Summer is officially over and I know this because yesterday a girl in Uggs spilled her pumpkin spice latte all over me. We’ve now moved into that weird in-between stage of seasons where summer is dead but none of your favorite shows are back on so you don’t have an actual excuse for why you ignored your BFF’s text about getting your ass down to the bars ASAP. Like, b*tch LET ME LIVE (my best life on the couch). But never fear, because where there’s a will, there’s a way for me to get out of being social, and that way is to binge read myself into a coma. That said, we’ve got some bangin’ book series to educate you with that are legit better than binge watching all seven seasons of Game of Thrones. You’re so welcome.
The ‘A Court of Thorns and Roses’ Series by Sarah J Maas
I’d been hearing about this series for years and never picked it up because I thought it would be another boring YA fantasy series, and also because I’m stupid. But once I started reading, I could not put these books down. It has all the intrigue and action of Game of Thrones but with twentysomethings and hotter people (if that’s possible). The books follow 19-year-old huntress Feyre who accidentally kills something she shouldn’t and ends up having to spend the rest of her life in a faerie realm. If I lost you just there, HEAR ME OUT THOUGH. At first it’s a little like Beauty and The Beast, but it’s so much more than that by the end of the book. Think epic world building, feuding kingdoms, and badass leading ladies who aren’t afraid to scheme the sh*t out of some men. The books are long AF, but, like, so is a Law & Order: SVU marathon and you people never miss that sh*t.
The ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ Series by Kevin Kwan
Would it be a comprehensive reading list if we didn’t include Kevin Kwan and the bougiest family we’ve ever f*cking seen? I think not. The Youngs make your family drama look like child’s play and theirs goes down on private jets. Advanced warning: You might want to settle in with your own order of dumplings, otherwise you’re bound to get very, very hungry while reading. And then go see the movie.
The ‘Addicted To You‘ Series by Krista & Becca Ritchie
Just gonna be real up front and say right now that this is a romance series, so don’t @ me in the comments when you get all hot and bothered on the subway because someone said the word “climax.” Let’s be real, these books are no dirtier than whatever you’re texting your ex after three vodka crans. Just saying. The books follow Lily Calloway and Loren Hale, two members of Philadelphia’s most elite families who both happen to be battling secret addictions while also trying to date each other. If that sounds a little heavy, that’s because it kind of is, but in the immortal words of Kim Kardashian West “it’s the good kind of baggage, like Louis Vuitton.” Seriously, this series is INSANE. Think Kardashian-level family drama meets the lux inner circle of Gossip Girl. Now go forth and binge.
The ‘Thousandth Floor’ Series by Katherine McGee
I know I keep comparing sh*t to Gossip Girl, SO SUE ME. It’s not my fault that show was the voice of a goddamn generation. Anyway, moving on. Set in a futuristic Manhattan, the Thousandth Floor series follows five teens who live at the Palace hotel but on, like, steroids. You’ve got all the Upper East Siders and a Lonely Boy living in the year 3000 where not much has changed but they live underwater. I paraphrase; the book actually takes place in 2118. Whatever. In any case, it’s about a group of rich teenagers who all are hiding dark secrets. Dun dun dunnnn. This book is a fast AF read. It reads like a thriller element because each book opens up with someone dying—and you know we betches love death. Feel blessed, because there’s three books already out so that’s at least four happy hours you can miss in favor of binge reading.
‘The Last Time I Lied’ by Riley Sager
This isn’t technically a series but both of Riley Sager’s books involve campy, Final Destination-like plots that are seriously addictive from page one. We love, love, LOVED The Final Girls and the author’s second book is just as binge-worthy. The book follows Emma Davis who, in a very Pretty Little Liars twist of events, realizes all of her BFFs have disappeared after playing a game of two truths and a lie at summer camp one night. It’s kind of like if all the Liars went missing and only Aria had to find out what happened to them (god help them). I’m telling you right now, once you start this book you won’t be able to put it down.
The ‘To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before’ Series by Jenny Han
Look, I’m not trying to be judgmental, but if you haven’t watched Netflix’s To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before THEN WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR LIFE. I’m sorry, that was aggressive. But really, I’ve never loved a teenaged boy more and I hate how that sounds coming out of my mouth but it’s the honest goddamn truth. If you watched the movie and have a pulse then you obvi fell in love with Peter Kavinsky. I’m telling you now, the books are even better. Plus there’s already three books out in the series so if you’re looking for some more Peter in your life you’ve got at least 900 pages worth of reading material. You can thank me in the comments.
When’s Happy Hour? By The Betches
Not a series, but you should read it anyways because it’s our third book and we wrote it and it will literally change your life. YOU’RE WELCOME.
Images: Vanessa Serpas / Unsplash; Amazon (7)
The summer is almost over (boo), meaning you’re almost out of time to finish that summer reading list. But hear me out – reading is an activity that can continue into the fall or even (gasp!) winter. With the 2018 midterms coming up (are you registered?), it’s time to dig up your old p*ssy hat and re-up on your feminism. Fall is the most feminist season, after all. (Okay, okay, all seasons are feminist don’t @ me.) With that in mind, here are ten books that will help you get into the “nevertheless she persisted” mind frame before the weather gets too cold.
10. ‘The Female Persuasion’ by Meg Wolitzer
Vogue called this book “ultra-readable,” which is like, a pretty clutch compliment for a book. This novel by Meg Wolitzer follows a shy college freshman as she meets whose life is forever changed after she hears a 63-year-old feminist activist speak on campus. If you ever thought about leaving your boyfriend to organize the next Women’s March, this one’s for you.
9. ‘When Life Gives You Lululemons’ by Lauren Weisberger
If something about this title gave you early 2000s Meryl Streep nostalgia, there’s good reason. This book is Lauren Weisberger’s long anticipated follow-up to The Devil Wears Prada, and it follows Emily (aka Emily Blunt’s character) and her post-Miranda Priestly career as a high-end image consultant in Greenwich, CT. Will Miranda make an appearance? Is Emily off the cube-of-cheese diet? You gotta read it to find out.
8. ‘Not That Bad: Dispatches From Rape Culture’ edited by Roxane Gay
If the #MeToo era taught us anything, it’s that rape culture is real (duh) and we’re going to need a lot of brave women telling their stories to finally overcome it. Self-proclaimed “bad feminist” Roxane Gay organized and edited this collection of original and previously published pieces that address living in a world where rape culture is a daily part of women’s lives. With essays from stars like Gabrielle Union, this collection will laughing, crying, and mad as hell.
7. ‘Together We Rise: Behind The Scenes At The Protest Heard Around The World’ by The Women’s March Organizers
Remember how the Women’s March was like, the best day ever after the worst day ever? Published on the one year anniversary of the largest global protest in history, Together We Rise is a collection of essays that provide an inside look on how the march was organized. With essays from the likes of America Ferrerra, Yara Shahidi, Ilana Glazer and the one-and-only Maxine Waters, this book will have you feeling nostalgic for 2017, which should be literally impossible.
6. ‘Choose Your Own Disaster’ by Dana Schwartz
If you’ve ever described yourself as a “hot mess” or a “garbage person”, this memoir is for you. Dana Schwartz’s stories about all her terrible life decisions will make you feel a lot better about yours, or at least let you know you’re not alone.
5. ‘F*cked: Being Sexually Explorative And Self-Confident In A World That’s Screwed’ by Krystyna Hutchinson and Corinne Fisher
You might recognize Krystyna Hutchinson and Corinne Fisher from their hit anti slut-shaming podcast Guys We F*cked, and now they’re taking on the female sexual revolution in book form. F*cked tackles a mix of “raw, ridiculous, and serious sexual conversations” to help drive the point home that ain’t nobody got time to be ashamed of their sex life.
4.‘Vox’ by Christine Dalcher
If you’re a fan of The Handmaid’s Tale (or just a fan our our recaps) strap the f*ck in because Vox is for you. Set in a too-close-for-comfort dystopian America, Vox explores a world in which women are only allowed to speak 100 words a day, and the brave scientist who takes it down. Once you start reading this one you’ll only put it down to check Twitter to make sure it’s not actually real.
3. ‘Feminasty: The Complicated Woman’s Guide To Surviving The Patriarchy Without Drinking Herself To Death’ by Erin Gibson
We dare you to find a more relatable book title. Comedian and Throwing Shade podcast host Erin Gibson gave us the gift of this collection of omg-I’m-literally-dying level hilarious essays that tackle the “hidden rules that make life as a woman harder.” Not only will you learn sh*t, but you’ll also laugh a lot. What could be better than that?
2. ‘Becoming’ by Michelle Obama
Here’s another book that’s not out yet but you’re going to want to pre-order ASAP. Becoming by Michelle Obama is a “deeply personal” book about Michelle, her roots, and hopefully a few style tips/arm exercise guides (though I doubt it.) I mean, we don’t need to tell you why a book by Michelle deserves to be on your shelf (or in your Kindle), but maybe it’ll help you actually go high when your ex goes low.
1.‘When’s Happy Hour?: Work Hard So You Can Hardly Work’ by Betches
Did we just make ourselves number one on our own fall reading list above Michelle Obama? F*ck yes we did. Wanna know why? Because betches lean in, and you can too with the career advice book you’ve literally always been waiting for. Wanna take charge and be the boss of your career while still maintaining a social life? This is the book for you. Also our last two books were New York Times bestsellers soooo you’re probs gonna wanna pre order that now.
When’s Happy Hour? drops from publisher Simon & Shuster October 23rd, 2018.
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