10 Must-Read Books for August

August can be a bittersweet month, as summer starts to wane while the weather remains warm. Our August book recommendations cater to various moods, whether you’re seeking a riveting thriller for the beach or the ideal read for a new European soccer season. From memoirs and cultural histories to retrospectives on beloved TV shows, this list promises to keep you engaged throughout the month.

John Preston and Elton John, Watford Forever: How Graham Taylor and Elton John Saved a Football Club, a Town and Each Other (Aug. 27)

Long before buying a soccer team became trendy among celebrities, Elton John acquired Watford F.C., then struggling. Journalist John Preston, collaborating with John, explored this era in soccer history intersecting with one of music’s biggest names.

Chris La Tray, Becoming Little Shell: A Landless Indian’s Journey Home (Aug. 20)

Chris La Tray is a musician, storyteller, and Poet Laureate of Montana. In this book, La Tray shares his journey of discovering his Indigenous identity, interweaving his personal narrative with broader political and cultural histories.

Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack, What’s Next: A Backstage Pass to The West Wing, Its Cast and Crew, and Its Enduring Legacy of Service (Aug. 13)

The era of Peak TV might be over, but the deluge of books about it continues. In What’s Next, Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack offer an insider’s perspective on the making and lasting impact of The West Wing, sharing their experiences as cast members.

Bookstores are more than mere retail spaces; they’re cultural and community hubs. Evan Friss’s book delves into the history and evolution of American bookstores over centuries, exploring their enduring significance.

Rosie Schaap, The Slow Road North: How I Found Peace in an Improbable Country (Aug. 20)

Known for her memoir Drinking With Men, Rosie Schaap now explores her life from a different angle. The Slow Road North recounts her journey through grief and the search for a new home in Ireland, revealing a new facet of her literary talent.

For those craving thrills, Snowden Wright’s latest book offers an intriguing mystery set in 1985 Meridian, Mississippi. The Queen City Detective Agency follows a private investigator uncovering long-buried secrets that ripple through dangerous circles.

Bill Schutt, Bite: An Incisive History of Teeth, from Hagfish to Humans (Aug. 13)

Bill Schutt takes readers through the evolutionary history of teeth, from prehistoric times to the present. Bite explores the crucial role teeth play in overall health, making it a fascinating read for anyone curious about dental facts and their significance.

How a Now-Forgotten Mountain Man Helped Reshape the American West

Bob Drury and Tom Clavin on their book “Throne of Grace”

Loneliness can be more than a source of emotional pain; it may also negatively impact our health. In The Age of Loneliness, Laura Marris examines the various dimensions of being alone in today’s world, exploring its connections to landscapes and ecology.

What happens when art intertwines with physical activity? Tom Jeffreys’ new book Walking investigates how artists have elevated the simple act of walking into profound creative expressions. From Marina Abramović’s Great Wall walk to other artistic endeavors, it showcases the power of movement in art.

Science fiction has long been a harbinger of technological and societal shifts. In Fluid Futures, Steven Shaviro explores how the genre primes its readers for change, offering insightful perspectives on its enduring impact on our world.