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Some books just feel like summer, and for me, Jaws was at the top of that list. I meant to read it last year but never got around to it.
This summer, though, I was determined — and once I started, I couldn’t stop. I devoured it in two days.
Originally published in 1974, Jaws by Peter Benchley is often credited with kicking off the modern “beach read,” though maybe not in the way we think of today.
It’s part thriller, part small-town drama, with a shark that becomes a dark, looming presence threatening not just swimmers, but the entire economic and emotional balance of a beach town.
It’s got tension, a bit of spice, and that perfect salty summer setting — and yes, it absolutely holds up.
The story follows the now-iconic setup: a great white shark begins attacking people off the shores of Amity, a fictional New England town.
As local officials scramble to protect tourism and preserve their economy, a marine biologist and a seasoned shark hunter team up with the police chief to take on the threat.
It’s man vs. nature, but it’s also small-town politics, ego, secrets, and fear all colliding under the summer sun.
I’ve heard that when the book was first released, it was considered terrifying — which is kind of funny to think about now. In the era of true crime documentaries and supernatural horror, the idea of a shark simply existing in its own habitat and ruining the beach season might seem tame.
However, Benchley does such a good job of building tension and atmosphere that it remains a gripping, unsettling read. I definitely found myself holding my breath during certain scenes.
What really impressed me is that Peter Benchley also wrote the screenplay for the film adaptation, which is rare and honestly very cool.
After finishing the book, I rewatched the movie, and it gave me a whole new perspective. The movie is iconic, of course, but the book dives a bit deeper into the town’s inner conflicts and the characters’ complexities. It adds layers that make the story even more compelling.
If you’re looking for a summer read with teeth (pun fully intended), I highly recommend Jaws. Whether you’ve seen the movie a hundred times or you’ve somehow missed it altogether, the book stands on its own as a smart, suspenseful, and unforgettable classic.
Rating: 5/5 beach towels
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