When you think about beach books, you probably imagine some kind of light fiction – maybe a romance novel, or a mystery. But being in a new environment, and settling into a holiday mindset, can be a great opportunity to let your brain try out some new ideas. By taking a break from day-to-day concerns, you’ll give yourself the freedom to get a new perspective on your life’s direction.

The following books are popular, entertaining, and easy to read in any setting – with messages that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.

How to Win Friends and Influence People - Dale Carnegie

Written in 1936, How to Win Friends and Influence People is a classic that stands the test of time. This book draws on a deep understanding of human nature, and neatly guides the reader through the basic elements of getting along with other people. The contents include fundamental techniques in handling people in all kinds of situations, ways to make people like you, ways to win people over to your way of thinking, along with lessons on becoming a leader and making your home life happier.

By way of example, author Dale Carnegie explains that the only way to get the best of an argument is to avoid it. Whenever we argue, no matter if we win or lose the argument, we still end up in a worse place than when we started. Arguments make the other person feel either humiliated or strengthened, leaving them even more determined to bolster their own position. Only by understanding each other, finding common ground, and gaining the other person’s trust can we hope to be a positive influence in their lives.

7 Habits of Highly Effective People - Stephen Covey

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People was written in 1989 as a way of helping people become more productive and therefore successful. The first three habits are about becoming independent and self-sufficient. The next three habits show the path toward interdependency – where effective teamwork can multiply the benefits of hard work.

The seventh habit is knowing when to rest, and recharge one’s own mental and physical energy, so that we can spend our remaining time effectively. Seen from this perspective, a relaxing visit to a nice beach in Thailand could indeed be just the thing you need to continue doing your best work back at home.

It’s Not How Good You Are, It’s How Good You Want to Be - Paul Arden

Written by Paul Arden, one of the world’s top advertising gurus, It’s Not How Good You Are, It’s How Good You Want to Be is great as a quick and informative read. This pocket-size book assembles the author’s knowledge and wisdom on problem-solving, communication, mistakes, and creativity – all of which can be applied to different aspects of life.

They often refer directly to topics like business and marketing, but plenty of key ideas have cross-over application to help with your personal affairs. This is a great book to read no matter how old you are, or where you are in life.

Moving forward

Sitting on the beach or by the pool in Thailand, you will have plenty of time to reflect on the lessons in these beach books before applying them to yourself. Between your relaxing, tropical holiday, and the mental vitamins contained in these classic books, you may just return home from your trip with an inspiring new outlook on life, and a more satisfying way to define success.