Whether you're stretched out on the sand under a floppy hat or sprawled out on the couch with the a/c cranked down, you need a good book. We may not have summers off like we did as kids, but something always feels more relaxed about summer, which is why you may feel the need to grab a good book and tuck into it for an afternoon. Here are our picks for the summer's best reads.

Gulf: The Making of an American Sea

Jack Davis turns the Gulf of Mexico into the protagonist in this nonfiction story of our favorite body of water. It's not exactly light reading, but it's definitely not a hard read; Davis has an engaging, earnest style that makes you want to turn the page. Watch for our interview with him May 18, and see him at the Gulfport Historical Society May 19.

Jack E. Davis, Liveright, 2017

Unreliable

Eckerd College professor and writer Lee Irby — best known 'round these parts for his historical fiction about Florida, like 7,000 Clams — "blows up" the mystery/thriller genre (his words). His lead character Edwin is a college professor — but that's where, Irby swears, the similarities end. Read it for yourself and see what you think.

Lee Irby, Doubleday, 2017

Into the Water

If you loved The Girl on the Train, Paula Hawkins's publisher (and likely Hawkins herself) are really hoping you'll love her next book, Into the Water. It's a psychological thriller, and odds are if you loved her first book, you don't need to read anything else to know you want to read this one. Maybe you didn't even read this far because you think you know everything, but did you know she's coming to Tampa Theatre May 16?

Paula Hawkins, Riverhead Books, 2017

Tropical Depression

I found this book by accident — turns out one of our freelancers, Arin Greenwood, is a published writer who apparently sucks at publicity. She has two books — Save the Enemy and Tropical Depression — and a third on the way. Both books are great, but Tropical Depression is a summer read, what with the beachy cover and all (plus heroine moves to the fictional island of Miramar which, as it turns out, is a wacky place). It's hysterically poignant and well-written and hey, if you get this one, you're shopping local. It's a few years old, but that doesn't make it any less worthy of reading.

Arin Greenwood, Back Porch Books, 2011

The Soul of an Octopus

Can a book be both touching and scientific? Somehow, Sy Montgomery manages it — and, what's best, she doesn't make herself the center of the story. It's all about the cephalopods. From her interactions with a series of octopi to her interactions with other humans interacting with octopi, you'll most likely find yourself in awe of these creatures — and wondering how you can meet one yourself. Montgomery has a straightforward, engaging voice that delivers facts in a way that doesn't make it seem like school.