Read This Next: July & August 2024

Summer has been a bit of a whirlwind, and I haven’t been reading quite as much as I’d like, which is why I’m combining July and August into one blog. Between traveling all around Europe most weekends and soaking up the sunshine, I did manage to squeeze in a few great reads.

From a post-breakup comedy to a dystopian journey through systemic racism, I’ve got a mix of lighter romance and thought-provoking reads to share. As always, I clarify in my reviews whether I listened to or physically read the book. I also link all of the book cover images to Goodreads so you can click on them to read more reviews if you’re so inclined. If you're in need of a new title for your TBR, then you need to read this next! Let’s dive into what I’ve been reading the past couple of months.

Good Material
Dolly Alderton

Fiction, 482 pages

Quick summary
Andy is a struggling comedian who’s just been blindsided by a breakup with his girlfriend, Jen. Desperate to understand why it all fell apart, Andy becomes obsessed with finding answers, much to the annoyance of everyone around him.

What I thought:
It feels weird to say a book centered around post-breakup devastation was fun, but it was. Andy is in no way likable. He’s self-centered, obsessive, and mostly a drag throughout the book, but for some reason, this didn’t bother me at all. Maybe because it’s so rare to have this kind of male main character perspective?

Who should read it:
Once again, recommending this to the usual romance crowd looking for something a little different. Also, would be fitting for anyone looking for a poolside read.

The Husbands
Holly Gramazio

Romance, 352 pages

Quick summary
After a little too much fun at her best friend’s hen party, Lauren stumbles back to her flat, only to find a man named Michael at her door, claiming to be her husband. The problem? Lauren is as single as they come. Assuming she’s in the middle of a bizarre dream, she passes out, but when she wakes up, Michael is still there, doting on her and completely baffled by her odd behavior. As she battles her hangover and tries to figure out who this man is, Lauren starts to notice that her flat's decor isn’t quite how she left it. Then, Michael heads up to the attic to retrieve something… and vanishes. Seconds later, a different man appears, also insisting he’s her husband. Lauren quickly realizes that every time a man enters her attic, a new husband materializes. Now, with an endless stream of potential husbands on the horizon, Lauren is faced with a strange dilemma: how do you know who’s truly the one?

What I thought:
Featured in Goodreads' newsletter of most anticipated summer debuts, this was another one I thoroughly enjoyed. I’ve loved discovering so many alternative romance novels, which have been perfect for lighter summer reading.

Who should read it:
This is another great poolside read.

The Body Keeps The Score
Bessel van der Kolk

Psychology, 333 pages

Quick summary
Using decades of research, Dr. van der Kolk explores how trauma changes brain function and the nervous system, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health struggles, while also showing how these past experiences can leave deep, lasting imprints on both the mind and physical health. The latter half of the book explores different therapy options like EMDR, yoga, and mindfulness to help people reclaim control of their mind/body connection.

What I thought:
As a society, we often treat physical and mental health as separate, with mental health frequently overlooked because its wounds aren’t as visible. This book highlights what happens when we neglect our emotions and past trauma. When we don’t address these issues, our brain has a way of making us listen—through physical pain and chronic conditions.

Who should read it:
People who are ready to stop medicating the symptoms and deal with the root cause of their issues. People dealing with PTSD or C-PTSD.

The Blueprint
Rae Giana Rashad

Dystopian, 333 pages

Quick summary
As a black women living in Texas following the Second Civil War, Solenne’s entire life is dictated by the algorithm, where she will receive a spouse and occupation. As fate will have it, she becomes involved with a high-ranking government official. The longer she stays, the longer she realizes the freedoms he bestows upon her only build her prison walls higher. She must decide if she stays, or risks everything and crosses the border into Louisiana as a free woman.

What I thought:
Featured on Goodread’s list of buzziest debuts for 2024, I was immediately drawn to the cover art for this novel that was billed as Handmaid’s Tale meets an alternate history of the Civil War. I was hopeful for another powerful exploration of systemic racism through Black voices in fiction, much like The Vanishing Half, but ultimately it fell a little flat. While the writing was beautiful and the first half had me hooked, the story began to lose momentum. The intriguing premise gave way to chapters that felt repetitive, leaving me wanting more progression and depth in Solenne's journey.

Who should read it:
This wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t my favorite either.

HAVE YOU READ ANYTHING LATELY THAT YOU’VE ABSOLUTELY LOVED? LEAVE A COMMENT WITH YOUR SUGGESTION! I’M ALWAYS ON THE HUNT FOR THE NEXT GREAT BOOK, WHETHER IT’S FICTION OR NONFICTION!

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