It's August on Cape Cod, and if you're anything like me, the beach bag is basically a second home at this point. Sunscreen, a cold drink, a good hat — and a book that actually holds your attention when the waves are crashing and someone two towels over has a very loud conversation on their phone.

I've been rotating through a stack of books this summer and I'm obsessed with all of them for different reasons. Some are beautiful to look at, some are the kind of cookbook that makes you want to cancel your dinner reservation, and some are pure escape. Here's what's in my bag right now — and what I think belongs in yours.

For the Design Lover

Anna Spiro: A Life in Pattern is one of those books I keep picking up even when I'm not at the beach. Anna Spiro is an Australian designer known for her fearless, maximalist interiors — pattern on pattern, color everywhere, and it all somehow works. This second edition is full of rooms that make you want to go home and rearrange everything. It's a great one to flip through in small doses or just leave open on your coffee table when you're not reading.

And if you want something with equally gorgeous visuals but a more coastal lens, By the Sea: Inspiring Coastal Houses and Refuges is exactly what it sounds like. Houses on cliffsides, breezy Mediterranean interiors, rooms that feel like they were made for long slow summers. It reads as both aspirational and calming, which is exactly the right combination for the beach.

For the One Who Loves to Cook (But Maybe Not in August)

I know, I know. It's hot. Nobody wants to turn on the oven. But hear me out — reading cookbooks at the beach is one of life's great pleasures. You're plotting and dreaming without any actual cooking required.

Big Heart Little Stove from Erin French of The Lost Kitchen is genuinely wonderful. Her food is simple and seasonal and emotional in the best way. This one reads like a memoir as much as a cookbook, and it's a great reminder that the best meals come from a relaxed, generous spirit rather than anything fussy.

And if you want something more practical for September entertaining — because Labor Day is only a few weeks away, people! — Go-To Dinners by Ina Garten is the move. Ina never fails. These are the recipes you'll actually make, the ones that feel impressive without being a project. I've dog-eared half the pages already.

For the Traveler

These are the books that make you want to plan a trip before you've even finished the chapter. French Summer by Natalie Obradovich is absolutely dreamy — lavender fields, market mornings, lunch that stretches into dinner. It captures that specific feeling of a slow French summer in a way that makes you ache a little. Perfect beach reading when you want to be transported somewhere entirely different.

And for something closer to home, East Coasting: The Ultimate Roadtripper's Guide to New England is so fun. It's practical and beautiful at the same time — the kind of guide that makes you realize there are so many places you haven't explored yet, right in your own backyard. Great for the end of summer when you're already thinking about fall weekends.

For the One Who Loves a Party

A Screaming Blast by Rebecca Gardner just landed at the shop and I'm completely obsessed. Rebecca Gardner is the ultimate party-giver — her entertaining style is maximalist and joyful and nothing short of theatrical. This book is part inspiration, part fantasy, and completely delightful. Even if you never throw a party with this level of ambition, it will absolutely raise your standards in the best way.

What to Pack Them In

A word on the beach bag situation. I've been carrying the Gardner Tote all summer and it genuinely fits everything — books included. It's roomy, it's beautiful, and it goes straight from the beach to the farmers market without missing a beat. Consider this your official sign to upgrade.

Whatever you're reading this August, I hope it's good. The last few weeks of summer go fast. Make the most of every hour in the sun. 🌊

Come see us in Osterville — we have all of these in store, and we're always happy to help you find your next favorite read.