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The Best Beach-Worthy Books of July 2019

Commence tanning reading season.

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People in nature, Sun tanning, Beauty, Bikini, Summer, Sitting, Blond, Swimwear, Leisure, Vacation,
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It’s summer, so turn off the TV (unless you’re watching Stranger Things, in which case fine, I’ll allow it) and get thee to a beach. But obviously you can’t just stare vacantly into the ocean while contemplating your existence, so here, why not take one of July’s best new books? No judgment if they end up covered in sunscreen, chips, and beer. It’s fine.

1

‘The Last Book Party’

‘The Last Book Party’

Release date: July 9, 2019

A summer read so perfect you can practically smell the ocean in its pages. The Last Book Party serves nostalgic 1980s vibes, is set on the beachy shores of the Cape, and involves a clandestine love affair. Bonus: If you’re a book nerd, which I clearly am, you’ll love the juicy peek into the lives of the publishing industry’s literary elite. 

2

‘Supper Club’

‘Supper Club’
Now 70% Off

Release date: July 9, 2019

Look, I really didn’t want to be lame and make a joke about how you’ll want to feast on this book, but here we are. It’s truly that delicious. Supper Club is about exactly what it sounds like: a club for people who like supper. Only this club is for women only. Specifically, women who want to take up space, be free with their bodies, and embrace their hunger. 

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3

‘Goodnight Stranger’

‘Goodnight Stranger’
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Release date: July 30, 2019

One of the best literary thrillers you’ll read this year, I was hooked from page one. As in, I started this book and didn’t put it down until I had finished. In the interest of not spoiling the plot, all you need to know is that a woman’s life is rocked when a man comes to town claiming to be her long-dead brother. Obviously, nothing! Is! As! It! Seems! 

4

‘The Wedding Party’

‘The Wedding Party’
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Release date: July 16, 2019

Everything Jasmine Guillory touches turns to gold, and The Wedding Party is no exception. This flirty romance follows the constantly feuding best friends of a bride-to-be, who randomly hookup and make a pact to end it after the wedding. It’s sexy, it’s witty, and—like all of Jasmine Guillory’s work—I’M OBSESSED WITH IT.  

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5

‘The Expectations’

‘The Expectations’

Release date: July 16, 2019

This book is a full mood. Meaning, I basically finished reading it and wandered around like I was at a rich East Coast prep school for three days. The novel follows legacy student Ben Weeks and his roommate Ahmed as they navigate the bubble of white privilege that is their school, and yes, it fully exceeded my...wait for it/so sorry...expectations. 

6

‘Marilou Is Everywhere’

‘Marilou Is Everywhere’

Release date: July 30, 2019

What would you do if your brother’s gorgeous girlfriend went missing one day, and her mother started calling you by her name? Would you move into her home and assume her identity? Cool, this chilling coming-of-age story is your jam.

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7

‘Very Nice’

‘Very Nice’
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Release date: July 2, 2019.

Imagine you hookup with your college professor. Then imagine you go home to spend the summer with your recently divorced, super-hot, super-rich mom. And then imagine that your professor randomly shows up (clearly crushing on your mom, not you) for the most sexually tense summer of your life. This is Very Nice. 

8

‘The Marriage Clock’

‘The Marriage Clock’
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Release date: July 23, 2019

Please cancel your weekend plans, because once you dive into The Marriage Clock, it’ll be impossible to tear yourself away. This romantic and insightful book introduces us to Leila Abid, who’s torn between her traditional parents trying to arrange her marriage and her own desire for agency.  

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9

‘Speaking of Summer’

‘Speaking of Summer’

Release date: July 30, 2019

Speaking of Summer is an absolutely riveting thriller about a woman who’s desperate to find her missing twin sister amid a criminal justice system that’s weighted against people of color. Come for Kalisha Buckhanon’s addictive writing and stay for a truly mind-blowing twist. 

10

Simon & Schuster ‘The Need’

‘The Need’

Release date: July 9, 2019

I’m genuinely still scared after reading this book, and I basically can’t tell you anything about the plot due to spoilers. All I’ll say is that the story starts with a home invasion and a kidnapping and spirals into a surreal look at just how far mothers will go to protect their kids—and themselves. 

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11

‘The Bookish Life of Nina Hill’

‘The Bookish Life of Nina Hill’
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Release date: July 9, 2019

Nina Hill works in a bookstore, loves herself a trivia night, and basically wants to mind her own business. Then she finds out that she has an entire fleet of siblings she never knew about and—much like the Prince of Bel-Air—her life gets flipped-turned upside down. You’ll enjoy going along for the ride, trust. 

12

‘The Nickel Boys’

‘The Nickel Boys’

Release date: July 16, 2019

Pulitzer Prize winner Colson Whitehead’s new novel is gut-wrenching and necessary, about two boys sentenced to a reform school in Jim Crow–era Florida, where the lives of black students are expendable. This book will stay with you long after you put it down. 

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