One of my favorite simple pleasures in the world is bringing a good book to the beach. There’s just something about sitting in a chair, toes in the sand, hearing the waves in the background while the kids run around (and PJ too, obviously) that feels like a little slice of calm. Even with the occasional sandcastle emergency or snack request, those pockets of time where I can escape into a story totally relax me. It’s a little reset for my brain while the sun is shining and the kids are happy.

This trip, I brought According to a Source by Abby Stern, and I have to tell you—it’s the perfect beach read. Light, fun, and totally entertaining, it’s exactly the kind of book you want to flip open between dips in the ocean. The story follows a celebrity journalist navigating Hollywood gossip and high-profile parties, and it reads like your favorite guilty pleasure magazine but with more heart and sharper writing.

If you love pop culture, a little drama, and a fast-paced story that doesn’t take itself too seriously, According to a Source is such a fun pick. It’s been keeping me company on our daily trips to the beach. Honestly, every time I sit down with it, I feel like I’m getting my own mini vacation inside a vacation.

Highly recommend adding this book to your beach bag if you’re heading to the water anytime soon. It’s easy, it’s breezy, and it’ll make you smile—which is exactly what I want in a summer read.