Discover fresh takes on beach reads that go beyond flings and flip flops. Here, you'll find substance mixed with romance, humor, and drama to get you turning pages, from your towel or anywhere you happen to be.
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Beach Reads, Upgraded: Smart Plots + Emotional Rewards + Life Lessons
Jun 11, 2025
By Julie Tyler Ruiz
CONTENTS:
- What is a beach read?
- 12 beach reads to enjoy all year from anywhere
- How to get the most out of a beach read (even when you're not on the beach)
What is a beach read?
Traditionally, a beach read is a book that’s fast-paced, light and fun, something you can breeze through while lounging under the sun. These are often set on the beach or in a vacation spot, and the stories themselves tend to be easy to pick up and put down, which is exactly what you want when you’re dipping in and out between swims, snacks, and other summer distractions. The classic example of a beach is: a steamy romance with a sunset on the cover. Authors like Emily Henry have helped redefine the modern beach read, ble
...How to Design a Reading Nook: Maximum Vibe for Every Budget
May 13, 2025
Design your ideal reading nook on any budget. Discover unique ideas, creative approaches, and vibey tips to escape into your next read.  Â
By Julie Tyler Ruiz
CONTENTS:
- What is a reading nook and what makes one so powerful?
- The vibe of a reading nook, wherever you areÂ
- Reading nook ideas for every budget and space
- The right book for the right nook
What is a reading nook and what makes one so powerful?
A reading nook is more than just a stylish corner of your home. It’s a dedicated space that invites you to slow down, sink in, and get lost in a book. At its best, a reading nook offers a sense of immersion, stillness, and sanctuary. It helps you tune out the distractions of daily life and tune into the world of the story.
Have you ever thought about the psychology behind why reading nooks work? When you're physically comfortable, your body relaxes and allows your mind to focus. Some readers feel best curled up on a cushioned chair, wrapped in a blanket, and sipping tea in to...
60 of the Best Books of All Time + a Quiz to Match You with Your Next Read
Apr 04, 2025
Looking for your next great read? This guide to 60 of the best books of all time helps you find the perfect match. Take my quiz to find out your "reader type" and explore 60 must-reads, from timeless classics to life-changing nonfiction.
By Julie Tyler Ruiz
CONTENTS:
- Why we seek out the "best books of all time"
- Self-discovery quiz: What kind of reader are you?Â
- 60 of the best books of all time, categorized by what you're looking for
- How to rethink your own "best books" list
Why we seek out the "best books of all time"
People turn to “best books” lists for all kinds of reasons. Maybe you’re searching for books that have stood the test of time, hoping to avoid trendy reads that fade as quickly as they rise. Maybe you want to challenge yourself with deep and thought-provoking literature. Or maybe you just love comparing lists, debating rankings, and discovering books you might have overlooked.
Whatever brought you here, th
...8 Timeless Books That Will Make You Cry: from Classics to Contemporary Masterpieces
Sep 04, 2024
Explore eight stories with emotional resonance, cultural and historical significance, and timeless lessons for every generation.Â
By Julie Tyler Ruiz
CONTENTS:
- Why should we read tear jerkers?
- How IÂ compiled this book list
- 8 timeless books that will make you cry
Why should we read tear jerkers?Â
Reading tear jerkers offers a unique kind of catharsis, a deep emotional release that we often need but may not get during the course of everyday life. Tear jerkers take us on carefully crafted emotional journeys, as we follow characters through their struggles and triumphs. They help us process our own emotions and contemplate more deeply what it means to be human.Â
Beyond the emotional release and life lessons, tear jerkers help us connect with others. In seeing the world through the eyes of fictional characters, we learn to feel empathy and compassion, not only for people who exist only on paper, but also for each other.Â
How I compiled this book list
To compile this list of te...
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Julie Tyler Ruiz
Creator of StoryBold