10 books to read on the beach this summer

The beaches of Delaware and Maryland offer activities aplenty from sunbathing to surf fishing and from bird-watching to strolling down a boardwalk.

Don't misread us. Reading is a top tourist pick, too.

Sometimes, it rains. Sometimes, you just want to relax. And sometimes, you want to get lost in a good book with your toes in the sand.

Whatever the reason, there's a book for you. Here are 10 beach reads to consider this season.

They are a combination of suggestions from local book stores and our staff — all guaranteed to be in tune with the rhythm of the waves and the rays of the sun.

"The Tiger: A True Story of Vengeance and Survival," by John Vaillant (nonfiction)

The bonds between man and nature are fragile, and when they are broken the results can be tragic. "The Tiger" is a suspenseful tale of vengeance and survival in the Russian forest, as gripping as any by Stephen King. Recommendation by Lee Grace of Bethany Beach Books.

"The Mermaid Handbook: An Alluring Treasury of Literature, Lore, Art, Recipes, and Projects," by Carolyn Turgeon (nonfiction)

A beautiful gift book from the editor in chief of Faerie Magazine. It's sumptuously illustrated and chock full of lore, legends, artwork, crafts and fashion.  Recommendation by Jessica Jones of Browseabout.

"American Fire: Love, Arson, and Life in a Vanishing Land," by Monica Hesse (nonfiction)

All the elements of a gripping crime thriller — passion, dark doings, courtroom suspense — are here. Extra points are given because this wild story went down right here just over the state line on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Hesse is a feature writer for The Washington Post. Recommendation by reporter Jeremy Cox.

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"The Art of Hearing Heartbeats," by Jan-Philipp Sendker (fiction)

A mystery and a love story in Burma. One of the most beautiful books I’ve read. I cried my eyes out! Recommendation by Amanda Zirn of Bethany Beach Books.

"The Perfect Couple," by Elin Hilderbrand (fiction)
It's not officially summer until we have a new book from Elin Hilderbrand, the Queen of Beach Reads! A bride is murdered on Nantucket Island during the busy summer season and everyone in the wedding party is a suspect. Recommendation by Susan Kehoe of Browseabout.

"A Little Book on Form: An Exploration into the Formal Imagination of Poetry," by Robert Hass (poetry)

Hass' robust work (464 pages, actually) defies category. Not really a handbook, not exactly an essay, "A Little Book" leads you on a friendly stroll through poetic forms, both common and highly uncommon. I read my copy in the Outer Banks and can attest that its informative and often-funny capsules keep the pages turning. Recommendation by reporter Jeremy Cox.

"The Intermission," by Elyssa Friedland (fiction)

A young couple decides they need an intermission from their (what seems to be picture perfect) marriage as they both have some secrets and baggage. This fast-paced read will have you turning pages all night to see if Cass and Jonathan will be able to save their marriage. Recommendation by Zandria Zielinski of Bethany Beach Books.

"The Uncommon Reader," by Alan Bennett (fiction)

A charming story about the subversive power of books and how reading can change your view of the world. The Queen is thoughtful and amusing. Recommendation by Nancy Fanning of Bethany Beach Books.

"Where Nobody Knows Your Name: Life in the Minor Leagues of Baseball," by John Feinstein (nonfiction)

Feinstein's "A Season on the Brink" is a paragon that has cast a long shadow over long-form sports storytelling. Fast forward to the 2010s. "Where Nobody Knows Your Name" brings his virtuosity to the friendless world of baseball's minor leagues. Even not-so-fervent fans will find something universal in these characters' yearning to rise to greater heights. Recommendation by reporter Jeremy Cox.

"The Hellfire Club," by Jake Tapper (fiction)

Who knows more about political intrigue than CNN's chief Washington correspondent Jake Tapper? This gripping debut thriller is set in McCarthy-era Washington, D.C., and is perfect for fans of David Baldacci or Daniel Silva. Recommendation by Kathy Rodgers of Browseabout.

Not finding the book for you? Here's more:

10 hot books for summer reading, from Bill Clinton/James Patterson to Ruth Ware

11 books we're looking forward to reading

10 great book ideas for mom, from 'Flowers' to 'Paris'

Just for fun:

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Live webcams:What's the beach look like in Ocean City

Before you come:Must-have apps for visiting Ocean City and Delaware beaches