How I Discovered the “Beach Read” and the Author That Keeps Me Reading Them.

I have often heard it said that anyone who is considering writing a book should at all times be reading a book.  In my new, less hurried life I am doing just that.  Although my fiction reading has consisted mainly of historical fiction, suspense, psychological thrillers, and even some horror, (I was actually in a Stephen King Book of the Month club at one point) I have recently discovered what is termed a “beach read.” These books are usually published in the spring and by definition are easy, light reads perfect for taking on vacation.  I took a chance on one that I stumbled across on Audible by an author unknown to me named Elin Hilderbrand and was a bit surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I have since read more of her work and find the favorable experience to go beyond her engaging storylines.

I have recently begun planning a trip to Nantucket.  Why Nantucket?  Two things have inspired me to visit this tiny yet impressive island off Cape Cod, Massachusetts. First was Wings, the 90s sitcom featuring two pilot brothers who own and operate a single-plane airline that shuffles passengers to and from the island, and the second is the queen of the beach read Elin Hilderbrand.  While Wings was responsible for my mere knowledge that this island even existed, it was Hilderbrand, author of upwards of 28 novels, mostly set in Nantucket where she resides, that piqued my longing to visit.  By making Nantucket one of her characters she enables the reader to feel as though they intimately know this 14-mile island while never having stepped foot there.  By using actual local restaurants and so distinctly describing the landscape in her stories, she allows us to feel like part of the locale.  So it’s with these snapshots of dune-back beaches, historic lighthouses, and cobblestone streets etched in my mind that I eagerly await my trip to witness for myself what she so beautifully details in her novels.

 Although widely known for romance novels for which I am not a big fan, the four Hilderbrand books I have read have been more focused on family relations, emphasizing mother-child bonds.  

Golden Girl

I just recently finished Golden Girl which I picked up at the airport amidst a long layover and then subsequently couldn’t put down until I finished. The story is about Vivian Howe an author, mother of three, and resident of Nantucket. She is the victim of a fatal hit-and-run very early in the book leaving her family and friends reeling and the local police chief trying to uncover the culprit.  What makes this story special is that it deviates from the usual and gives the character the ability to temporarily watch from the beyond and use “nudges” to change events on earth.  The real focus, and most resonates with me is that it demonstrates how we as mothers continue to care and watch out for our children even as they approach adulthood and beyond.  Vivi wants to ensure that her children will be okay without her and there is a concern with each of the three as they deal with their life challenges along with grieving her death. The main characters are interesting, and although flawed, exhibit redeeming qualities.  It’s heartfelt and sends a powerful message of learning to let go. 

The Identicals

This story is about twin sisters, approaching mid-life, that have been on the outs for many years.  One lives on Nantucket and the other 30 miles away on its sister island Martha’s Vineyard.  Again the author brings the reader to the location but in this book, we get to experience both charming islands. Both are off the coast of Cape Cod, each with individual characteristics inspiring fierce loyalty.  The two islands as well as the sisters are defined by both their similarities and differences and when circumstances cause the identical twins to switch islands and lives they soon uncover the other’s secrets and lies.  The story reaches back into their childhoods revealing family dynamics and how the unfortunate circumstances of their parents’ divorce shaped their future and relationship with one another.   Although there are a couple of plot twists, for the most part, it is a fun, easy read and if you are looking for high adventure or intrigue this book may not be for you.  However, there is some complexity to the characters with these twins who look exactly alike being so very different.  I found this, as well as taking a peek into daily life on the two islands, interesting and fun.

Summer of 69

This is Elin Hilderbrand’s first historical novel and I picked it up due to my interest in this tumultuous time. The summer of 1969 saw Chappaquiddick, the moon landing, and Woodstock which are all cleverly woven into this story along with other events of the period.  It is centered around a well-to-do Manhattan family who spends each summer at their Grandmother’s house in Nantucket. However, this summer is like no other amongst the upheaval of the time along with the personal changes the family is facing.  The oldest daughter living in Boston does not make the trip this year being hugely pregnant with twins.  The strong-headed second daughter is finding her independence and has moved to Martha’s Vineyard to work, fight for women’s rights, and protest the Vietnam War for which her brother has been deployed.  The youngest daughter is just learning about herself and her place in the world and their mother is dealing with her own pain, in constant anguish about the thought of losing her only son.  Again the characters each face challenges individually and we see how that intertwines within the family unit.  A good read and if you were alive during that time and old enough to remember then it’s a fun stroll down memory lane.  

Summerland

This was my first experience with this type of novel and I listened to it as an audiobook instead of reading.  Although still a beach read this one seemed a bit darker than the others. Summerland is centered around a car accident involving high school seniors in which one is killed and another is left in a coma. The story focuses on understanding the circumstances that led to the crash and what information the others in the vehicle could provide. This book is written from multiple points of view giving us insight into all the characters’ psyches which provides us with a better understanding of the underlying pretext as startling truths come to light regarding the survivors and their parents.  These characters, both the teens and the adults sucked me in right away and I wanted to learn more about them and of course the details of the horrific accident.   This is the one that got me reaching for more Elin books. 

Elin Hilderbrand just released her latest novel The Nantucket Hotel this year.  I will be picking my copy up soon.  I hope to be reading this latest “beach read” on a beach in the very location of these incredible stories.