Sarah Stodola Books

The beach captivates the popular imagination as the ultimate paradise, offering an escape from everyday life. In her exploration, the author delves into the psyche of beachgoers, uncovering the motivations behind their quest for sandy shores. However, she also confronts the darker aspects of resort culture, including its impact on local economies, reckless construction, beach erosion, significant carbon footprints, and the inevitable overdevelopment that follows the surge in demand for popular destinations. The narrative intertwines personal travel experiences with rigorous journalism, presenting a compelling account of coastal travel's past, present, and future. The journey spans from Monte Carlo, where pleasure-seeking became synonymous with beach resorts, to a Fijian village irrevocably altered by a single resort's opening. It highlights Acapulco's loss of exclusivity due to overdevelopment and Miami Beach's efforts to combat the threat of rising sea levels. In the twenty-first century, beach travel is integral to our globalized culture and economy. Yet, with projections of sea levels rising significantly by century's end, the preservation of many beaches is at risk, raising questions about what our last resort will be as water encroaches on these cherished spaces.