Top Ten Tuesday: My Version of Beach Reads

So sorry I’ve been so absent lately guys! With summer starting though we are all pretty busy, right? Anyways I know it isn’t Tuesday but hey….better late than never!

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and The Bookish.

This week’s theme is “beach reads”, now I am definitely not a light, fluffy contemporary reader so therefore I don’t have a lot of books that fit the generalized idea of a beach read. However, my interpretation of a beach read would be mysteries and thrillers or horror. I mean what better book to read in the sun than something dark and suspenseful? That way you have the sun and perhaps other beach goers to cheer you up, I don’t know about you guys but when I read dark thrillers or horror I certainly like knowing I’m not all by myself.

So yep these aren’t your typical beach reads but they’re great books that you’ll want to be out in the sunlight with versus a dark room, alone…..

10.) Wink Poppy Midnight by April Genevieve Tucholke

While this wasn’t exactly a favorite of mine it was still a decent book, it’s an extremely quick read (only 247 pages) and keeps you turning pages with a bit of suspense. None of these narrators can be trusted and the question of who is lying will succeed in keeping your attention. Definitely a worthy beach read in my book, mostly because it’s short and sweet.

9.) I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga

Do you ever get that morbid kind of curiosity about serial killers? I do and if you do as well this book will definitely sate that curiosity. This is all about a boy who was raised to by his serial killer father to follow in his footsteps but instead Jazz (the MC) uses that to “hunt killers”. It’s not a book for the faint hearted or the squeamish, this is a fast paced mystery/thriller sure to keep your interest at the beach.

8.) Alice by Christina Henry

This is one of the darkest books I have ever read and it’s a retelling of Alice in Wonderland, definitely a book that you want to read in the sunshine with people around you because it gets pretty gruesome. It’s also quite fun to read through and see Henry’s different interpretations of the Wonderland characters we all know and love.

7.) You by Caroline Kepnes

Let me describe this book with two words: creeped out. Basically this entire book is about Joe Goldberg stalking a young lady. Seriously, that’s the whole book and it was GOOD. It’s not lacking in the suspense department either and I think you’ll feel a little more….safe reading it with other beach-goers around you.

6.) The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

Who hasn’t heard of this book? It’s kind of the new “Gone Girl” but a little less thrilling in my opinion. Nonetheless it’s still very chilling to read and the mystery is compelling. Plus the movie is coming out this year so what better time to read this mystery/thriller then this summer at the beach?

5.) Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

Normally I would have put “Gone Girl” on this list but I really loved Flynn’s debut novel “Sharp Objects” as well so I decided to break the mold a little. This is just as dark and twisted as “Gone Girl” and will keep you guessing until the very last few pages. I also HIGHLY recommend reading any of Flynn’s other books, they’re all masterpieces.

4.) The Darkest Corners by Kara Thomas

This is actually quite dark for a YA book it’s on par with the other “adult” books on my list here. You’ve got a few different plot lines entangling with each other through out and I think it’s safe to say that you won’t see the ending coming! This book will keep you hooked from the start.

3.) Slasher Girls & Monster Boys Stories Selected by April Genevieve Tucholke

A collection of short horror stories by some of the best YA authors around, if that’s not enough to grab your attention then let me tell you that all of these stories are both creepy and thrilling. Besides what’s better for the beach than a few short, horrifying stories? You can read one and go do….beach things and then come back and continue.

“Bonus” Books

(These ones actually ARE fun and light-hearted)

2.) Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh

This book is absolutely hilarious and is full of colorful, funny illustrations. I think it’s safe to say you’ll be laughing your ass off with this one, what could be more fun?

1.) Nimona by Noelle Stevenson

I think “light-hearted” is the perfect way to describe this book it’s funny and will definitely give you those warm fuzzy feelings. While it’s kind of long for a graphic novel it’s also a very quick read and immensely enjoyable.

Are any of these books on your Top Ten Tuesday list?

What are some of your beach reads?

Would you read any of these this summer at the beach?

Let me know in the comments and feel free to link your Top Ten Tuesday as well!