Wondering which book to read next? In this month’s Books On Your Radar, BookSparks’ founder Crystal Patriarche raves about the books (shows and movies, too) that she loved this month. As an ultimate bookworm who reads across all genres, and devours all kinds of content across platforms, she definitely knows how to spot a great story. Here are the newest books (and shows) she says should definitely be on your radar.

Feature Image Credit: @mrsboomreads

BOOKS:

Seven Days in June by Tia Williams

Shane Hall, reclusive award-winning literary author, and Eva Mercy, a best-selling erotica author and single mother, unexpectedly meet at a literary event in the middle of a hot Brooklyn summer. Sparks instantly fly and it raises the eyebrows of New York’s Black literati and brings forth buried trauma. However, what people don’t know is that Shane and Eva spent a crazy week madly in love twenty years ago. During the next seven days, the two reconnect and Eva isn’t entirely sure if she can trust Shane again, but she attempts to get her questions answered before he disappears again. CP bottom line: I devoured this book and have recommended to everyone I know. The snappy, hot, fresh dialogue, the sexiness, pop culture, the incredible characters I can’t stop thinking about and the intense writing that feels effortless and on point at all times – all of these things contribute to this book going down like a tall drink of summer iced tea and I want a refill now!

What a Happy Family by Saumya Dave

To everyone else in their community, the Joshi family is the perfect Indian-American family. Bina and Deepak lead a good example in their community and for their three children, who have an exceptional future of successful marriages and careers planned for them. However, family scandals break the façade of their perfect family. The Joshi family must rely on each other more than ever before in the midst of public humiliation, self-doubt, and hurtful gossip. CP’s bottom line: Beautiful book you will read and it will stay with you.

God Spare the Girls by Kelsey McKinney

Abigail and Caroline are the daughters of Luke Nolan, an evangelical megachurch leader who rose to fame after a viral sermon about purity. Luke leads as the perfect example of the prototype of a modern preacher, while his wife and daughters uphold what it means to live righteously. When it comes to light that Luke has been having an affair with another woman, rebellious Caroline takes this scandal as an opportunity to be alone with her sister, who is set to soon marry a man Caroline thinks isn’t right for her, on their grandmother’s ranch. CP’s bottom line: This book hit home for me and I love the title. 

The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller

Ever since she was a child, Elle has spent her summers at “The Paper Palace.” Now the time has come for fifty-year-old Elle to spend the summer with her three children and beloved husband, Peter, at her beloved destination. However, after a steamy night with her childhood love, Jonas, without either of their spouses knowing, everything starts to fall apart. During the next twenty-four hours, Elle must choose between the life she made with Peter or the life she dreamed about with Jonas before a tragic event forever changed the course of their lives.  CP’s bottom line: Added this to my top 10 list of best books of the year!

Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby

When police come knocking at Ike Randolph’s door, the last thing he expects is to hear that his son Isiah, and Isiah’s husband Derek, were murdered. Ike is determined to find the killer—especially since Ike regrets not accepting his son for who he was. Derek and his father Buddy Lee were never on good terms, with Derek being ashamed of Buddy being a criminal, and Buddy being ashamed of Derek being gay. The two ex-cons team up to face their criminal pasts in order to embark on a journey to avenge their sons and find a path towards acceptance. CP’s bottom line: You can’t put this one down!

The Start Up Wife by Tahmima Anam

Asha Ray is a talented coder and is set to revolutionize artificial intelligence with the help of Cyrus, her high school crush. Before she knows it, she has written a new algorithm, abandoned her PhD, is married to Cyrus, and working at an exclusive tech incubator, Utopia. Their new platform is widely acclaimed—but will their relationship survive with the pressures of fame, or will she be overshadowed by the one everyone is praising? CP’s bottom line: I picked this one up because I spent years in tech and it really is spot on and zings. 

SHOWS:

Ted Lasso (Season 2)

Ted Lasso and his loveable soccer team are back for another season, and showrunner Jason Sudeikis has interestingly described season two as ‘The Empire Strikes Back!’ For those who haven’t watched the first season, this show follows Ted Lasso, an American football coach, as he attempts to learn how to coach a struggling professional English soccer team, even though he knows nothing about the sport. The show is heartwarming and hilarious and we can’t wait to watch Jason Sudeikis and Hannah Waddingham’s characters as they try to bring their team back to their former glory. CP’s bottom line: I watched the first season five times. Enough said! But I cannot wait!

Cruel Summer

Set over the course of three years during the 1990s, Cruel Summer follows the effect on everyone’s lives after a popular teenage girl is kidnapped and another girl takes her place in the social rankings. This show is perfect for fans of Pretty Little Liars, and if you want a dramatic story with multiple that you were never expecting. Olivia Holt and Chiara Aurelia start in this thrilling new show, and you will find yourself on the edge of your seat. CP’s bottom line: I’m a 90s girl what can I say? Guilty pleasure of summer.