Audiobook Sample
Listen to the sample to experience the story.
Please wait while we verify your browser...
- Title: Beach Read
- Author: Emily Henry
- Narrator: Julia Whelan
- Length: 0.425775463
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 19-May
- Publisher: Penguin Audio
- Genre: Romance, Fiction & Literature, Rom-Com, Contemporary, Contemporary Women
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
There’s something inherently magical about a good audiobook—how it can transport you not only through the story itself but through time and space, evoking personal memories and connections as it unfolds. Emily Henry’s *Beach Read*, brought to life by the immensely talented Julia Whelan, is one such audiobook. It’s not just a story; it’s an experience that lingers long after the last chapter closes.
When I hit play on *Beach Read*, I was reminded of a moment years ago when I was driving through the winding seaside roads of Portugal’s Algarve region. The air was heavy with salt, and the rhythmic crash of waves against the cliffs mirrored the ebb and flow of life—something Henry captures beautifully in her novel. Like those coastal roads, the story twists and turns in unexpected ways, drawing you deeper into its world.
At its heart, *Beach Read* is a story of opposites: January Andrews, the optimistic romance writer grappling with a personal crisis, and Augustus Everett, the brooding literary fiction author who seems allergic to happy endings. Their interactions, infused with wit, vulnerability, and surprising depth, reminded me of the kind of conversations I’ve had during long nights around a campfire—raw and layered, revealing more with each flicker of light.
Henry’s writing is rich with humor but never shies away from the complexity of human emotions. Themes of grief, creativity, and the search for authenticity thread through the narrative, making it more than just a rom-com. It’s a story about rebuilding, about finding joy amid the messiness of life—a sentiment that resonates deeply for anyone who has faced their own crossroads.
What truly elevates *Beach Read* as an audiobook experience, though, is Julia Whelan’s narration. Whelan doesn’t just read the story; she performs it. Her ability to embody January’s hopeful yet fraught voice and Augustus’s reserved yet magnetic presence is nothing short of masterful. Listening to her felt like sitting across from a friend who’s recounting an unforgettable summer with all its highs and lows. You can almost hear the smile in her tone during the lighter moments and the catch in her throat during the more poignant ones.
The audio quality itself is impeccable, with clear production that allows Whelan’s nuanced delivery to shine. Her pacing is spot on, drawing out the humor and tension in Henry’s words without ever overstepping. It reminded me of evenings spent in Oaxaca, where the grandmother of the family I stayed with would weave tales that held everyone captive—the perfect blend of timing, emotion, and connection. Whelan achieves that same intimacy, making *Beach Read* feel personal and immediate.
While *Beach Read* is a standout, it’s worth noting that the story’s depth might surprise those expecting a straightforward rom-com. Its exploration of grief and familial betrayal requires the listener to confront heavier emotions, but Henry handles these themes with grace and balance. The romance itself is slow-burning and satisfying, but it’s the characters’ growth—both individually and together—that truly shines.
If you enjoyed books like Sally Rooney’s *Normal People* or Taylor Jenkins Reid’s *Malibu Rising*, you’ll likely find *Beach Read* equally compelling. It’s contemporary, self-aware, and brimming with heart. And as an audiobook, it’s a perfect companion for road trips, long walks, or quiet evenings when you want to escape into a story that feels both comforting and transformative.
For me, *Beach Read* was more than just a book; it was a reminder of why I fell in love with storytelling in the first place. It’s the kind of story that makes you laugh, tear up, and reflect on your own journey—all while feeling like you’re surrounded by the warmth of a summer sunset.
If you’re looking for an audiobook that blends humor, heart, and an unforgettable exploration of love and creativity, *Beach Read* deserves a spot in your library. And trust me, Julia Whelan’s narration will make you feel like you’re living in the story alongside January and Augustus.
Until the next story that sweeps us off our feet, Marcus Rivera
Marcus Rivera
