5 Beach Reads for Summer 2019

Ah, summertime--the season meant for road trips, popsicles, and afternoons spent laying in the sun at the beach. Personally, I love to swim when I visit the ocean but my second favorite activity is cracking open a good book and reading to my heart's content. It's summer vacation, so it is a basic requirement to spend some time relaxing. Here are the five books I would recommend you take with you on your next visit to the beach.

The Redundancy of A Court of Frost and Starlight

It's no secret that I am a little sick and tired of Sarah J. Maas books in general, but I usually tend to enjoy them because they're entertaining. Even with all the issues I take with her series', they offer an fun read if nothing else. But A Court of Frost and Starlight? Nothing happens. Nothing at all. Like many others, I am beyond frustrated with the absence of any action. 

My Favorite Book Villains

Who doesn't love a good villain? Villains can make or break a story and are often the most iconic characters. Everyone knows Darth Vader and the Wicked Witch of the West. In my opinion, the best villains are ones that are undeniably human. Caricatures of manically-laughing criminals are far less intriguing than ones who show depth and motive. 

Book Review: Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield

Once Upon a River was an impulse buy at the bookstore one day. I spotted it sitting on the shelf and immediately wanted it. Not only is the cover gorgeous, the story inside is a winding, whimsical tale set on the Thames River in the late 1800s. The story centers around the river itself and features a mystery of a girl found dead who mysteriously comes back to life. The ambiance of this book is so beautiful that you will want to sink right into the story yourself.