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August is unofficially the last summer month. Although in most of the country, the heat remains in September. Still, it’s a slower month as families take their last vacations before schools are back in session. Here are my August 2018 book recommendations for you to read on vacation.
Contemporary fiction
All We Ever Wanted by Emily Giffin is a departure from her recent books and it’s a risk that very much pays off. This story is about how a social media image posted at a drunken moment sparks a reconsideration of a family’s values. Class, race, social media abuse, consent are all covered in this read. It will make you think. Check out my spoiler-free review here.
Literary fiction
My Ex-Life by Stephen McCauley is defined as literary fiction but be aware that it will also make you laugh. Literally out loud. This story is about a man, David, reconnecting with Julie, his ex-wife. Sounds like so many other stories, expect for the fact David is gay. While it’s been decades since they’ve spoken, they’re both at a turning point in their lives. As David flies out back East to help Julie, the two pick off where they left off thirty years ago. There’s plenty of one-liners but lots of heart too. Check out my spoiler-free review here.
Beach read
It’s safe to say that When Life Gives You Lululemons by Lauren Weisberger might be the beach read of 2018. It’s a fun and comedic story that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The Devil Wears Prada fans will enjoy the reappearance of beloved characters. The story features the perspectives of Emily, her friend Miriam, a powerful attorney turned stay-at-home suburban mom and Karolina, a former supermodel, arrested for a DUI despite not being drunk. The women band together to clear Karolina’s name and reputation but they all learn some life lessons along the way. Check out my spoiler-free review here.
Domestic fiction
If you’re looking for a serious-tone book, An American Marriage by Tayari Jones is a good pick. This is a story about race, justice, love and heartbreak. The story centers on the marriage of Roy and Celestial, a young black couple with their entire lives ahead of them. He is a young executive and she is an artist. But in the blink of an eye, their lives change forever when Roy is falsely accused of a crime he didn’t commit. He’s then sentenced to 12 years in prison. Roy experiences the unimaginable in prison while Celestial works to pick her broken life back up. Check out my spoiler-free review here.
