18 Books Every Mom Needs in Her Beach Bag This Summer

Ever fantasized about getting in your car and, instead of dealing with dinner and bedtime, just driving into the sunset? Then you'll love Gayle Forman's Leave Me ($27). Stressed-out working mom Maribeth Klein is so busy taking care of her husband and twins she doesn't even realize she's had a heart attack, and when her family can't deal with the recovery, she packs a bag and leaves. With distance from her family and career, Maribeth is able to see her life from a different perspective. You'll love the wonderful characters that permeate this book and the core question: what happens when a mother runs away from home?