W. ICONS Beach Reads 2025
- Edited by
- Team ICONS
- Words by
- Elizabeth Little
Laura | Co-Founder and CCO
“I almost always reach for non-fiction, even in summer. For my upcoming sailing holiday, I’m packing The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins. It’s a motivating read about improving both personal and professional relationships by shifting your focus to your own success – just the thing to leave me feeling energised and ready to return to the office.”
Petro | Co-Founder and COO
“I recently had the pleasure of reading Salt Blood, and it truly captivated me. I have a love for learning while indulging in a compelling narrative, which is why historical fiction is usually my preferred go-to. While I typically gravitate towards Greek mythology, I found myself thoroughly enchanted by the world of piracy in the Caribbean during the early 19th century. This novel is narrated from the perspective of one of the first recorded female pirates. Though much of the story is fictional, the historical Easter eggs woven throughout the pages were utterly fascinating. Moreover, a book centred on a life at sea seems like the perfect companion for a day at the beach.”
Georgie | Newsletter Editor
“Beck Dorey-Stein is the author of one of my favourite memoirs, From the Corner of the Oval – it documents her time working as a stenographer in the White House under US President Barack Obama, and is such a compelling read. But the book I’m recommending is her second work of fiction – Spectacular Things. It’s recently been chosen as a Reese’s Book Club pick and follows two sisters, Mia and Cricket, as they grow up balancing love, ambition, and the weight of their mother’s hidden past. As one chases soccer stardom and the other wrestles with love, both women have to confront what they’re willing to sacrifice, for each other and themselves.”
Elizabeth | Junior Content Writer
“I had picked up Penance by Eliza Clark in a bookstore just to read the blurb on the back, and while I was doing so, a stranger came up to me and told me it was the best book she’d read that year. That alone sold me on it, and sure enough, she was right. This dark story will have you racing through the pages just to find out how much is true, and you may even begin to forget it’s fiction – I know I did.”
Emma | Partnerships Director
“Reading a Murakami on a beach holiday has become a bit of a tradition for my husband and me — it’s the perfect time to fully immerse ourselves in his strange, beautiful worlds. The City and Its Uncertain Walls is a story about memory, longing and lost love, set between two parallel realities and I can’t wait to get lost in it.”
Phoebe | Social Media Manager
“I’m in the middle of reading this biography about two writers living in Hollywood in the ‘60s and ‘70s. It follows Joan Didion and Eve Babitz, two completely different women trying to make their name in the same scene – Didion the cool, detached observer; Babitz a fully immersed it-girl. It’s full of sharp commentary, a hint of gossip and plenty of glamorous LA escapism."
Alex | Creative Assets Coordinator
“This book is such a fun read – I recommend it to everyone! I'm a big fan of Taylor Jenkins Reid, but this one is a particular favourite. It's perfect for lounging at the beach when you need something light-hearted yet brilliant to pass the time.”
Grace | Social Media Assistant
“I read this recently while on holiday in Mallorca, and it was the perfect light and romantic beach read for a laid-back week away.”
Back to All Issues