Books can always fill huge gaps. They can be your best company for a coffee date, a quiet chill by the beach, or moments of disconnection. On a sunny day by the sea or a cozy night alone, a good book can enhance your experience tenfold. “ELLE Reads” is a monthly series curated by our editors to help you pick the best reads all year round.
Whether you’re into love triangles, enemies-to-lovers, friendship dramas, or heart-wrenching tragedies, we’ve got you covered! Here’s our list for August.
AL SADES AHMAR (THE RED CLASS OF GRADE SIX)
Our past is always lurking somewhere near, even though we may think it’s gone and forgotten. When it resurfaces, it can be more painful than a bullet to the heart. This novel by Iraqi author Dr. Ahmed Khairi Al Omari delves into nostalgia and emotional pain. If you prefer tear-jerking dramas over romance novels, this one is for you.
BORN AT THE ZOO (MAWALED HADIQAT AL HAYAWAN)
Words have the power to shift perspectives. “Born at the Zoo” is a collection of three short novels by Ashraf Al-Ashmawy. The narrative intertwines realism with the absurd, crafting stories that reveal the stark contrast between the characters’ dreams and their often surreal realities.
NAOMI AND HER SISTERS
Who among us doesn’t hear voices inside? These voices often become characters with whom we converse, yet we keep them hidden. In “Naomi and Her Sisters,” Hisham Al-Khashen explores the complexities of the human psyche through the life of Naomi, who navigates her struggles amid a chorus of internal voices. The novel delves into how these voices evolve and shape her journey towards a future free from new shocks.
DEMIANA’S OATH
Dr. Osama Abdel Raouf, author of “Awraq Shamoun Al Masry,” crafts an epic narrative blending history, loyalty, platonic love, and sorrow through the lives of Youssef and Wasan.Though the novel is far from romance, those who were victims of one-sided love may find themselves triggered and overwhelmed by the final chapters of the book.
MARIO AND ABO EL ABBAS
Set against the backdrop of the Sufi Al-Mursi Abu Al-Abbas’s era and the Italian architect Mario Rossi’s time, this novel by Reem Bassiouni bridges two distinct periods. It details how Rossi, known for designing mosques for the Egyptian Ministry of Endowments, came to know the Sufi Abu Al-Abbas while working on his mosque in Alexandria in the 1930s. The narrative explores Abu Al-Abbas’s journey from Andalusia to Tunisia and then to Alexandria, where he became a significant figure whose legacy endures in the city.
THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY
A novel that explores the infinite possibilities of life through the eyes of Nora Seed, who finds herself in a magical library that offers a chance to live out different versions of her life. Each book represents a different path she could have taken, leading to profound reflections on regret, fulfillment, and the choices that define us.
PEOPLE WE MEET ON VACATION
This charming romantic comedy by Emily Henry follows two best friends who have been taking yearly vacations together. After a falling out, they take one last trip to mend their relationship and explore the possibility of something more. It’s a heartwarming story about love, friendship, and second chances.
TWISTED LOVE
In this gripping romantic suspense novel by Ana Huang, readers are drawn into a whirlwind of passion and mystery. The story revolves around a complex relationship that tests boundaries and uncovers secrets, blending romance with thrilling suspense.
BEFORE THE COFFEE GETS COLD
This heartwarming novel wants to tell you one thing: “At the end of the day, whether one returns to the past or travels to the future, the present doesn’t change.” It follows the story of a unique cafe nestled in the heart of Tokyo, where customers can travel back in time, but only as long as it takes for a cup of coffee to cool.
BEACH READ
Emily Henry’s “Beach Read” is a delightful novel about two writers with contrasting styles who challenge each other to write in the other’s genre. Set in a beach town, the story is a mix of humor, romance, and self-discovery, as the characters navigate their personal and professional lives.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
In this engaging romantic comedy by Lauren Asher, readers follow the story of a successful businessman who enters into a fake relationship to meet his family’s expectations. What starts as a contractual arrangement soon evolves into something more profound, exploring themes of love, commitment, and personal growth.
A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS
This one is dedicated for George RR Martin’s fans who’ve recently watched the teaser of the anticipated HBO’s show “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.”
This collection of three novellas by George R.R. Martin is set in the world of Westeros, long before the events of “A Song of Ice and Fire.” Following the adventures of Dunk and Egg, the stories are filled with political intrigue, epic battles, and the rich lore that fans of the series have come to love.
