What the Plot: August Reads

August brought me thrillers, imaginative journeys, heartfelt stories, and (gulp) my first ever DNF. Here’s the breakdown, plus recs if you want to keep the vibe going.

⭐ The Butterfly Garden by Dot Hutchison

A dark, unsettling thriller with a unique premise that kept me hooked. Disturbing but compulsively readable.

If you like this, you would love:

• The Flower Girls by Alice Clark-Platts

• The Collector by John Fowles

  
  

📚 Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan

Whimsical, quirky, and full of bookish charm. A blend of mystery, friendship, and the magic of stories.

If you like this, you would love:

• The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin

• Inkheart by Cornelia Funke

  
  

🌌 The Life Impossible by Matt Haig

Heartfelt and uplifting, reminding us that life holds possibility even in its darkest moments.

If you like this, you would love:

• The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

• Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

  
  

👀 Those Empty Eyes by Charlie Donlea

A quick, twisty thriller perfect for racing through in a weekend.

If you like this, you would love:

• Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica

• Before She Knew Him by Peter Swanson

  
  

👑 Fairy Tale by Stephen King

Beautiful world-building and strong characters, but dragged in length. Still, a magical premise that spoke to life and responsibility.

If you like this, you would love:

• The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly

• Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman

🚫 Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll — DNF

My first ever DNF. I couldn’t connect to the story or style, so I let it go.

If you like this type of story (but done better), you would love:

• Long Bright River by Liz Moore

• Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka

  
  

Wrap-Up Thoughts

August gave me suspense, magic, heartfelt moments, and one tough DNF. That’s the beauty of reading: not every book fits, but each one helps refine what you love most.

📖 Favorites of the Month: The Butterfly Garden and Those Empty Eyes

🚫 Least Favorite / DNF: Bright Young Women

✨ Stay tuned for September Reads — and more recs to fill your TBR!