Is It Worth the Hype? — Read & Wright

By nature, social media tends to create some polarizing opinions for people. In the book world, it seems more and more normal that there are a handful of books every year that are everywhere. Hype can help or hinder a reader’s experience so I asked on Instagram what you thought were the most hyped books of Summer 2021 and let you know if I think they’re worth the read.

Obviously, these are all my opinions and we’re allowed to thinking differently! I’d love to know if you agree or disagree. Here we go!

Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid—Yes and no. Classic TJR writing that pulls you in and creates and epic story, but the final quarter of this book fell flat for me. I think it’s really good but it didn’t dethrone Evelyn Hugo or Daisy Jones for me.

Shoulder Season by Christina Clancy—I didn’t read this one but 56% of the IG followers said it’s a No!

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry—Yes, which was a shock for me since I didn’t end up loving Beach Read. But I think PWMOV is a great summer read that is fun and flirty but also very grounded in reality.

The Guncle by Steven Rowley—Yes! I loved this book and it will definitely be one of my favorites of the year!

Survive the Night by Riley Sager—No, unfortunately. Like Malibu Rising, I think this showcases how hypnotic and readable Sager’s writing is but the story didn’t do it for me.

For Your Own Good by Samantha Downing—72% Yes

The Maidens by Alex Michaelides—From what I’ve seen, most of the hype has been negative!

One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston—Yes, I think so! If you can suspend your disbelief and take this book for what it is, it’s utterly charming and funny. I enjoyed the audio a lot which I think helped keep me from feeling like it was too long, which I know a lot readers felt!

Isn’t It Bromantic? by Lyssa Kay Adams—I’m gonna say yes because I adore this series, but I will say this one has a very slow beginning but the ending is so worth it!

The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren—I’ve loved the Christina Lauren I’ve read but there have been some unpopular ones as of late. I thought this book was cute and well done. The concept was a little out there but it still felt grounded. I enjoyed the audio! 50/50 worth it!

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir—83% Yes

Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby—83% yes

The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang—86% yes

It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey—Yes! Another book that you need to suspend your disbelief a bit for, as it can be cheesy at times but it’s hella steamy and atmospheric.

That Summer by Jennifer Weiner—No. Hard no. I really didn’t care for this book lol. The story was important but the execution just didn’t work for me.

Reel by Kennedy Ryan—This is on my TBR but I’ve heard it’s amazing. I’ve read Kennedy Ryan before and really want to get to this one ASAP. 58% No

Hang the Moon by Alexandra Bellefleur—71% Yes

Books You Wish Were Getting MORE Hype:

The Startup Wife by Tahmima Anam

The Fate of Wrath and Flame by KA Tucker

The 100 Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin

American Betiya by Anuradha D. Rajurkar

Falling by TJ Newman

Just Last Night by Mhairi McFarlane

A Little Devil in America by Hanif Abdurraqib

The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman

Last Summer at the Golden Hotel by Elise Friedland

Better than the Movies by Lynn Painter

Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto

The Paper Palace by Miranda Crowley Heller

Once We Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy

Blush by Jamie Brenner—I liked this one but it was a little slow for me. I don’t read much women’s fiction anymore so I don’t think I vibe with the pace

Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé—Yes yes yes, all the yes. This is the type of thriller that works for me.