Here Are the 9 New Books You Should Read in August

Here Are the 9 New Books You Should Read in August

As a bookworm who thrives on stories that delve deep into the human psyche, I find myself utterly captivated by the diverse lineup of August releases. Each title promises to transport us to different worlds, introduce us to intriguing characters, and tackle thought-provoking themes.

As a movie enthusiast, I’d enthusiastically recommend these top reads for August:

As someone who has been an avid reader for most of my life and has worked in the publishing industry for several years, I am genuinely excited about the diverse array of books that are set to be released soon. Here are a few titles that have particularly caught my attention:

Below, the best new books to read in August.

Cryptomania, Andrew R. Chow (Aug. 6)

Here Are the 9 New Books You Should Read in August

Andrew R. Chow’s first book, titled “Cryptomania“, delves into the story of how the crypto craze turned sour, ultimately leading to one of the biggest financial scams in U.S. history. The narrative commences with the criminal trial against Sam Bankman-Fried, the CEO of cryptocurrency trading platform FTX, who was imprisoned for 25 years in March following his conviction for swindling customers and investors. Chow painstakingly chronicles the tumultuous 20 months that led to Bankman-Fried’s court appearance, offering a comprehensive account of the ups and downs in the digital currency sector. He achieves this by zeroing in on crypto’s main figures, with Vitalik Buterin, the visionary Russian creator of blockchain Ethereum, standing out among them. However, it is Chow’s interviews with those who suffered losses during the 2022 crypto crash that makes “Cryptomania” a warning for potential investors in the currency of tomorrow.

Group Living and Other Recipes, Lola Milholland (Aug. 6)

Here Are the 9 New Books You Should Read in August

Growing up in Portland, Oregon during the ’90s, my house was a welcoming haven to an array of guests – exchange students, poets, Tibetan monks, among others, who sought refuge for brief periods, extended stays, or long-term residency. My parents, free-spirited and food-enthusiastic individuals, embraced communal living as a means to challenge the norms of a more conventional upbringing. I often formed bonds with these guests through the shared meals we enjoyed together. Group Living and Other Recipes, a blend of memoir and culinary guide, delves into how my unconventional upbringing led me to find camaraderie through food. With wit and compassion, I recount making vegetarian feasts for twenty in my Amherst College dorm, dining with the affluent hippie retirees of an exclusive community, foraging for mushrooms in my hometown, and cooking meals alongside my partner, older brother, and artist friends who now share our home.

The Seventh Veil of Salome, Silvia Moreno-Garcia (Aug. 6)

Here Are the 9 New Books You Should Read in August

1950s Hollywood serves as the backdrop for “The Seventh Veil of Salome“, where the story unfolds around Vera Larios, a 21-year-old, stunning receptionist hailing from Mexico City. She’s been chosen to star in an upcoming sword-and-sandals film, inspired by the Biblical tale of Salome – a Jewish princess who captivated John the Baptist with her charm. This is a coveted role, making Nancy Hartley, a struggling actor with a reputation for wild off-screen antics rather than impressive on-screen performances, determined to seize it. When Vera attracts the attention of Nancy’s admirer, a charming musician, their rivalry intensifies. This gripping tale explores the extremes one might endure in pursuit of success in show business and the costs paid along the way.

Hum, Helen Phillips (Aug. 6)

Here Are the 9 New Books You Should Read in August

In the novel titled “Hum,” penned by Helen Phillips, a chilling dystopian tale unfolds where advanced robots known as “hums” pose a significant threat to human jobs and more. The story follows May Webb, who painfully knows this reality after being replaced at work by the artificial intelligence creations she had assisted in building. Struggling financially, May consents to an experimental facial surgery that renders her invisible to security cameras, making her strikingly similar to the AIs she detests. The high-value payout also presents an opportunity for her to take her family on a long-awaited vacation to the now exclusive Botanical Gardens, which has become a luxury in this future world devastated by climate change. However, their idyllic trip soon turns into a horrifying ordeal, compelling May to join forces with a questionable hum to rescue her beloved husband and children.

Worst Case Scenario, T.J. Newman (Aug. 13)

Here Are the 9 New Books You Should Read in August

In the gripping new thriller by T.J. Newman, a best-selling author and ex-flight attendant, titled “Worst Case Scenario“, events unfold when a commercial airplane pilot experiences a fatal heart attack shortly after takeoff. The aircraft unfortunately crashes in the quaint town of Waketa, Minnesota, striking a nuclear power plant, resulting in approximately 300 casualties and a disaster more devastating than Chernobyl. With less than 17 hours to act, Steve Tostig, the recently bereaved fire chief of Waketa, rallies the town’s 900 residents to prevent the spreading radiation from causing a catastrophe across the Midwest region.

Mina’s Matchbox, Yōko Ogawa (Aug. 13)

Here Are the 9 New Books You Should Read in August

In a fresh translation by Stephen B. Snyder, Yōko Ogawa’s 2006 novel titled “Mina’s Matchbox” is a captivating, fairy-tale-like story revolving around a pre-teen girl named Tomoko, her curious asthmatic cousin Mina, and an unusual pet pygmy hippo. The narrative unfolds in 1970s Japan as Tomoko finds herself at the residence of her eccentric aunt and uncle in their grand mansion. As time passes, Tomoko forms a bond with Mina, who carries matchboxes as her charm. With Mina’s assistance, Tomoko delves into the intricate family history, ultimately compelling her to reevaluate everything she thought she knew.

Peggy, Rebecca Godfrey with Leslie Jamison (Aug. 13)

Here Are the 9 New Books You Should Read in August

Approximately a decade ago, Rebecca Godfrey commenced writing the novel titled “Peggy“, focusing on socialite and art collector Marguerite “Peggy” Guggenheim. Tragically, she passed away in 2022 due to lung cancer complications. Her close friend, author Leslie Jamison, completed the work using Godfrey’s draft and notes. The book offers a heartfelt (yet fictionalized) perspective on the enigmatic daughter of Benjamin Guggenheim, a wealthy mining family descendant who perished aboard the Titanic, and niece of Solomon R. Guggenheim, the founder of the New York City museum bearing the same name. “Peggy” chronicles the life of the eponymous heiress from her adolescence at 14 to her maturity at 60, as she develops a passion for fine art, navigates a world biased against women and Jews, and establishes herself.

Never Saw Me Coming, Tanya Smith (Aug. 13)

Here Are the 9 New Books You Should Read in August

In the early ’70s, Minneapolis was my playground. As a teenage admirer of Michael Jackson, I found myself on an unusual path towards white-collar crime. My tech-savvy skills helped me uncover his home address, and from there, I embarked on a curious journey.

Men Have Called Her Crazy, Anna Marie Tendler (Aug. 13)

Here Are the 9 New Books You Should Read in August

If you enjoyed books like “Prozac Nation” and “Girl, Interrupted,” take note of Anna Marie Tendler’s debut memoir titled “Men Have Called Her Crazy.” In this book, she recounts her stay at a psychiatric hospital in 2021 when she was 35 years old, battling anxiety, depression, and disordered eating. While there, Tendler delves into the traumas of her past, examining the men who had been significant in her life since adolescence. With courage, she dissects her previous romantic relationships to gain self-awareness. However, it’s important to note that “Men Have Called Her Crazy” is not solely about her former partners; instead, it portrays a woman finding her voice and reclaiming her narrative.

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2024-08-01 00:06