If you like science fiction, you'll enjoy C. S. Lewis's Space Trilogy. As with Lewis's other works, the story line is built on great Christian themes, and it's thoroughly entertaining. It's a moving story, describing the forces of social manipulation and immorality at work in American society. Follow his clean, clear logic as Father Brown solves his cases, proving that if you immerse yourself in God's truth, you'll become a more rational thinker. Now, some of these may seem a little more serious than the usual beach fare, but that doesn't mean they're boring.
Great literature deals with themes of ambition, passion, and good and evil.
And the difference between great books and merely good books is how they handle these timeless themes. Unlike nonfiction works, fiction trains the moral imagination. I think he's right. But make sure you have a couple of these great books in your beach bag when you head for the surf. For the truly great books not only nourish your mind, they help to renew your soul.