August 2017 Reading List.

Oof – this was a more challenging month, reading-wise. Whereas last month I was completely obsessed with everything I read, this month that wasn’t the case. I brought four books home to Cape Cod with me and only read one of them – everything else I put down after 50, 60 pages. And even with the books I did read, I was only absolutely crazy for one of them (Final Girls), and really liked two of them (Hello Sunshine and Goodbye, Vitamin). The other books on this list made the cut, but they were a little slow… and in most cases I liked them but didn’t looove them. Take Commonwealth for example – everyone was losing their minds over it, but to me it was just good, not great. I guess you can’t love everything you read… that’s what makes you appreciate the really good ones when you find them!

As always, for more recommendations you can check out myย Book Club page, where you can filter all of my favorite books by genreโ€ฆ and also take a peek atย last monthโ€™s reading list!

AND… (if you have a moment!)ย Please comment and tell me what you are readingโ€ฆย your suggestions are always my favoriteโ€ฆ I literally shop the comments section of these postsโ€ฆ you guys have such good recommendations!

Hello Sunshine by Laura Dave is such a fun summer read. I absolutely loved her last book (800 Grapes, featured in this post from 2015), so I was really excited to hear that she had a new one out. This one takes place in New York City, where Sunshine Mackenzie is a beloved lifestyle expert and chef with millions of followers on Youtube and social media. The only problem is, she’s living a lie. Oops. And then… she gets hacked. Within two days, she loses her career, her husband, even her home. She’s forced to return to her childhood home in Montauk (and her estranged sister). The book is a tale of her healing process.. and getting back to her old self. I loved it and read it in a twenty four hour period… it’s a great light read… perfect for the beach!

Final Girls by Riley Sager was a discovery via Book of the Month. Oh my. It was by far, one of the best thrillers I’ve read inย ages. It’s sort of like a horror movie meets mystery… flashing back and forth between a horrific event from the past vs. a modern day mystery. with tons of twists and turns along the way. I kept thinking that I had it all figured out, and I kept being surprised. That’s the sign of a great thriller to me!!! The main character, Quincy, endured a horrible massacre where 5 of her friends were killed, but she survives, making her a “Final Girl.” I could not put it down and finished it off within a couple days. Weeks after having finished it, I am still thinking about it!

Commonwealth by Ann Patchett took me a really long time to get into. Like, halfway through. I thought something was wrong with me as this book received SO much praise but I was just “meh” about it. I felt like something was wrong with me as it’s received so so much press, so I put it on my Instagram story, letting you guys know how I felt. Turns out, a lot of you felt the same as me which made me feel a bit better. I certainly didn’t hate it, but it was hard to get through and the plot fell a bit flat for me. That being said, once I got into it, certain elements of the story started to unfold and I found myself enjoying it more. What I did like about it was it’s complicated, realistic portrayal of family… and how important that bond is.

Goodbye, Vitamin by Rachel Khong was very sweet… and is also a Book of the Month find. It did take me a while to get into but once I was into it I was bummed that it was almost over (it’s a quick read!) This book is heartwarming, sad, and also very clever. My grandmother had dementia so I could relate to the main character – I was very young at the time but really, it made me think of my mom and what she went through when my grandmother was sick. I loved the writing though.. the author is very smart and had so many amazing little zingers and narratives.. little things stuck out and stuck with me… like when she described seeing that her father had hung an avocado skin on the dish rack. It’s a very quick read but really well written.

Girl in Snow, by Danya Kukafka was really really dark. I found it a bit confusing at first as there are so many different characters and nuances and backstories for each character. The story is told by three misfit characters – all very unique and (in the beginning at least), not particularly likable. A beautiful, popular girl is murdered (and found in the snow). The story itself is very eerie and rather unsettling. I thought what made the book particularly good was her character development. Each character (Cameron – the unpopular “freak” at school who stalked the dead girl, Jade – the overweight and less popular girl who wanted her life, and Russ – the detective) had so many complicated layers. She really nailed that part. And while the story itself played out a bit slowly, I really enjoyed it – especially the last few chapters.

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90 Comments

  1. Natali:

    I always love your book recommendations and I will def. pick on one or two from this list as well. ๐Ÿ™‚

    https://lartoffashion.com/perfect-places-with-lovia/

    8.10.17 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      yay! Happy reading!

      8.10.17 Reply
  2. Crawford:

    I’m currently reading “How to Murder Your Life” by Cat Marnell — I really like it so far! It’s a bit different in that it’s a true story about Cat’s struggles with addiction….which she still hasn’t overcome. But she puts a really interesting twist on telling her story and also provides a window into what it’s like to work at Teen Vogue and Lucky.

    8.10.17 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      Ahhhhh I read (and loved that) when it came out!!! Thought it was really interesting. (I loved hearing what it was like working at Lucky, etc too!)

      8.10.17 Reply
  3. Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog:

    I actually want to read Hello Sunshine! It’s not my genre (too light), but a summer read is what I’m looking for right now. Love the cheery cover of it!

    Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
    http://charmainenyw.com

    8.10.17 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      I bet you will love it! It was a really fun read.

      8.10.17 Reply
  4. Sharon:

    Just finished “The Identicals” which was a light read. I am now reading ” the seven husbands of Evelyn Hugo” and can already sense that I will love it. Have you read ” All the hate U give” i know that it is more YA but I loved it!

    8.10.17 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      The seven husbands of Evelyn Hugo is next on my list! Really looking forward to it!!!

      8.10.17 Reply
    • Carrie:

      I enjoyed “the Hate U Give” as well. Good to read books outside of my perspective! The seven husbands is in my library queue too!

      8.10.17 Reply
      • grace at the stripe:

        I have heard SO many good things about that one!!!!

        8.15.17 Reply
  5. Abby:

    I felt the exact same way about commonwealth!!!! I just read “my not so perfect life” by sophie kinsella and it was a really good light read.

    8.10.17 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      I’m so glad you agree!!! And thank you for the suggestions!!

      8.10.17 Reply
  6. Emily:

    I’m reading Perfect Little World by Kevin Wilson right now and loving it…he’s a really engaging writer and I find myself cringing when things don’t go well for the protagonist, Izzy. It follows a psychology experiment called The Infinite Family as they collectively raise their 10 children together on a complex paid for by a billionaire benefactor. Also a BOTM find…and as always a really good read!

    8.10.17 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      ooh thank you for the suggestions!!!

      8.10.17 Reply
  7. Marta:

    All books seem amazing! That last one really got me intrigued. And that Final Girls one seems great as well.

    8.10.17 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      yeah, there are some good ones on here! Happy reading, Marta!!!

      8.10.17 Reply
  8. Alexis deZayas:

    Have you read The Good Girl by Mary Kubica or I’ll Walk Alone by Mary Higgins Clark? Both good thrillers! I read 800 Grapes this month so Hello Sunshine is on my list too ๐Ÿ™‚

    8.10.17 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      I read (and loved) The Good Girl but I will have to check out I’ll Walk Alone!

      8.15.17 Reply
  9. sydnee:

    Can’t wait to get my hands on “Final Girls”…I love that genre!

    http://www.tulipsandpersimmon.com

    8.10.17 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      It is such a fun read! Let me know what you think!

      8.15.17 Reply
  10. Cathleen:

    I’ve been reading a book that I picked up at the giant Friends of the Library book sale earlier this year. It’s a light read, nothing sexy, but it’s been a good one. It’s called Cookie Dough or Die by Virginia Lowell.

    8.10.17 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      I will have to check that out!! Thanks, Cathleen!

      8.15.17 Reply
  11. Annie:

    The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (BOTM!) for the ultimate beach read, but two memoirs that will slay you and make you laugh at the same time: The Bright Hour by Nina Riggs and The Rules Do Not Apply by Ariel Levy.

    8.10.17 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      I am so excited for that one!! I got it in my BOTM and am reading it next.

      I LOVED Rules Do Not Apply – it made me cry!!!

      8.10.17 Reply
  12. Kendall:

    Have you read Lilac Girls? Everyone raves about it, but I have yet to start!
    I have no other recos for you because I always take yours!!

    8.10.17 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      Not yet but it is on my list!!! A BUNCH of people have told me to read it and I can’t wait to start!!!

      8.10.17 Reply
  13. Joanna:

    I couldn’t wait to read Final Girls – everyone has been talking about it and I love thrillers. But I couldn’t get past the crappy writing. The dialogue was so stilted to me, and the descriptions felt forced. The story itself was a good one, just didn’t love the writing – it all felt kind of juvenile to me.

    8.10.17 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      You know, that is so funny! I think one of the things I liked about it was that it ready very juvenile. I felt like I was back in high school, watching Scream! I had also just come off reading some heavier books and it was easy and refreshing.

      8.10.17 Reply
  14. Kendal:

    I really want to read Commonwealth! I’ve heard so many good things about it.

    Kendal // Life With Kendal

    8.10.17 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      Will be curious to hear your thoughts!

      8.15.17 Reply
  15. Renee O'Connor:

    I love book recommendations and have really enjoyed some of your suggestions. Thanks! I recently read The Versions of Us by Laura Barnett and really enjoyed it.

    8.10.17 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      I’ve heard such good things about that one!!!

      8.15.17 Reply
  16. JillGG:

    I had the same thing this month. I started the summer strong with some awesome books and then had a tough time getting into some books this past month. This is a round up of what I read: http://goodlifeforless.blogspot.com/2017/07/what-i-read-this-month-july-2017.html

    I have Hello Sunshine on my TBR list after also really enjoying her previous book.

    8.10.17 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      ooh thanks for sharing – off to check out your finds! xo

      8.15.17 Reply
  17. Catherine:

    I so look forward to these posts and always add a few to my ever-growing Books to Read list! I’m currently reading Fool me Once and enjoying it so far! It’s not the most well written book but the story line is solid.

    8.10.17 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      Aw good! They are my fav to put together! Thank you for the suggestion!!

      8.15.17 Reply
  18. Jenn:

    Have you read The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane?
    Such a beautiful story and will make you want to drink and learn about the history of tea. I loved it so much I immediately started reading another book by the author, Lisa See, called China Dolls. It takes place in SF (where I live) so its fun to envision 1940’s San Francisco

    8.10.17 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      Yes! I reviewed it last month and absolutely LOVED it. Such a good read, I could not put it down!!! Lisa See is so talented.

      8.15.17 Reply
  19. Clare:

    I’m reading Our Little Racket by Angelica Baker. It’s about the 2008 financial crisis through the eyes of several women in Greenwich CT – daughter, wife, friend, nanny – related to a CEO of fictionalized investment bank that has to file bankruptcy. After i finish this (it’s pretty long) I’m going to read Goodbye, Vitamin.

    Claire Messud has a new novel coming out this month that I’m really looking forward to called The Burning Girl. Also, this is older but my book club is reading The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls in preparation for the upcoming movie.

    8.10.17 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      Thank you so much for the suggestions!!!

      8.15.17 Reply
  20. Iris:

    Excellent list. Adding a few onto my goodreads. Hello Sunshine sounds fascinating.

    8.10.17 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      Hope you enjoy!

      8.15.17 Reply
  21. Alison:

    I got Final Girls from BOM too! It was great. I also just read The Silent Girls by Eric Rickstad and it was just a quick and I literally let out a huge gasp of surprise at the very last sentence. It’s hard to fool me but that one was GOOD.

    8.10.17 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      Oh my gosh that sounds like something I have to read. Thank you for the suggestion, Alison!

      8.15.17 Reply
  22. Steph:

    Yay, my favorite post of the month! Just added Final Girls to my Goodreads list ๐Ÿ™‚

    I just finished I Liked My Life by Abby Fabiaschi, about a woman who commits suicide and it’s told from the POV of her (after she’s dead), her daughter and her husband, all trying to piece together why she killed herself. It was really good. Also finished If Only You Knew, which is the prequel to On Second Thought by Kristan Higgins – both great reads!

    8.10.17 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      Thanks for all the suggestions!!!

      8.15.17 Reply
  23. Meghan:

    I just finished The Final Girls and thought it was fantastic. I am with you re: Commonwealth. I recently read Beartown and wholeheartedly recommend it.

    8.10.17 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      Sounds like we have similar taste in books! Thank you for the suggestion!

      8.15.17 Reply
  24. Haley:

    If you like psychological thrillers, I just read Behind Her Eyes by Sara Pinborough. It was one where I thought I had it all figured out and kept realizing I didn’t at all. Definitely had me hooked!

    8.10.17 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      Thank you for the suggestion! I love a good thriller!!!

      8.15.17 Reply
  25. Carrie:

    I recently read “Miss Jane”, about a girl in the south with a genetic abnormality and just loved its quiet beauty. A bit sad, but still lovely.

    I don’t usually read non-fiction but I just finished two in the true crime genre. “Fact of a Body” was COMPLETELY ENGROSSING – a former lawyer parallels the murder of a young boy with her own abuse as a child. I hesitate to recommend a book that deals with child molestation (so, trigger warning), but it was amazingly well-written and engrossing and empowering for the author to share her story. I also read “American Fire”, about a string of arsons in rural Virginia and it paled in comparison to the former, but had an interesting story.

    8.10.17 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      Thank you for the suggestions!!! xx

      8.15.17 Reply
  26. Haley:

    Favorite book I read this month was Homegoing!

    8.11.17 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      Thank you for the suggestion!!!

      8.15.17 Reply
  27. Mollye:

    Grace, I love your book recommendations! I think you should check out “The Alice Network” – I’m about 60% of the way through it and I am loving it. Enjoy!

    8.11.17 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      Thank you so much for the suggestion!!

      8.15.17 Reply
  28. Lisa:

    I’m not typically a big thriller/mystery gal, but after reading your account of Final Girls, I’m interested in checking it out! Although I probably shouldn’t read it close to bedtime, ha! I’ve been reading a few books these past couple of weeks. One I won’t mention (even if it is a New York times bestseller!), and the other two, I think you’d really like. One is The Garden of Small Beginnings by Abbi Waxman (which to be honest, the beautiful cover caught my eye), but it’s such a lovely and uplifting book. The second is something I’m still working through – it’s an anthology written by women of color and their stories are so powerful and relevant, especially in today’s challenging climate. It’s called All The Women In My Family Sing (it actually won’t be released until Feb 2018), but if you’re interested, I can probably get you a galley, since I’m helping the publisher to get the word out ๐Ÿ™‚ I’m taking my time with this book and really savoring each writer’s story!

    Glad Fall is approaching so we can cozy up with a good book and a cozy blanket ๐Ÿ˜‰

    Lisa
    http://www.theeverydayelevated.com

    8.11.17 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      Oh I hope you check it out!! It’s a really fun read.
      Thank you so much for the suggestions – and I totally agree, there is nothing better than a good book and a cozy blanket! xx

      8.15.17 Reply
  29. Vanessa:

    I just started reading The Alienist by Caleb Carr yesterday and so far it sounds really promising! My favourite genres to read are fantasy and historical fiction and I think The Alienist is a pretty good mix of both, plus some Mystery/Suspense added in.

    Funny you should mention Commonwealth — I don’t get on with literary fiction at all. Those books have always ended up disappointing me in the past. It’s usually the genre that gets the most hype, too, and for me, it’s totally undeserved.

    8.11.17 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      Thank you for the suggestions!!! And glad you agree with Commonwealth. I’m with you – it was a solid read but I don’t think it deserved that much hype!!

      8.15.17 Reply
  30. Shelley:

    I’m almost done reading the Perfume Collector (from your recommendation). I’m really enjoying it so far!

    8.11.17 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      Oh good!!! That’s one of the best books I’ve read this year.

      8.15.17 Reply
  31. Emily:

    It’s a older book but I just picked it up and have really enjoyed: https://www.amazon.com/Little-Bee-Novel-Chris-Cleave/dp/1416589643

    8.11.17 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      Aw I read that years ago and LOVED it!!!! Such a sweet book.

      8.15.17 Reply
  32. Jade Verrecchia:

    I just finished The Rules Do Not Apply, which was SO SAD and also read Fitness Junkie which was such a fun summer read. The ladies who wrote Fitness Junkie also wrote The Knock Off if you’ve read that!

    8.11.17 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      LOVED both of those!

      8.15.17 Reply
  33. Kristen:

    I just bought Commonwealth since everyone was raving! Guess we will have to see which camp I’m in. I just read Ariel Levy’s Memoir – The Rules Do Not Apply. I think you’d like it!

    8.11.17 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      I loved The Rules Do Not Apply! Reviewed it a few lists back… it made me cry.

      8.15.17 Reply
  34. Kyra:

    Highly highly recommend This is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel! It’s thought-provoking, heartwarming, and the main characters are great. I learned a lot from the book and it really made me think about the different things that families face.

    8.11.17 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      Thank you so much for the suggestion!

      8.15.17 Reply
  35. Jen:

    This is very helpful! I finished “Hello, Sunshine” about ten minutes ago (also a very quick read here, though I’m not sure how much I ended up loving it), and have “Goodbye, Vitamin” up next. I’ve really enjoyed Rachel Khong’s writing elsewhere, so I am looking forward to this and am glad to hear it’s worth the time. “Girl in Snow” is on my list, and I will add “Final Girls”!

    I just had to put down “The Essex Serpent”–I’d heard so many good things about it, but after 60 pages, I figured it was better to cut my losses! I did enjoy “The Seven Lives of Evelyn Hugo,” though–another quick read, but very enjoyable. Ones next up for me: “The Lying Game” by Ruth Ware, “Almost Sisters” by Joshilyn Jackson, and “Persons Unknown” by Susie Steiner.

    8.11.17 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      I’m reading The Lying Game too this month! Have heard such good things from family members.

      8.15.17 Reply
  36. Alisande:

    I love Anne Patchett and am excited to hear from Clare below that Claire Messud has a new book coming out. I just finished Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi and it was soooo good, and The Idiot by Elif Butuman might be my favorite book so far this year.

    8.11.17 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      Thank you so much for the suggestions!

      8.15.17 Reply
  37. Robin:

    I just finished “Beneath a Scarlet Sky” by Mark Sullivan
    So good!!! It reminds me of The Nightengale.

    8.11.17 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      Oooh I need to check that out as I LOVED The Nightingale!

      8.15.17 Reply
  38. Nnenna:

    I just bought Girl in Snow and I also really want to read Final Girls and Goodbye, Vitamin! A book I finished recently and loved is The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. It’s a YA novel about the police brutality/the Black Lives Matter movement and it’s so so good.

    8.12.17 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      I have heard SO many good things about that one… ordering it this week!

      8.15.17 Reply
  39. Joanna:

    I absolutely love Commonwealth. I just finished it. So glad you’re enjoying it!

    8.12.17 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      Glad you enjoyed it!!!

      8.15.17 Reply
  40. Tara:

    I started “Final Girls” yesterday morning at the nail salon and finished it last night! I couldn’t put it down and honestly felt so anxious during certain parts. It was a fantastic thriller so I love that you’ve included it here. I always look forward to seeing your lists!

    8.14.17 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      oh good, I am so glad that you loved it as much as I did!!!

      8.15.17 Reply
  41. Taylor:

    Wow I literally JUST finished Final Girls on audible and I loooooved it just as much as you did! I found myself wanting to listen to it all the time! I am currently reading We Will Never Meet In Real Life –very funny– and listening to Stillhouse Lake (one of my usual thrillers which I love) on audible. I am loving it so far!!!

    8.16.17 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      So happy to hear that you enjoyed it as much as I did!

      8.16.17 Reply
  42. Lis:

    I have just finished reading a heaps of Liane Moriarty’s books. I LOVED Big Little Lies but also Truly, Madly, Guilty. I am reading What Alice Forgot now and its amazing. Moriarty has an amazing talent for creating such likeable characters that draw you in.

    8.21.17 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      Yessss! Liane Moriarty is amazing. Have read all of her books! Did you watch the HBO series Big Little Lies? It was fun.

      8.22.17 Reply
  43. Regina:

    I listened to Commonwealth in my car, and while I also felt the slow start, I think listening to it helped tremendously. I really enjoyed it by the end, but I can see how it would be more difficult to get into if I read it. I love audio books as a way to get into more literary books.

    8.25.17 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      That’s a great suggestion! I never listen to audio books but maybe I will have to start!

      8.26.17 Reply