Every month we let you know what we’ve been reading and our monthly recommendations. You’ll get to see new titles with fabulous reviews from the Bay Books team, and we’re sure you’ll love these fantastic books just as much as we do. We recommend a wide range of genres and themes.
Tina’s August Picks
Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent Who Pays the Rent by Judy Dench
As I read this book, with great admiration for Judy Dench, I was doubly delighted to hear her exquisite voice(in my head!) as she describes backstories of her many performances and gives her own witty, accurate interpretation of the Bard’s writings. She has spent over seven decades with Shakespeare as part of her life and profession and is in a very good position to entertain. Definitely a feel good read.
Economists Zidar and Zwick give us an illuminating examination of small business owners who have built extraordinary fortunes by taking advantage of our tax code. Is this wrong? What they content is isn’t so much that it is wrong, in their examples, but that they don’t share with those that helped them become successful, their employees. This drive income inequality and is a vivid depiction of America’s millionaire class. Interesting to read.
The Moon Without Stars out Stars by Chanel Miller (Juvenile Literature)
After her zines launch her into the popular crowd at school, seventh grader Luna must decide what she’s willing to sacrifice to stay there. At an age where self-consciousness about everything is an everyday thing, the author addresses this issue in a way to catch your attention. Very poignant as Luna attempts to find herself alongside her growing pains and the growing pains of others.
Forest Euphoria: The Abounding Queerness of Nature by Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian (Science and Nature)
A national bestseller, a National Book Foundation Science + Literature Selected Title, and a Time 100 Must-Read Books of 2025, Forest Euphoria is a thrilling book about the abounding queerness of the natural world that challenges our expectations of what is normal, beautiful, and possible. Robin Wall Kimmerer raves that it’s “an antidote to the loneliness of our species.” This is a read that you won’t forget and need in your life.
Wendy’s August Picks
Villa Coco by Andrew Sean Greer
This is a charming, hilarious story of a young American man who has recently graduated from college and landed his first a job as an archivist in Tuscany, Italy. He arrives at a lavish but decaying villa and begins cataloging its extensive collection of art and antiquities -among other unexpected duties that will be thrust upon him as a staff member and resident! His employer is an eccentric baroness, and she, along with a colorful set of supporting characters, romance and intrigue, all combine to make this beautifully crafted coming-of-age story an absolute pleasure.
The Things we Never Say by Elizabeth Strout
One of those books you don’t stop thinking about long after you’ve finished it, this is one of my top reads of the year. Our protagonist is Artie Dam, one of those exceptional high school teachers who is empathetic, humble, compassionate, competent, and somehow able to accomplish the nearly impossible task of authentically connecting with his students in today’s increasingly challenging educational environment. Despite his apparent stable life, Artie is suffering serious loneliness and depression. A shocking family secret is revealed, forcing him to face his relationships in a new light. The author has us contemplating the difference between our public and private selves, what we may not know about those closest to us – and what we ourselves have hidden. Set against the complexities of the 2024 presidential election, this novel is impactful, engaging and profound.
Becky’s August Pick
All We Say: The Battle for American Identity: A History in 15 Speeches by Ben Rhodes
(A history in 15 speeches is written by Ben Rhodes, former speech writer for President Obama – important because as a speech writer he knows of what he writes.)
What does it mean to be an American? And who gets to decide?
In a democracy, a speech is the purest form of persuasion. Standing in front of a crowd, the speaker tries to convince those gathered to believe something and possibly act on that belief.
This book tells the story of the argument over American identity through 15 speeches. Some but not all are iconic. They are inspiring and sobering, delivered in war and peace.
For each speech selected, Rhodes describes the movement that led the speaker to create and deliver the speech and then follows the threads that run throughout all the speeches, weaving together American identity.
Also of interest is how differently Americans speak today and therefore how people consume information. in early years, a speech would be heard only by those in the audience. As technology has changed, so has the way people speak. Radio made it more possible to reach mass audiences; television elevated the setting, and now the internet facilitates online communities. Speeches are now consumed in bite size pieces.
From Benjamin Franklin to Donald Trump, Rhodes travels the history of American identity through speeches. A great read for history lovers.
Karin’s August Pick
John of John by Douglas Stuart
How many people in the world cannot live as the person they truly are? This novel investigates how two men – father and son – separately negotiate between their very much under-the-radar sexuality and the very rigid, traditional society in which they live. The story is also a fascinating look at the life of Scottish Harris islanders (home of Harris tweed), and their struggle to maintain their traditional weaving practice, their pastoral way of life, and their faith as they clash with contemporary mores and economic hard times. Can one, should one, live a lie?
