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August is kind of a weird month: summer isn’t over, fall hasn’t started, and everyone is scrambling to take a few more days of vacation. So why not lean into the weirdness? Today’s books are delightfully off-kilter, with a bloody Hollywood tale, some multiverse romance, and more.
And in today’s Worth the Read, we’re featuring a Q&A with debut author Claire Carusillo, whose hilarious novel The Responsible Party hit shelves this week. We cover everything from the art of dark humor and “disrespectful historical fiction” to why Claire and her mom should star in the eventual series adaptation. And if that’s not enough to entice you, there’s an adorable dog pic!
Bookmarks | Exciting New Releases
FANTASY SPOTLIGHT
Dreamland
by Olivie Blake
New York Times bestselling author Olivie Blake (The Atlas Six, Girl Dinner) returns with a bloody good novel about an aspiring actress who is drawn into the orbit of a powerful Hollywood dynasty, as a seductive heir and her own ambition threaten to consume her. As Alix E. Harrow (Starling House) raves: “This is Olivie Blake at the height of her power, doing cartwheels on the high wire. Dreamland is a sweat-slick Hollywood fable about fame, fortune, and the sins we'd commit for either. A gory, gothic masterpiece.”
ROMANCE SPOTLIGHT
In What World
by Bridget Morrissey
In this “true love letter to theatre kids and queer folks” (Hannah Bonam-Young), two former high school rivals begrudgingly reunite to find their missing drama teacher, only to tumble through a series of alternate realities where other versions of themselves are much more honest about their feelings for each other. Equal parts multiverse adventure and simmering second-chance romance, this clever, heartfelt novel asks what happens when the person you can't stand might be the person you can't live without.
The Community
Together with ThriftBooks
Looking for a place where your ever-growing TBR stack is celebrated, not judged? Join the Book Love Hub™: A ThriftBooks Club on Facebook, where more than 24,000 book lovers come together to chat about what they're reading, gush over fandoms, and discover their next can't-put-it-down read. Whether you're hunting for your next favorite or just want to talk books with people who get it, Book Love Hub™ is the place to be.
The Reviews Are In
From starred reviews to glowing blurbs, here are three new books critics and authors are championing this week.
“A tour de force.”
—The Atlantic
“A rare and beautifully controlled novel of magic, intrigue, and obsession…. Delightful and dangerous. A feat of marvelous showmanship!”
—Rachel Beanland, author of This House Is on Fire
“One of the most unusual, thought-provoking books you’ll read this year.”
—BookPage
Hotel Spotlight
Together with Inside Hotels
Wyoming Inn of Jackson Hole
The Vibe: Rustic elegance meets the Wild West
The Location: Jackson, WY
Instaworthy Accommodations:
Six miles from Grand Teton National Park and minutes from Jackson Town Square, Wyoming Inn of Jackson Hole blends the untamed spirit of the Wild West with the refined comforts of a mountain lodge. All 69 guest rooms and suites lean into woodsy neutrals and soft lighting—many with private fireplaces and scenic views of the surrounding mountains. The Whistling Grizzly serves locally sourced wild game and thoughtfully selected wines in a warm, refined atmosphere that feels wholly Wyoming. Complimentary ski shuttles to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, a hot tub, and fly fishing, rafting, and wildlife tours complete the stay.
Guess the Book: Emoji Edition
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Hotel Spotlight
Together with Inside Hotels
AC Hotel Salt Lake City Downtown
The Vibe: Where the mountains meet the city
The Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Instaworthy Accommodations:
Designed with European-inspired sensibility, AC Hotel Salt Lake City Downtown brings uncomplicated sophistication to the heart of downtown. Sleek, modern guest rooms—many with city and mountain views—are thoughtfully designed to maximize openness and minimize clutter. The AC Kitchen opens each morning with pastries, meats, and fresh coffee while the AC Lounge delivers handcrafted cocktails and shareable plates in the evening. Steps from the Salt Palace Convention Center, Delta Center, and Temple Square, the hotel puts you in the heart of it all. Plus, three of Utah's premier ski resorts are all within reach!
Bookworld
🍿 Watch the brand-new trailer for Verity!
🎬 Roxane Gay’s Hunger is coming to Lifetime in September.
📚 Can you couch-to-5k your way back into reading?
Guess the Book: Emoji Edition Answer
Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury, the ultimate late-summer read! Pairs just as well with a glass of lemonade as it does with a glass of the titular drink.
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