There are books; and then there are the Essentials.  Those are the books that typify their genre.  Librarians, and book lovers alike, all have their opinions.  Invariably someone will ask: “If I was going to read one [insert a genre of book here] book, which should it be?”  Here at OOM, we decided to attempt to answer that question.

Ladies and gentlemen, summer has arrived!  All around me friends, co-workers, and siblings are packing up to head off to their summer destinations.  It seemed like the perfect opportunity to offer our suggestions for books worth tucking into your beach bag.  So putting on our suntan lotion and grabbing a pair of sunglasses, we bring you our answers for the question: If I was going to read one on the beach (or wherever you are taking your summer vacation), which one should it be?”

Emily:  I read The Alphabet Sisters by Monica McInerney a few years back at the beach and I really enjoyed it.

Michael:  OK, I have not yet read Beauty Queens-GASP!!! It does seem like the perfect beach read but last year I didn’t make it to the beach. Maybe this year…if not, I will have to settle for the side of a pool.

Lauren:  Summer Sisters by Judy Blume is absolutely my ultimate and essential beach read.

Morgan:  That was going to be mine! I literally re-read it every summer in my parents’ pool!

Lia:  I don’t have an actual title that I like to read on the beach, but I love to have a really, really long book that I can’t put down – something that I’ll be completely absorbed in for several days. If you’re at the beach, might as well give your mind a vacation as well!

Jessica:  For me a beach read should be light and fun with great characters.  With that criterion in mind I say that Gail Carriger’s Soulless is the perfect beach read.  Yes, it takes place no where near a beach or even during the summer.  The characters are vibrant and engaging.  The story moves and keeps your pages turning.  What else could you ask for when you have sand between your toes?

So those are our suggestions for beach reads that shouldn’t be missed.  Now I know…we missed some.  This is where you come in.  Leave us a comment and tell us what your essential beach read suggestion is!