A Look at Beach Cute by Beth Reekles: Sun, Drama, and Growing Pains
When I stumbled across Beach Cute by Beth Reekles, I was immediately drawn in by the promise of summer escapades and the charm of a contemporary holiday romance. The blurb hinted at a lighthearted yet relatable read featuring young characters navigating their tumultuous lives against the backdrop of a sun-soaked Spanish island. Being a sucker for feel-good stories, I couldn’t resist diving into this tale of friendship and self-discovery.
At the heart of Beach Cute are three twenty-year-old Brits—Luna, Rory, and Jodie—each grappling with their own crises as they escape to Majorca for what is supposed to be a rejuvenating break. Luna is nursing a broken heart, navigating the fallout of a recent breakup, while Rory finds herself unwillingly thrust into law school and Jodie is struggling with her dependence on her family. The characters are quintessentially youthful, embodying the angst and drama that comes with being in your twenties. However, I found their trials a tad generic, perhaps reflecting the struggles I’ve left behind.
Reekles’s writing is vibrant, capturing the picturesque charm of Majorca and the exuberance of young adulthood. The pacing is brisk, aimed at keeping readers engaged through multiple perspectives. Yet, the repetitive internal dialogues started to feel wearying by the time I hit page 102. It felt as though each character’s thoughts circled the drain, leading to what at times felt like melodrama rather than meaningful self-reflection.
While there are certainly elements of relatability—the shared experiences of young people today, and the pitfalls of social media and digital detoxes—some components felt underdeveloped. For instance, Jodie’s obsession with her phone felt like much more than just a subplot; it was as if her attachment to her device became her identity, reflecting both truth and an opportunity lost for deeper exploration.
I had some chuckles at the references to pop culture, as the book features an eclectic soundtrack filled with iconic hits—from "Sound Of The Underground" by Girls Aloud to "Dancing Queen" by Donna and the Dynamos. Yet, despite the lively backdrop, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the book was, at times, more style than substance.
While I wouldn’t categorize Beach Cute as a standout gem, it certainly provides light entertainment. I imagine it would resonate well with younger readers—or those looking for a dopamine hit reminiscent of Clueless set against a tropical panorama. If you’re in the mood for a teenage vacation read or something easy to devour on the beach, then this might be a delightful choice for you.
Reflecting on my experience, I recognize that Beach Cute may simply be a case of timing. Having recently left my twenties behind, I found myself more detached from the characters’ dilemmas than I might have been years ago. Still, the essence of the story—the mix of friendships, summer allure, and self-exploration—reminded me of the beautiful chaos of young adulthood.
In conclusion, while my heart didn’t completely swoon for this story, I can see it finding a place in the hearts of those looking for a light, dramatic read. Whether it’s a friend recommendation or a chance encounter at the bookstore, the cute escapades of these characters might just provide the escapism many young readers crave.