Beach books that are better than Aloe Vera

Okay, I made a couple of reading suggestions based on the novels of people I know and a couple of you actually took me up on them! I had no idea my powers of persuasion were so great. While I'm in danger of letting this power go to my head and become like that mall security guard who is a little too attached to his flashlight, I'm still going to share some more suggestions.

Below are some of my Favorite Beach Books of All Time. Next to Cosmo and SPF 45, they're my must-haves on the beach.

Romantic Comedies

Watermelon by Marian Keyes. I love Keyes. She's fantastic, but this is one of her most entertaining books (in my mall security guard opinion). If you've ever thought your marriage was in trouble, try having your husband leave you the morning you give birth to your first child! I should warn you, if you pick this one up, be sure you're in a comfortable place because you may not get up again until you finish.

Mr. Maybe by Jane Green. Ever thought you'd rather marry rich? So does Libby Mason in this delicious tale from another master, Jane Green.

Animal Husbandry by Laura Zigman Are we all just like cattle? When it comes to breaking up, maybe we are. If you ever wanted to know the science behind breaking up, Laura Zigman will give it to you sraight. This was made into a movie (a bad adaption) with Hugh Jackman and Ashley Judd. Skip the movie, but get the book.

Laugh Out Loud Funny

Merrill Markoe's Guide to Love by Merrill Markoe. Markoe used to write for David Letterman. Her humor is not for the weak-hearted. She's caustic and biting but unflinchingly funny. In this book, she has a series of stories about trying to find love in all the wrong places, including the celestial plane.

Anything by Laurie Notaro. She has several short-story collections, including The Idiot Girls' Action Adventure Club, among many others. Warning: if you read Laurie Notaro in public be sure to wear Depends. You might just laugh that hard.

Those are just some of the books I recommend for summer reading. I've never met any of those authors, so it's not like they're bribing me with margaritas or anything. Happy reading.