Ah, fiction. On the one hand, we often don’t have time to read as many fun novels as we would like. Work, life, and social activities take priority and that awesome book we’ve been dying to read just sits on the coffee table for months. This is one more reason summer is so fun. With beach days, warm weather, and vacation time, it’s the perfect opportunity to catch up on your reading.

On the other hand, a summery book is sure to bring sun into the dark winter days and help you get through the winter blues.

Either way, we want to make sure you have a great reading list. So in spirit of the ASAP tour, here are our top five books about the beach, road trips, and the beetle.

On The Road by Jack Kerouac

This is the classic of road trip books and a definite must-read based on the travels of Beatnik-author Jack Kerouac and his friends across America. On the Road was groundbreaking as it was generation defining.

The Disenchantments by Nina LaCour

This is a modern road trip story about a young band that go on a tour around the Pacific West, playing in small towns and grungy clubs. It’s lighthearted and fun, yet powerful. Enjoy this read on a lazy day at the beach in the true spirit of as sun as possible.

The Volkswagen Bug Book: A Celebration of Beetle Culture by Dan Ouellette

This is the perfect book for anyone who’s ever even smiled at the thought of a Beetle, let alone sit in one or play punch buggy. The book takes you back to the beginning of the Beetle era. There are 200 photographs, personal anecdotes, historical stories, and rare facts about the beloved car.

The Adventures Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

Another classic and one of the great American novels, this story follows the people and places along the Mississippi River through the eyes of a trouble-making youngster. Good for all people who love adventures and travel stories.

Legends of Old Honolulu by W.D. Westervelt

If folklore from the sunny islands sounds interesting to you, this is the crème de la crème. Westervelt is considered an authority on Hawaii and his tales are a beautiful collection of myths, legends, and folk tales introducing demigods and fairy people, all unique and extraordinary to Hawaii.

How many of these books have you read? Do you have any to add to the list? We’d love to read your suggestions!