August has arrived and summer in LA is in full swing, which means there’s no better time to unwind with a good book. Whether you're beach-bound, hammock-posted, or simply hiding from the heat with the A/C on full blast, a solid read can relax your mind and transport your soul. Looking for some well-curated recs? We polled the SBP team for their latest literary obsessions, and the result is a well-rounded mix of new releases, page-turners, memoirs, and investigative deep-dives. Pick one from our list (or dust off the one sitting on your shelf) and get reading.
Fiction We Can’t Put Down
“Atmosphere” by Taylor Jenkins Reid
The latest from the queen of emotional, cinematic storytelling, “Atmosphere” whisks readers into the life of a former Hollywood It Girl grappling with fame, reinvention, and the weight of her past. It’s glossy, poignant, and packed with the kind of signature drama that keeps you turning pages late into the night.
“The Art of Vanishing” by Morgan Pager
A haunting and lyrical debut about a young woman who disappears from her own life (quite literally) after a tragic event. As her loved ones piece together clues, the novel unfolds as both a mystery and a meditation on identity, trauma, and the stories we tell ourselves to survive.
“What Kind of Paradise” by Janelle Brown
From the bestselling author of “Pretty Things” comes another twisty, cerebral thriller — this time exploring the glossy façade of a sustainable luxury resort that may be hiding more than just secrets. Think paradise, but make it complicated.
“Tilt” by Emma Pattee
In this quiet psychological stunner, a woman’s sense of reality begins to shift after a traumatic fall. But is it the concussion or something deeper? Set in the Pacific Northwest, Pattee’s debut is eerie, intimate, and unforgettable, exploring memory, motherhood, and the fragility of perception.
“West Hollywood Monster Squad” by Sina Grace & Bradley Clayton
A campy and wildly entertaining graphic novel that follows four West Hollywood misfits-turned-monster hunters as they battle supernatural threats and toxic exes. It’s a blood-splattered love letter to chosen family, horror flicks, and LA nightlife — and extra special to us because author Sina Grace is the partner of our very own Executive Assistant, Garrett Sanders!
“The God of the Woods” by Liz Moore
A layered mystery that kicks off with the disappearance of a teenage girl at an elite summer camp in the Adirondacks. As secrets unravel across decades, Moore expertly navigates privilege, family dysfunction, and the dark undercurrent of idyllic places. Atmospheric and compulsively readable.
“James” by Percival Everett
L.A.-based Everett flips the script on “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” giving voice and depth to the character of Jim. It's biting, funny, and deeply moving — a bold reimagining that challenges everything you thought you knew about a classic.
Memoirs & Biographies That Pack a Punch
“Who Knew” by Barry Diller
Media titan Barry Diller doesn’t hold back in this memoir-slash-manifesto. From shaping Fox and building IAC to his notoriously sharp tongue and eye for talent, Diller spills on decades of influence, innovation, and personal evolution — all with a wink and a jab.
“Source Code: My Beginnings” by Bill Gates
Before the billions and the breakthroughs, there was just a kid obsessed with code. In this first installment of his memoirs, Gates reflects on his early years, from growing up in Seattle to dropping out of Harvard and co-founding Microsoft. It’s sharp, self-aware, and refreshingly personal, with plenty of insight into how a restless mind rewired the world.
“Raising Hare: A Memoir” by Chloe Dalton
A tender, fierce account of single motherhood, queer identity, and building a life outside the lines. Chloe Dalton’s memoir traces her journey raising her son, Hare, with raw honesty and bursts of humor, while navigating love, loss, and the messy beauty of forging your own path.
Investigative Reads That Grip You From Page One
“Original Sin” by Jake Tapper & Alex Thompson
More political thriller than dry reportage, this behind-the-scenes exposé explores how secrets, spin, and mismanagement led to a presidential implosion. Sharp, engaging, and surprisingly juicy, Tapper and Thompson don’t miss a beat.
“Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed & Lost Idealism” by Sarah Wynn-Williams
Set against the backdrop of Silicon Valley’s boom years, this gripping investigation follows the rise and fall of a once-promising tech startup — and the human cost of chasing scale at any cost. It’s equal parts cautionary tale and cultural autopsy, written with the pacing of a thriller and the nuance of great journalism.
Support Local Biz: Westside Book Stores
While we’ve included Amazon links for convenience, we highly recommend shopping local, because nothing beats getting a personalized rec from someone who knows your taste better than an algorithm. Here are our independent book stores on the Westside:
Zibby’s Book Shop in Santa Monica (recently featured in this blog!)
Diesel in Brentwood
Village Well in Culver City
Pages in Manhattan Beach
Book Soup in West Hollywood
Photo credit: @zibbysbookshop
Bookmarked & Ready
Reading anything good lately? Drop us a line or tag us @smithandberg — we’re always up for a rec swap. And if you're still browsing, head to a local shop and ask the bookseller what they're loving…you might just find your new favorite story.