Holiday Beach Reads
The holiday season brings with it a special kind of magic, transforming our world into a wonderland of joy and anticipation. For many, including myself, this time of year ignites a passion for gift-giving — a chance to express our love and appreciation for those dear to us. While finding the perfect present can sometimes be a challenge, there’s one gift that never fails to delight: a carefully chosen book. Whether your recipient is an avid reader or someone who rarely indulges in the written word, the right book can open new worlds, spark imagination, and provide hours of enjoyment. Here are some recommendations across various genres, ensuring you’ll find the ideal read for everyone on your list.
“The Women” by Kristin Hannah
This is a war story that challenges conventional ideas of heroism and patriotism through the eyes of Frances “Frankie” McGrath, a young nursing student in the 1960s. Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, this powerful novel explores the transformation of a sheltered California girl into a battle-hardened Army nurse, navigating the harsh realities of conflict and its aftermath. Through Frankie’s experiences, readers witness the courage, resilience, and sacrifices of the often-overlooked women who served alongside their male counterparts. However, the novel’s true strength lies in its exploration of the challenges faced by veterans upon their return home. It captures the alienation felt by Frankie and her comrades as they confront a divided America, grappling with anti-war sentiment and a society eager to forget the war’s painful legacy. “The Women” stands as a tribute to the unsung heroines of the Vietnam War, shedding light on their contributions and the lasting impact of their service. Through Frankie’s journey, “The Women” offers an unforgettable perspective on patriotism, friendship, and the enduring strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
“Johnny Carson” by Henry Bushkin
“Johnny Carson” offers an intimate glimpse into the life of the legendary late-night host, as seen through the eyes of his longtime confidant and attorney, Henry Bushkin. This revealing memoir peels back the layers of Carson’s public persona, exposing the complex and often contradictory nature of the man behind the desk. From his tumultuous relationships with women to his strained family dynamics, Bushkin provides insight into the enigmatic star’s inner workings. The result is a story that humanizes Carson without hiding his flaws. His insider perspective offers readers a front-row seat to Carson’s triumphs and struggles, both on and off the stage. This story about one of America’s most beloved entertainers is sure to provoke thought and discussion, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the man behind the curtain of “The Tonight Show.”
“The Paradise Problem” by Christina Lauren
You know how sometimes you meet someone at just the wrong time in your life? Anna and Liam got married while attending UCLA to access subsidized family housing. They believed they had divorced after graduation. Three years later, they meet up again at Liam’s sister’s wedding at a tropical resort in Indonesia where he reveals they’re still legally married. He needs Anna’s help to fulfill a clause in his grandfather’s will that requires him to be happily married for five years to receive his $100 million inheritance. “The Paradise Problem” combines elements of humor, romance, and family drama as Anna and Liam rediscover their connection and face various challenges together. It ultimately explores whether their fake relationship can blossom into genuine love, and if that love is worth more than the promised inheritance.
“All the Colors of the Dark” by Chris Whitaker
Set primarily in the small town of Monta Clare in the Ozark mountains of Missouri, the story spans several decades, beginning in 1975. The Vietnam War is winding down, Ali and Frazier are duking it out, and a sense of change is in the air. But in Monta Clare, something sinister is happening. Girls are vanishing, and it has everyone on edge. Then, out of nowhere, this local kid named Patch becomes an unlikely hero after he sees a rich girl being assaulted by a masked man in the woods. He intervenes and saves the girl, but in a tragic turn of events, the predator kidnaps Patch instead. The story spans several decades, exploring themes of trauma, obsession, loyalty, and the power of art. It delves into the lasting impact of childhood trauma and the enduring nature of love and friendship. The novel is described as a blend of a missing-persons mystery, a serial-killer thriller, and an epic love story.
“Counting Miracles” by Nicholas Sparks
Tanner Hughes is an Army Ranger who, after his grandmother’s death, travels to Asheboro, N.C., to search for information about his birth father. He plans to stay for just a few weeks before going to his next posting. Within 24 hours of his arrival, he meets Kaitlyn, and they feel an immediate connection. As a single mother and doctor, Kaitlyn is struggling to balance her career and parenting responsibilities. She finds Tanner mysterious and exciting but is wary of getting involved with someone who may soon leave. “Counting Miracles” explores themes of love, loss, personal growth, and the search for belonging. It delves into how each character deals with past traumas and seeks to find meaning and connection in their life. While none of the characters is expecting a miracle, their fates may lead to life-altering changes for all of them.
“The Pirate Hunter: The True Story of Captain Kidd” by Richard Zacks
Contrary to popular belief, Captain Kidd was not the ruthless pirate often portrayed in fictional and historical accounts. In reality, he was a respected New York sea captain commissioned to hunt pirates in the 1690s. His journey aboard the Adventure Galley lasted three years and involved numerous challenges, including conflicts with Royal Navy officers, East India Company captains, and environmental hardships. Kidd’s most significant adversary was a lesser-known pirate named Robert Culliford, who twice incited a mutiny among Kidd’s crew. Through extensive research, historian Richard Zacks has uncovered the true story of the rivalry between Kidd and Culliford. Their conflict played out across the world’s oceans, ultimately leading to drastically different fates: one faced execution, while the other escaped with riches. “The Pirate Hunter” offers a meticulously researched and authentic account of piracy, and presents a mature perspective on this often-romanticized period of maritime history.
