The End of an Era
For over 20 years, the Beach Reads genre has been dominated by bestselling author Elin Hilderbrand. Her debut novel, The Beach Club (2000) was a bestseller and was immediately dubbed a “beach read.” In fact, for 24 years, the term “beach read” has been synonymous with Elin Hilderbrand. Her fans (dubbed Hilderbabes) crowd Nantucket every summer, hoping to get a glimpse of the famous author. The Nantucket Hotel even offers a Hilderbrand getaway. In 2021, fans were disappointed to hear that Hilderbrand intended to retire. Her upcoming novel, The Academy (2025) will be her last. The author has said in numerous interviews that she has simply run out of ideas.
Summer has been a time when many folks are looking for light reads that can be finished in one or two sittings. These can be read at the beach or by the pool. They are easily put down and can be picked right back up after you’ve been refreshed. They take place in resort towns where you get to know the residents and all of their dirty secrets. You can follow their relationships; both breakups and that first glint of blossoming love and friendship. They are, quite simply, a refreshing escape. Now that the queen of the beach read has retired, what will you read this summer? Like Hilderbrand’s novels, the following titles are character-driven, contain a strong sense of place, and are plot-driven. Stop by the HPL this summer to pick up a copy. If we’re out, we’re happy to place a hold for you; just ask at the Circulation Desk on the main floor.