August Reads: Books To Help You End Your Summer With A Bang

August has a lot in store for book lovers! This month brings an array of captivating reads across various genres. Whether you’re in the mood to distance yourself from reality or dive into a fantasy world, these authors will not disappoint. There’s something for everyone, so check out our short list of some reads that have caught our eye.

“The Unicorn Woman” by Gayl Jones

Buddy, better known as Budweiser to his army buddies, was a cook and tractor repairman with a reputation as a wise guy. However, beneath his exterior, Buddy was on a quest to find religion, love, and the meaning of life. After returning from World War II, the African-American soldier faced the harsh realities of Jim Crow laws. Despite experiencing a different world, Buddy encountered a carnival performer known as the Unicorn Woman, who had a long horn growing from her head. The woman’s unique appearance left an unforgettable mark on Buddy that he couldn’t shake.

“The Rich People Have Gone Away” by Regina Porter

Set during the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, Brooklyn residents Theo Harper and his pregnant wife Darla decide to spend their quarantine at their upstate summer cottage. During their journey, Theo reveals a secret he has kept for a while, leading to an argument. Shortly after, Darla mysteriously disappears, and Theo becomes the prime suspect. Nevertheless, the couple’s friends and family band together to search for Darla but find the past and present intertwining in unexpected ways.

“Love Lessons” by Sidney Halston

As the school year approaches, “Love Lessons” is the perfect novel to pair with the season. This rom-com follows kindergarten teachers Valerie Marquez and Andrew Wexler, who are complete opposites and often clash. Their entertaining rivalry dissolves during an end-of-the-year party when the two push the boundaries of their relationship and engage in a night of passionate sex. Unexpectedly, their wild night results in a pregnancy. As Valerie’s belly grows and her hormones intensify, she struggles to work alongside Andrew while resisting the urge to fall in love with her coworker and baby daddy.

“Clickbait” by Holly Baxter

Disgraced and newly-divorced journalist Natasha returns to the States after breaching her journalistic ethics, becoming the headline of every story in London. Now 35 years old and single, Natasha lands a job as a junior reporter at a clickbait factory, where she spends her time writing intriguing tabloid stories. Throughout the story, Natasha deals with her life’s dramatic shift from rags to riches and crosses paths with her ex-boyfriend Zach, who has also moved back to New York. In a generous spirit, Natasha offers Zach an empty bedroom on a strictly platonic basis. However, Natasha soon begins to wonder if Zach might be the answer to all her problems.