"The most shocking fiction I have read in years. What is shocking about it is both the idea and the sheer imaginative brilliance with which Mr. Shute brings it off." THE SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE They are the last generation, the innocent victims of an accidental war, living out their last days, making do with what they have, hoping for a miracle. As the deadly rain moves ever closer, the world as we know it winds toward an inevitable end....

The irresistible novel that was adapted into a major motion picture starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The Khao San Road, Bangkok -- first stop for the hordes of rootless young Westerners traveling in Southeast Asia. On Richard's first night there, in a low-budget guest house, a fellow traveler slashes his wrists, bequeathing to Richard a meticulously drawn map to "the Beach." The Beach, as Richard has come to learn, is the subject of a legend among young travelers in Asia: a lagoon hidden from the sea, with white sand and coral gardens, freshwater falls surrounded by jungle, plants untouched for a thousand years. There, it is rumored, a carefully selected international few have settled in a communal Eden. Haunted by the figure of Mr. Duck -- the name by which the Thai police have identified the dead man -- and his own obsession with Vietnam movies, Richard sets off with a young French couple to an island hidden away in an archipelago forbidden to tourists. They discover the Beach, and it is as beautiful and idyllic as it is reputed to be. Yet over time it becomes clear that Beach culture, as Richard calls it, has troubling, even deadly, undercurrents. Spellbinding and hallucinogenic, The Beach by Alex Garland -- both a national bestseller and his debut -- is a highly accomplished and suspenseful novel that fixates on a generation in their twenties, who, burdened with the legacy of the preceding generation and saturated by popular culture, long for an unruined landscape, but find it difficult to experience the world firsthand.

A family keeps forgetting the things they need to take to the beach.

Toddlers will love this uncomplicated story, while older preschoolers will be involved in guessing what must be left behind as they watch Roxanne pack up for the beach! One beautiful summer day Roxanne decides to go to the beach. She loads up the car with everything she wants to take with her: the turtle...the umbrella..the book of wonderful stories...the ball...and, of course her baby! But the car won't start. Undaunted, Roxanne decides to take the bus to the beach. But something can't go on the bus. Whenever Roxanne comes up with a new way to get to the beach she discovers she must leave something behind-and children will have great fun guessing just what's missing each time.

In this delightful follow-up to the New York Times bestselling Duck & Goose and Duck, Duck, Goose, Duck wants to go on an adventure. Goose doesn't. He doesn't see the point. After all, why would they go anywhere when they're happy right where they are? But then Goose sees the ocean and loves it. Who doesn't? Well, Duck, for one! This Read & Listen edition contains audio narration.

A young girl spends a radiant summer day at the beach in this updated classic from the author of Apples and Pumpkins. Sun...sand...the bright blue ocean! There is so much for a young girl to do on a visit to the beach: sand castles to build, seashells to gather, sandpipers to run with, and a picnic lunch to enjoy. This updated edition of a perennial summertime favorite includes new jacket art from Lizzy Rockwell and refreshed interior art and design.

In these and seven other stories, The Beach Book gathers a seminal selection of fiction set on beaches around this big glue globe. Internationally acclaimed authors and emerging voices have all written eloquently about the sea's siren song. This book is completely waterproof. Put it right in your beach tote along with your sunscreen and beach ball!