Summer ‘21 Book Round-Up
While we here at The Duplex, are impatiently awaiting the arrival of Fall weather (cool breezes, not shaving, turtlenecks...dare we say pumpkins?), we are still lovingly reminiscing on some of our favorite reads of the summer and looking forward to what’s up next on the shelf.
Summer 2021 Top 5:
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
“The hype on this book is well-deserved. Be prepared to be swept up in the best kind of romantic comedy with plenty of steamy moments! Plus, who isn’t lusting after some world travel after a year and a half of quarantine?” - S
“I devoured this book in a day while on a flight. I mean, who doesn’t love a friends-to-lovers trope? While this love story has its clichés, it made me giddy and heartsick at moments. A very satisfying summer read.” - V
The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel
“I am a sucker for a book with a shifting narrative and The Glass Hotel is no exception! Great pacing, captivating hooks for each character, and mystical settings make this one of my favorite reads of the year.” - S
“I loved this author’s previous book Station Eleven, and this book did not disappoint. Mandel has a way of writing a twisting narrative that keeps you captivated and guessing until the very end. While I don’t always like a book that hops around, this is the exception. Beautifully written, with lots of dark twisty moments.” - V
“A transcendent trek into the realms of uncertainty and mystical realities. Still not sure how I feel about the ending but would recommend the journey nonetheless!” - S
“Reading this book is a journey in itself. The imagery and overall illusive storyline make this an exciting, albeit confusing (at times) story that is a completely new genre for me.” - V
Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi
“Yaa Gyasi’s works are triumphs of modern literature. Her stories are equal parts moving, melancholy, and provocative. After loving Homegoing (her debut novel), I was anxious to read this and was blown away yet again!” - S
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
“I think my favorite book of the whole year? Not necessarily because of the writing or storyline specifically, but because this book made me think about my life from a new angle; a very poignant, bigger-picture perspective.” - S
“This was such a great read. It made me think so much about the different ways my life could have gone had I made even one different choice. A beautiful story with a great message that life is really what you make it. I was inspired and refreshed by this book!” - V
On the Shelf
Double Blind by Edward St. Aubyn
“The cover of this book alone has us dying to read Double Blind. We found this in our local bookstore on a Sunday walk and had to have it. Set in London, Cap d'Antibes, Big Sur, this story follows three friends during a life-changing year. We will report back on whether we judged this cover correctly.” - V&S
Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney
“Honestly, the jury is still out for me on the Sally Rooney hype. Did I like Normal People and Conversations with Friends? Sure. Were they my top books of 2018 and 2019, respectively? Eh. Do I find the Irish accent on her audiobooks absolutely delightful? Definitely.” - S
“I’m definitely in the ‘Sally Rooney can do no wrong’ camp! Her book Normal People made me feel something. Even reading her books (in print), I hear them in an Irish accent just as they were intended. I can’t wait to dig into this one.” - V
Red at the Bone by Jaqueline Woodson
“This has been on our respective lists (and everyone else’s rec lists) ever since it hit bookstore shelves and we figured it was time to give it a shot!” - V&S
“I think that Joan Didion is one of my all-time favorite authors. She is real, accomplished, experienced in life, and has an air of casual sophistication that comes through in her writing. I’ve had this on my list forever. I lend my copy of A Year of Magical Thinking every chance I get, especially to anyone going through a moment of grief or loss.” - V
Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr
“Honestly, I don’t know much about this book but, did I, along with everyone’s mother, absolutely love All the Light We Cannot See? Of course. So, Anthony Doerr, I hope this is another home run!” - S
Our Favorite Local Bay Area Bookstores:
image by @bookishmadeleine on Instagram
Mrs. Dalloway’s - Oakland
Pegasus Books - Oakland & Berkeley
East Bay Booksellers - Oakland
Spectator Books - Oakland
Walden Pond Books - Oakland
The Booksmith/The Bindery - San Francisco
What are you reading? What have you loved/or hated? We’d love to know!