When it’s hot there’s nothing like lounging by the pool, sipping on a tropical drink and reading a good book. But when it’s really hot, you don’t want a book that’s too, shall I say, “serious.” That’s where beach reads come in. We’ve picked our favorite summer books, some with more grit than others, to help make your lounging experience that much more enjoyable.

Key
* = Funny
* = Scandalous
* = Tear-Jerker
* = Romance
(Out of four stars)

Shopaholic and Baby by Sophie Kinsella; The Dial Press
Becky Bloomwood, the loveable and slightly loony protagonist in Shopaholic and Baby, proves that shopping for another person (although unborn) can be just as fun as shopping for yourself! In this fifth addition to the delightful Shopaholic series, Becky tackles pram “stroller” shopping, heavenly trips to chic baby stores and snagging the most talked about obstetrician. Life seems good for Becky until she finds out her celebrity doctor extraordinaire is her husband’s ex-girlfriend. Becky somehow manages to border extremely lovable and clinically deranged, leaving fans relating and laughing all the way till the end. You’ll cry like a baby (from laughing, of course) with Shopaholic and Baby. **** *** ** ***