It’s that time of the month again! I’m here to review everything I read in August and plot out my reading list for September. This is coming a little later this month as I just started a new job, and i’m busy AF. Also, i’m not particularly eager to review the books I read in August. They were generally pretty bad.

A * implies it was gifted by a publishing house.

WHAT I READ IN AUGUST:

1.) Wild by Cheryl Strayed – At least once a month I try to read a book that *everyone* has read, but I have not. Wild was that book in August. I’d previously read Into The Woods by Bill Bryson, and though it did not inspire me to go on a long hike, it did hold my attention. Wild was like the party-girl version of Into the Woods. Therefore I enjoyed it more. It was clearly written based on distant memories, and therefore a little scattered, but I still really enjoyed it. I get why it’s a modern classic.

Buy Wild by Cheryl Strayed

2.) Hidden Bodies by Caroline Kepnes — I absolutely loved YOU, but I had heard mixed things about the sequel. I decided to go for it, because I enjoyed the Netflix series enough to want to watch the second season. It’s basically just a murder spree. Nowhere near as good as the original. Totally skippable. But you do get a nice fix of your favorite serial killer.

Buy Hidden Bodies (but you’ve been warned)

3.) That’s What Frenemies are For by Sophie Littlefield* — Wow, I hated this book. I’m actually annoyed just thinking about it. Julia decides to take a cute midwestern spin instructor under her belt and turns her into an Instagram star. There is nobody to root for, and I love a Gossip Girl moment. There are several hot gay moments, some fun drug references, but it wasn’t enough to make this book interesting. Overall this book was trying too hard to be When Life Gives You Lululeons.

Buy That’s What Frenemies are For (but you’ve been warned)

4.) Biloxi by Mary Miller* — This is the story of a nearly-retired man who wife has just left him. Somehow, a dog named Layla miraculously ends up in his life. The book takes place in Biloxi, a beach town in Mississippi. At the risk of sounding like a complete moron, I didn’t realize there were beach towns in Mississippi. It sounds like a lovely place. Anyways, Louis McDonald Jr is not a likable man. But that doesn’t matter, because he’s dynamic. I really enjoyed this book. It’s more rent-it-good, as opposed to buying it, but if you must…

Buy Biloxi by Mary Miller

5.) Surfside Sisters by Nancy Thayer* — Oooooof. They say if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it at all. But I promised a review, so I will deliver. This is the story of two best friends who don’t seem to like each other at all at any point. They have the same career aspirations and taste in men. At no point am I convinced either girl/woman is a good person. Nor am I rooting for their success. I love a trashy book, but this ain’t it.

Don’t buy Surfside Sisters

6.) Love at First Like by Hannah Orenstein — I am deeply disappointed that I didn’t like this book. First of all, I like the author. I enjoyed her book Playing With Matches. This is the story of a jewelry store owner who accidentally tricks her following into thinking she’s engaged. Cute concept. But the execution is an insufferable protagonist who does not deserve a happy ending.

Buy Love at First Like (but you’ve been warned)

7.) Summer of ’69 by Elin Hilderbrand — I bought this book earlier in the summer, and I knew I had to finish it for Labor Day Weekend. It’s Elin Hilderbrand’s first attempt at historical(ish) fiction, and I think she did a really good job. This is the story of a family during the summer of ’69. Since it follows several family members, there was definitely some room to build character development. That said, it was a really well rounded story and overall a solid Elin.

Buy Summer of ’69 by Elin Hilderbrand

Also, if you missed it: August’s BOTM was High Achiever by Tiffany Jenkins. It was incredibly popular amongst the group, and one of the best books i’ve read all year. I highly recommend picking it up if you haven’t already. I have nothing but positive things to say.

WHAT I’M READING IN AUGUST:

1.) City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert — I honestly totally forgot I committed to read this for August, so I never got around to it. I’m reading it now. I’ve heard mixed reviews, so i’ve been reluctant to pick it up. That said, it’s a love story set in 1940’s NYC so if anyone is going to like it– it’s probably me. Elizabeth Gilbert is famous for writing Eat, Pray, Love– so naturally this book is getting a ton of attention. I’ll let you know what I think.

Buy City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert

2.) Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi — This is the Bad Bitch Book Club BOTM for September, and I cannot wait to read it! It’s the story of two sisters born in Ghana and the vastly different lives they will go on to lead; one to live a life married to an Englishman, another to be sold into slavery. The story spans 300 years and several generations. I’ve heard amazing things about this book.

Buy Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi

3.) All The Flowers in Paris by Sarah Jio — I’m going to Paris in September, so naturally I want to read about it before I go. The book begins during WWII and ends in present day. I guess September is just the month for historical fiction. This book has fantastic reviews, and I’m excited to read.

Buy All The Flowers in Paris by Sarah Jio

4.) Trick Mirror by Jia Tolentino — It was almost the Bad Bitch BOTM, narrowly getting beat out by Homegoing. In the words of the author, this is a memoir of self-delusion. From what i’ve heard, it’s a great examination of our culture. Considering it’s critically acclaimed, I’m going to assume it’ll be my jam. Also, I probably won’t cry– making it perfect for a long plane ride.

Buy Trick Mirror by Jia Tolentino

Per always, that’s all i’m promising. That said, I’m hoping to double it (that’s what red-eye flights are for… right?)

xo

Mackenzie