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From Colson Whitehead's return to Harlem and a delightfully chaotic second-chance romance to the final chapter of Heartstopper, today's lineup is packed with stories about fresh starts and final goodbyes. Plus, is this the most reductive “Poorly Explained Plots” we’ve had yet? Only one way to find out!
Bookmarks | Exciting New Releases
CRITICAL LOVE
Cool Machine
by Colson Whitehead
Pulitzer Prize winner Colson Whitehead is taking us to 1980s New York to finish his hugely acclaimed, bestselling Harlem Trilogy. Following the unforgettable Ray Carney, this sweeping crime novel follows one last heist, dangerous old loyalties, and the high price of survival in a rapidly changing Big Apple. In a starred review, Publishers Weekly calls this “the greatest New York novel in years.”
ROMANCE SPOTLIGHT
Vera Stein Is Fine
by Julie Murphy
#1 New York Times bestseller Julie Murphy’s newest romance is serving up second-chance summer perfection. When forty-year-old Vera lands at a Palm Springs retirement community for former Hollywood stars, she gets an unexpected second act complete with swinging seniors, a surprise job, and a rekindled romance with her college fling (who's also her ex-husband). Ali Hazelwood raves, “This is one addictively swoony book.”
The Stack
Together with ThriftBooks
The Books Behind August's Biggest Adaptations
Before these stories become everyone's next watch, make them your next read. From Anthony Bourdain's iconic memoir to a haunting thriller and an unforgettable post-apocalyptic survival story, these are three books we'd recommend even without the buzz of their August adaptations. Grab your copies from ThriftBooks before everyone starts saying, "You have to read the book."
Kitchen Confidential
by Anthony Bourdain
Bourdain's brutally honest, hilarious, and wildly influential memoir pulls back the curtain on restaurant kitchens and the chaotic world that made him a legend. Now it's inspiring a new generation of food lovers on screen when Tony hits theaters on August 21.
The Dog Stars
by Peter Heller
In a devastated world, a pilot and his loyal dog cling to hope until a mysterious radio transmission sends him on a dangerous journey that could change everything. Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin, and Margaret Qualley star in Ridley Scott's adaptation, coming to theaters on August 28.
The Whisper Man
by Alex North
Years after a serial killer terrorized a small town, a grieving father finds himself pulled into the nightmare when his young son is abducted. Netflix's R-rated adaptation—out on August 28—stars Robert De Niro, Michelle Monaghan, Adam Scott, and Michael Keaton.
Guess the Book: Poorly Explained Plots
Some dude goes fishing.
Answer in footer
Hotel Spotlight
Together with Inside Hotels
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa
The Vibe: Beachfront bliss
The Location: Lahaina, HI
Instaworthy Activities:
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Page to Screen
Heartstopper Forever
It's the end of an era. Alice Oseman's final graphic novel in the Heartstopper series arrived earlier this month, and now Netflix is bringing its beloved adaptation to a close with Heartstopper Forever. Starring Kit Connor and Joe Locke, the feature-length finale follows Nick and Charlie as they navigate the next chapter of their relationship and face the uncertainty of life after high school. It's a rare chance for fans to experience the conclusion of both the books and the adaptation within weeks of each other. (Sob!)
The Only Diaper That Puts Cotton Against Baby's Skin
Together with My Kudos
Unlike every other disposable diaper, Kudos features a 100% cotton liner, so what touches baby's most sensitive skin is cotton, not plastic.
Made with a patented 100% cotton liner, Kudos diapers are naturally soft, breathable, and designed for sensitive skin—without sacrificing performance. With 12+ hour leak protection, award-winning DoubleDry™ technology, and no lotions, fragrances, chlorine, latex, parabens, or phthalates, it's a diaper parents can feel good about day and night. Complete every change with Kudos wipes, made with 99% purified water and 100% plastic-free compostable fibers.
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Bookworld
🚨 Taylor Jenkins Reid has announced her newest novel!
📚 Matt Haig is opening a bookshop across the pond.
🎬 Can you guess which Heated Rivalry star is starring in Netflix’s upcoming adaptation of Carley Fortune’s This Summer Will Be Different?
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Guess the Book: Poorly Explained Plots Answer
The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway, who would be celebrating his 127th birthday today! It's amazing how much trouble one fish can cause.
