New Jersey Monthly magazine announced on May 22, 2025, in an article set to appear in its June issue, its selection of "The Best Summer Beach Reads." This list features 12 new books set in New Jersey or written by New Jersey authors, chosen for the upcoming summer season. These books are expected to offer readers rich narratives and profound emotions, perfect for enjoying the pleasure of reading while soaking up the sun on New Jersey's beautiful beaches.
New Jersey is not just a place known for its picturesque landscapes; it’s also a vibrant home for talented authors and a backdrop for inspiring stories. The selected books span a diverse range of genres, from romance novels to memoirs, cookbooks, social critiques, thrillers, and biographies of legendary actors, catering to a wide array of reader preferences.
Stories to Fill Your Summer Beach Days
1. The View From Lake Como by Adriana Trigiani New York Times bestselling author Adriana Trigiani invites readers to simultaneously explore Lake Como, New Jersey, and Lake Como, Italy, in her new novel. Known for weaving her Italian-American roots into her works, Trigiani unfolds the story of Jess Capodimonte Baratta, who lives in Lake Como, New Jersey, in The View From Lake Como. Jess, healing from a recent divorce and hiding in her parents’ basement, is a devoted daughter who cares for her parents and a talented designer in her uncle’s marble business. When an unexpected tragedy strikes the family, Jess embarks on a journey to Italy, where she takes control of her own destiny. (Dutton, published April)
2. I’ll Have What She’s Having by Chelsea Handler Chelsea Handler, turning 50 this year, is having a busy one, releasing her Netflix special The Feeling, filmed at Montclair’s Wellmont Theater, and her seventh New York Times bestseller, I’ll Have What She’s Having. Speaking about this collection of personal essays, Handler told New Jersey Monthly in its May cover story, “I’m incredibly appreciative that fans are coming back to me. I think it’s because they know I’m telling my truth, even if it’s embarrassing.” (Dial Press, published February)
3. A Dog in Georgia by Lauren Grodstein Lauren Grodstein, an English professor at Rutgers University-Camden, offers A Dog in Georgia, the story of Amy Webb, a chef, wife, and stepmother. Feeling something is missing in her life, Amy escapes by watching YouTube videos of a dog taking children to school in Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia. When the dog, named Angel, disappears, Amy volunteers to travel to a completely unknown country to find him, making new friends along the way and discovering what she truly wants from her career, her marriage, and her life. Her previous novel, We Must Not Think of Ourselves, was a "Read with Jenna" book club pick by Jenna Bush Hager. (Algonquin, published August)
4. Hot Air by Marcy Dermansky Montclair resident Marcy Dermansky’s sixth novel, Hot Air, is a witty and whimsical romantic comedy. Single mom Joanie is on her first date with Jonny when a hot air balloon unexpectedly crashes into Jonny’s swimming pool. Even more surprising, inside the balloon are Jonathan, Joanie’s childhood crush and now a famous billionaire, and his wife, Julia. Soon, Joanie finds herself spending a lost weekend with her date, her ex-boyfriend, and his wife, and no one knows what will happen next. This overflowing tale of money, marriage, sex, and revenge provides an unforgettable and delightful treat. (Knopf, published March)
5. Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old by Brooke Shields Brooke Shields has never shied away from making personal topics public, including postpartum depression, antidepressant use (including Tom Cruise’s infamous denunciation), and divorce. So it’s no surprise that she tackles aging next. One of the world’s most famous women, in the spotlight since childhood, the model/actress delves into her relationship with aging, offering insights to help other women embrace and thrive through it. Shields, 59, also weaves in memories of New Jersey; she attended Dwight-Englewood School in Englewood before going on to Princeton University. (Macmillan, published January)
6. By Heart: Recipes to Hold Near and Dear by Hailee Catalano Neptune-based chef and influencer Hailee Catalano, with 1.9 million followers on her personal TikTok account and 550,000 on Instagram, shares homey, comforting, and easy-to-follow recipes. Some of her most popular videos feature her preparing giant sandwiches for beach picnics. She says she approached her debut cookbook, By Heart, the same way she approaches social media. “It’s the food I love to eat, and it’s the story of my food life,” she explained. (Penguin Random House, published April)
7. The Good Mother Myth by Nancy Reddy New Jersey-based writer and poet Nancy Reddy unpacks the flawed, often misogynistic mid-20th-century research and conventional wisdom about parenting that continues to plague modern mothers. Part history lesson, memoir, and cultural critique, Reddy dedicates the book “to every mom who has ever wondered if she’s good enough,” adding, “You’re already doing a good job.” (St. Martin’s Press, published January)
8. You Belong to Me by Hayley Krischer Glen Ridge resident Hayley Krischer’s fourth novel, You Belong to Me, brings beauty and its associated beasts to the forefront, tackling the story of teenage girls stepping into the packaged world of wellness for profit. Combining the desire to look pretty and fit in with a certain clique with adolescent self-discovery, Krischer’s page-turning psychological thriller explores these challenges and potential costs. (G.P. Putnam’s Sons, published April)
9. I Leave It Up to You by Jinwoo Chong Princeton-raised author Jinwoo Chong’s novel, I Leave It Up to You, is a compelling story about second chances. Jack, Jr., wakes from a coma to find his life completely altered: his advertising job is gone, he’s lost his Manhattan apartment, and the love of his life has left him. He reluctantly returns to Fort Lee, a bustling Korean American enclave, and reconnects with his struggling parents, who are still running the sushi restaurant he abandoned. He soon begins to embrace new roles, including a romance with the nurse who cared for him. (Ballantine, published March)
10. Gandolfini by Jason Bailey Has there ever been a TV character as horrific yet beloved as Tony Soprano in television history? New Jersey-raised James Gandolfini created a fictional character in every way more real than any other TV character—complicated, soulful, angry, sexy, violent, remorseful. In Gandolfini, a rich and entertaining new biography, Jason Bailey describes how the actor wasn’t exactly like his iconic character, but similarly elusive and hard to know. Ultimately, he writes, “If James Gandolfini wasn’t Tony Soprano…who was he?” (Abrams, published April)
11. Seashells of the Jersey Shore by Melissa Avstreih You’ll find plenty of interesting-looking shells walking along the Jersey Shore, but do you know their names? Thanks to this book, you can identify and learn about many of the seashells you find on the beach. Melissa Avstreih, a mother of two young shell collectors, wrote this book to satisfy her kids’ curiosity. (Schiffer Publishing, published April)
12. It’s Only Drowning by David Litt After spending his 20s writing speeches for President Barack Obama, David Litt is spending his 30s getting swept away by the best waves on the Jersey Shore. In his third book, It’s Only Drowning, Litt chronicles his journey to find common ground with his heavy-metal-loving, Joe Rogan-fanatic brother-in-law through surfing. With humor and self-deprecation, Litt tells a charming story of forming a partnership despite stark differences in lifestyle and political views. (Gallery Books, published June)
These books, combining the brilliant talent of New Jersey authors with the charming backdrop of New Jersey, will provide you with the perfect summer relaxation on the beach. Which book are you planning to read first?
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