While I must admit there’s nothing quite like ravaging through our very own stories featuring cover stars like Laura Harrier or the summer’s biggest trends, there is something to be said about picking up physical books. There’s a magic that’s unparalleled when you’re fully engrossed in the pages of a novel that you can’t put it down. So in that vein, we spoke with our Who What Wear staffers on the books they’ve recently read that they weren’t able to put down (and why). Keep reading to find out what books you should read ASAP.
Her book pick: All Things Cease to Appear by Elizabeth Brundage
Why this book? Kat shared, "This novel was selected as my latest book club pick. It has many elements of a page-turner: ghosts, murder, and a psychopath who appears normal… at first. But unlike many in this genre, this book is actually dealing with themes of feminism and atheism versus religion. I’d never read a book that does both like this, and I loved it. It takes a bit of time to heat up, but it was a lovely distraction I thoroughly enjoyed reading.”
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Her book pick: The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary
Why this book? According to Anneliese, "If you're a sucker for a good rom-com, this one's for you. I was reading a lot of heavy pieces and needed a light read, so my mom recommended Beth O'Leary's The Flatshare to me. I was captivated by the first page and seriously finished it within a couple of days. You'll have no choice but to fall in love with the two characters and root for their happiness!”
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Her book pick: Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
As Natalia told us, this is her book of choice because "the writing is pure poetry, and while I did have a lot of disconnects while reading the story (the writing a little too descriptive/rambled thoughts), the last few chapters tied the book into a beautiful bow. I was so mesmerized by what I read that I thought about it for weeks on end. I wish I could go back in time and re-read this novel with fresh eyes. I would tell myself to slow down, enjoy the descriptions/thoughts, and just savor it.”
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Her book pick: Writers & Lovers by Lily King
Why this book? As Erin told us, "I absolutely loved this book, and I think I finished it in three sittings. King is a superb writer, and the story she tells here is so relatable.”
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Her book pick: Trick Mirror by Jia Tolentino
Why should you read this book? As Anna shared, "Jia takes such a fresh and personal approach to this series of essays, in which she confronts the myriad ways that we tend to delude or 'trick' ourselves. As soon as I picked up her book, I couldn't put it down, but I also like that you could easily read one or two essays at a time and still get something out of it. The chapter entitled 'Always Be Optimizing' hit close to home, about how women these days feel a unique pressure to constantly be bettering themselves, pointing to the culty trends like barre classes, Sweetgreen salads, and $90 athleisure leggings.”
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Her book pick: The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
Nicole told us, "I recently started reading The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt and find myself reaching for it every time I have even five minutes to spare. It constantly keeps me interested and engaged, without that anxious feeling that comes along with more overly suspenseful storylines.”
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Her book pick: Someone Who Will Love You in All Your Damaged Glory by Raphael Bob-Waksberg
As Michelle told us, "This book made me feel so many things. It's a collection of essays all around the theme of relationships, written by the author (the creator of BoJack Horseman) at different stages of his life. It is heartwarming, hilarious, poignant, weird, touching, brilliant. Enjoy. (I'd also recommend this to anyone looking to introduce more reading into their lives, as the essay format can be a bit more approachable.)”
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Her book pick: Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
As Jeisen explained, "This is a great read regardless if you're into sneakers/shoes or not, but it’s even better if you are. I think anyone who knows of the Nike brand would enjoy this book. It's really cool being able to read the backstories on how certain shoes came to be and what Phil Knight had to go through while trying to build a brand. It's a really easy read all around, and now is the perfect time to pick it up.”
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Her book pick: You Never Forget Your First, by Alexis Coe
Drew shared, "I actually preordered this book and finished it the day I got it! I love history and American culture, and this biography of George Washington—the first by a female historian—fit the bill. Coe's writing is smart, engaging, and thought-provoking, giving readers a perspective from which to re-examine our historical heroes.”
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Her book pick: Super Attractor by Gabrielle Bernstein
"All my friends are big into manifesting, and I've always been skeptical,” Rachel said. "But when I saw a friend post some quotes from this book on her IG Stories, they really resonated, and honestly seemed quite common sense. During this pandemic, I have been feeling incredibly anxious, for obvious reasons, but it also brought up seemingly unconnected anxieties. So I decided to just give this book a try. I can't attest to whether I have manifested anything into existence yet, but even if you don't believe the whole 'universe has a plan' thing, there were some INCREDIBLY practical tips to fostering positivity and, through that, productivity.”
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Her book pick: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Why this book? Michaela shared, "This fiction book is a fascinating journey through Old Hollywood, as recounted by a female movie star at the end of her life. Glamour, power, scandal—it's all there with plenty of wonderful and heartbreaking twists in between. I cried, I laughed, and I found a new appreciation for women who have flourished in this male-dominated industry. I never wanted this book to end!”
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Her book pick: Normal People by Sally Rooney
Aralyn told us, "Sally Rooney took the mainstream literary world by storm in 2017 with her debut novel (titled Conversations With Friends—also a must-read) and subsequently released her second novel, Normal People, before even turning 30 years old. Rooney's skill is viscerally capturing the emotions that arise out of interpersonal relationships: friendships and intimate couplings. If you've ever experienced longing of any kind, this novel could destroy your heart.”
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Her book pick: His Dark Materials Trilogy by Philip Pullman
"This series is young-adult fiction, but I read the books as an adult, and wow, it really holds your attention, imagination, and thirst for adventure. It's kind of if Wes Anderson wrote fantasy for women,” Charlotte said. "You follow a feisty, young female protagonist on a great journey in a parallel universe where people's souls manifest as an animal who is always with you. It's badass, empowering, fun, and magical. All these things make it a really intriguing, fast read.”
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Her book pick: My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante
Why this book? As Jacqui told us, "Ferrante creates a wonderful world that transports you to 1950s Italy and into the lives of her beautiful characters.”
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Her book pick: The Water Dancer, by Ta-Nehisi Coates
As Jasmine shared, "I kid you not, it took me a day to finish this 400-page book. While this was my first acquaintance with the writer, Ta-Nehisi Coates, he is well known for covering the African American experience in the United States, both in novels and for The Atlantic. In his most recent novel, The Water Dancer, he deploys mysticism to explore the life of slave and protagonist Hiram. And while this is by no means a lighthearted read, the author's ability to conduct you through words into another time is truly mystifying.”
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