Chicken Soup for the Beach Lover's Soul: Memories Made Beside a Bonfire, on the Boardwalk, and with Family and Friends in the Summer Sun

CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE BEACH LOVER'S SOUL is somewhat different than other volumes in the series. It has what fans of the series enjoy about the books: tales written by a variety of writers, some professional, others celebrity, and some amateurs that reflect on life experiences. In the case of this volume, the stories generally stem from family vacations and outings to the shore. Since so many are culled from vacation memories and experiences either as a child or a parent, there are not as many stories that deal with life's challenges and difficulties such as losing a loved one, coping with an illness, or other losses that are often the most moving stories in other volumes. Of course this is a good thing since so many of the stories come from the writer's enjoyable experiences in life. Still, it's not all "Life is a beach" reading either. There are some bittersweet stories in then volume, but overall it is a volume that celebrates life, the relationships we have, the people who matter most, which is what made the series so popular in the first place. For me, the book has a personal connection. Many of my favorite memories growing up took place when my family visited Cape Cod, still my favorite vacation destination, so as I read many of the stories, I was reminded of similar experiences in my own life. The beaches mentioned may be different: beaches in California, Florida, then Great lakes, Florida, the Outer Banks of North Carolina, etc, but the bonds of love and family seem universal in this book. I now live in a coastal community and while I'm writing this review and looking out the window on a dreary March day, I know that in a short period of time, the streets of my town will be filled with visitors, flocking to the beach, perhaps creating memories that will fill a similar volume in the future. Perhaps this book will bring you back to another time and place, or inspire you to create similar memories with family and friends. It will certainly be an enjoyable read. It also contains some stunning photographs. There are glossy photographs from some picturesque shorelines in the United States, which along with the stories, can transport person back to a variety of vacation areas and give a good frame of reference while reading. So pick up this book and take a trip to the sea.

Love the pictures and always a great insperational read, bought the book for my sister in law, we both love the beach and out doors.