the plot: two sisters, one of whom is a writer, embark on a trip to reconnect and end up rediscovering themselves along the way. The best part? The whole novel has a palatable mix of family dynamics, love, and personal growth. If subtle romance is your thing, this one might be for you. In fact, the plot has a fun habit of leaning into certain tropes while completely rejecting others. As with all Emily Henry books, the writing is charming without being too flashy, and the pace is quick without too much fluff. I also adore the small-town setting, which made me long for home-cooked meals and stargazing. At the end of the day, “Book Lovers” is far from revolutionary, but it is the perfect paperback to make a flight (or a cozy night in) fly by. 

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

Nothing says glamour quite like old Hollywood, and “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” is the ideal escape into a world of champagne and scandal. By following an interview of a rising actress, Evelyn Hugo, the novel transports you through love, loss, and betrayal in the unforgiving and cutthroat Hollywood landscape. With an undertone of mystery paired with artfully addictive writing, you are almost guaranteed to devour the novel in one sitting. “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” is one of the few books I’d recommend to just about every type of reader. This gossip-girl aesthetic novel deserves a home on just about any couch or lounge chair.  

“Bridesmaid For Hire” by Meghan Quinn

If you’re like me, a good beach read means two things: blissfully predictable romance and a few too many clichés. “Bridesmaid for Hire” checks both of these boxes. Set on a tropical island and featuring the beloved enemies-to-lovers trope, this book is a sublime choice for lounging in the sun (or at least pretending to). From the amusing internal dialogue to the character evolution, there is just enough of a plot to keep things interesting while maintaining a light and breezy writing style. If you are a romance newbie, I must warn that “Bridesmaid For Hire” does require a certain tolerance for cringe-worthy moments. I can safely say I did my fair share of eye-rolling. Nonetheless, if you are ready to embrace a bit of far-fetched swooning, “Bridesmaid For Hire” certainly deserves a spot in your suitcase. Plus, it’s on Kindle Unlimited. 

“Circe” by Madeline Miller

If you want a beach read with a bit more substance, “Circe” is a modern work with the sophistication of a classic. As the name suggests, the novel retells the story of Circe — the daughter of Greek god Helios and a featured character in “The Odyssey.” The author, Madeline Miller, perfectly captures the rich character studies and deeper moral lessons that define Greek mythology. Moreover, her luscious descriptions of nature and island life are bound to get you touching some grass. I will say, there are few things more satisfying than devouring drama and poetic prose, and Miller does it all with a modern touch. That said, the plot is heavy at times, and the writing level is just short of academic. Thus, if you are looking for a Hallmark-like escape, you might want to keep “Circe” on the shelf for a bit longer.

“The Soulmate Equation” by Christina Lauren

For those of you who might be missing their chemistry lab this break, “The Soulmate Equation” is an undeniably sweet STEM-centered romance. The story features a futuristic dating app where DNA is analyzed to predict romantic compatibility. Despite the unique science background, the novel does not stray far from the contemporary romance elements we know and love. The dialogue is  hilarious, the romance is a delightful slow-burn, and there are an abundance of characters you will come to know and love. One of my favorite parts of Christina Lauren’s books is the unfiltered feel of the writing, and “The Soulmate Equation” embodies that at its finest. If what you’re looking for is classic romantic comedy, “The Soulmate Equation” will pair perfectly with your favorite Spring Break beverage.