21 books to read on holiday in 2026
There’s something about a holiday that changes the way we read. Maybe it’s the luxury of uninterrupted hours by the pool, the rare joy of a long journey with no distractions, or simply having the headspace to finally pick up that book that’s been on your shelf for months.
And while the phrase ‘beach read’ might conjure up breezy romances and page-turning thrillers, holiday reading can mean whatever you want it to. Whether you opt for a sweeping family saga, a mystery you can race through, or a memoir that makes the flight home disappear, the best holiday books are simply the ones you can’t stop reading – or thinking about.
Whether you’re packing for a far-flung adventure, a weekend city break or a staycation with a deckchair in the garden, these are the books worth reading this summer.
Romance books with an extra dose of escapism
Thriller books you'll read in one sitting
The books everyone's talking about
Short reads for the plane journey home
Frequently asked questions
What makes a good beach read?
Typically, a good beach read is one that is light-hearted, easy to read, and has a fast-paced plot you can’t help but race through – think an addictive thriller or an uplifting romance. However, as holidays are one of the rare occasions that you have long stretches of uninterrupted time, your beach read might instead be the buzzy literary novel everybody’s talking about, or an immersive contemporary book that helps you switch off. The key is choosing a book that fits your mood – whether that’s escapist, emotional, thought-provoking or simply impossible to put down.
How do you choose a book for holiday?
Start by thinking about how you like to read when you’re away. If you only read one book a year, a fast-paced page-turner or compelling romance may be the safest bet. If holidays are your chance to tackle something more literary, a widely discussed new release or thought-provoking novel might be more rewarding. Length matters, too – a hefty hardback may be perfect for a two-week beach holiday, while a shorter read works better for a weekend citybreak or plane journey.
Which authors are best for summer reading?
That depends on the kind of summer reading you love. If you’re after romantic escapism, authors like Carley Fortune, Paige Toon and Emily Henry are bestselling favourites. For thrillers you’ll get through in a day, Lee Child, Tess Gerritsen and Harlan Coben are hard to beat. And if your idea of the ultimate summer read is joining the literary conversation, authors like Brandon Taylor, Deborah Levy and Madeline Cash have written the books that everyone’s talking about in 2026.