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Books To Read This July, According to Emily Giffin

T.Williams17 hr ago
If you're on the hunt for your next summer read, we have you covered. From historical fiction and contemporary romance to memoirs, there's something on author Emily Giffin's list for every kind of reader.

Giffin, known for her 2004 debut novel turned film "Something Borrowed," visited the 3rd hour of TODAY July 3 to share her latest book recommendations and discuss her upcoming release, "The Summer Pact," out July 9.

Read on for Giffin's suggestions across genres — including what she's currently reading.

Best beach read "Husbands & Lovers" by Beatriz Williams "This book has everything: romance, mystery and family drama," Giffin tells TODAY.

In "Husbands & Lovers," Beatriz Williams intertwines the lives of two women from different decades and continents, linked by a mysterious family heirloom.

Spanning from 1950s Cairo, Egypt, to modern New England, Williams captivates readers with a story about reclaimed secrets and the intricacy of the female experience.

"It's truly a timeless tale that will break your heart but ultimately delivers a happily ever after — so critical for a beach read! I absolutely loved it," Giffin says.

Best thriller "The Astrology House" by Carinn Jade Carinn Jade's debut novel, "The Astrology House," set for release on July 16, chronicles protagonist Margot and her friends' escape to the fictional Stars Harbor Astrological Retreat.

Planned as a much-needed respite for the circle of affluent Manhattanites, the retreat descends into a weekend fraught with resentment, secrets and death.

"In addition to being a juicy read, I love the way Carinn explores the question of whether humans act according to fate or free will," Giffin says.

Best romance "Slow Dance" by Rainbow Rowell Rainbow Rowell returns to adult fiction with "Slow Dance," a contemporary romance novel set for release on July 30.

The novel tells the story of Shiloh and Cary, two characters who fell in love before they understood what love meant, trying to find their way back to one another.

"I love a good will-they-or-won't-they romance, and this one is nostalgic and wise with Rainbow's signature quirky, complicated characters," Giffin says.

Best book to screen "Presumed Innocent" by Scott Turow Scott Turow's 1987 debut novel, "Presumed Innocent," is a legal thriller set in the fictional Kindle County. It centers on Rožat "Rusty" Sabich, a state prosecutor and the narrator of the novel, who is accused of murdering his former colleague and mistress.

The novel serves as the basis for the Apple TV+ miniseries of the same name, starring Jake Gyllenhaal , which premiered June 12.

"I was obsessed with this book in high school — it actually inspired me to go to law school! — and this series is even more gripping than the novel with a fabulous ensemble cast. I especially loved Ruth Negga's performance; she was absolutely brilliant," Giffin says.

What Emily's reading "Sharks Don't Sink: Adventures of a Rogue Shark Scientist" by Jasmin Graham In "Sharks Don't Sink: Adventures of a Rogue Shark Scientist," set for release on July 16, Jasmin Graham, co-founder of Minorities in Shark Sciences, recounts her experience navigating the world of academia as a young Black scientist.

The memoir highlights the marine biologist's inherent connection to sharks and her commitment to protecting the often-misunderstood creatures.

"Jasmin's journey, along with her love of sharks, is both fascinating and inspiring, sitting at the cross section of science and social justice," Giffin says. "This book is a triumph."

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