A beach read often does have a vacation theme. Sometimes the setting is on an island, a beach, or camping and hiking in the wilderness. But can you be captivated by a book that has nothing to do with vacations and warm weather? Yes.

So is any book that captures your full attention and compels you to read for hours a beach read? Absolutely.

Many people point to Canada as a haven for people escaping slavery via the Underground Railroad, but slavery didn't stop at the border. Canada has a terrible history of enslaving Indigenous and African peoples — a history we all need to know and never forget. Emancipation Day commemorates the abolition of slavery across the British Empire while encouraging us to fight anti-Black racism and discrimination and to celebrate the strength and perseverance of Black communities in Canada.

These books offer valuable insight. Don't miss the national and local facts in the descriptions, contributed by Judith Brown.

Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice is much loved. It's also frequently adapted and retold! Put a spin on a classic with one of these novels, from zombie horror to a closer look at characters other than Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy.

There's no crying in baseball... but sometimes there's crying in baseball movies! Choose a tearjerker or cry tears of laughter — either way, if you're not watching the game you should be watching one of these movies. 

“A hot dog at the ballgame beats roast beef at the Ritz.” - Humphrey Bogart

Summer is here and so is baseball! Enjoy these books that celebrate the old ball game. Each one is a catch… no ifs, ands, or bunts.