The 10 Best True Crime-Inspired Books To Read If You Crave A Different Kind Of Summer Thrill

best true crime books

I'm taking a break from popular BookTok recommendations so I can set my sights on the best true crime-inspired books worth reading this summer. As much as smut booksmake me feel tingly all over, there are times when I need a different kind of thrill.

Some people find it hard to believe, but I genuinely enjoy a good scare that's unrelated to terrifying rough patches in a relationship. I'm talking about reading novels that involve serial killers, con artists, or supernatural beings that wreak havoc on a small community.

Does that make your pulse race too? Good; that means I've got your attention and can share the best fictional true crime stories I think you should read this summer!

My Sister, The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

I adore my sister and often find myself asking, "Am I my sister's keeper?" The answer is a resounding yes, but My Sister, The Serial Killer makes me question how I'd feel if I knew she was psychotic.

For Korede, she finds herself at a crossroads. She feels resentment in the pit of her stomach because no one else seems to realize that her perfect sister, Ayoola, has murderous tendencies. She's actually the epitome of the phrase 'fatal attraction.'

For some reason, Ayoola keeps murdering her boyfriends and Korede keeps protecting her secret, even going as far as to help Ayoola cover her tracks. Her heart is torn even further when the man she's got heart eyes for sets his sights on Ayoola.

Now Korede will have to decide how to truly deal with the truth of who her sister is and it just may cost her.

All the Sinners Bleed by S.A. Crosby

Small towns are usually endearing, but they can always hold onto buried secrets that are begging to be dug up.

When Titus Crown, Charon County, Virginia's first Black sheriff fully embraces being back home, he knows it won't take long for trouble to start. It's not that he's looking for it per say. He's just experienced enough to know that no town is perfect.

Sure enough, a schoolteacher and her killer are murdered soon after he becomes the sheriff. This leads him to discover a much more sinister killer is on the loose and that person may be closer than he realizes.

The more he investigates, the more Titus' own past begins to haunt him. On top of that, he'll have to deal with dogmatic conservatives who are hellbent on celebrating their own history.

It'll take a miracle for him to truly uncover what's going on.

The Butcher and the Wren by Alaina Urquhart

Trigger warner: Contains detailed murders.

There's an extremely calculate killer on the loose in Louisiana and he's someone authorities have figured out is highly intelligent. Their only hope seems to be Dr. Wren Muller, an equally adept forensic pathologist. She comes highly recommended, but this is the first case that'll test her knowledge, skills, and resolve.

It's the most twisted psychological games she's ever played and the killer seems to be determined to see how far his crimes can go.

All Good People Here by Ashley Flowers

Though Margot Davies is miles away from home, she can't stop thinking about her former next door neighbor that was found murdered when she was younger — January Jones. After all this time, January's murdered has gone unsolved and it's been eating away at Margot over the years.

Somehow fate lands her back in the town of Wakarusa and she begins to help care for her uncle. In an odd form of deja vu, another young girl goes missing and it reminds Margot of what happened to January. Since she was too young to do anything back then, she makes it her personal mission to try to solve the new missing person's case.

But, she's met with resistance at every turn and it becomes clear that more than a few people are hiding the truth of what's going on. And when Margot discovers what's really happened, it just may be her undoing.

Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn

Four assassins — Billie, Mary Alice, Helen, and Natalie — have worked for the Museum for four decades and have always done a great job. However, their methods are soon considered outdated and it's apparent their talents aren't as respected as they used to.

However, things seem like they've turned around when the women are surprised with the trip of a lifetime. They look forward to their vacation, but that excitement is cut short when they quickly deduce that their lives are in danger because they've been betrayed by the very organization they've dedicated their time and skills to.

Beyond angry, the women decide it's time to show the Museum and the Board what they're truly made of.

First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

Evie Porter isn't really who anyone thinks she is. In fact, the woman who says her name is 'Evie Porter' is actually on a mission that involves infiltrating the life of an assigned target — the charming and attractive Ryan Sumner.

What's interesting is that she doesn't even know the identity of her employer Mr. Smith. He keeps his identity a secret from her while sending her on missions that seem to mean something to him in exchange for keeping her former life of crime a secret. But, she starts falling for Ryan which makes it harder to lie to him.

Then comes the woman who enters town and she's taken on Evie's real identity. This suddenly makes Evie realize there's more to her boss than she realized and he may have been setting things up on purpose to still find a way to take her down.

The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix

Patricia Campbell's life consists of playing second fiddle to virtually everyone and everything. She's a housewife to an ambitious husband and a mother to two kids who don't always need her like they used to.

Her only solace is connected with the women at the book club she frequents and they love reading true crime books while discussing their own lives. No matter how much she's read about serial killers, nothing prepares Patricia for when she's attacked one night and introduced to a mysterious stranger who charms his way into her life.

The more he comes around, the more little Black children go missing though the police don't seem concerned. And the more Patricia starts piecing together clues, the more she realizes she's the one who's given the a monster permission to stay.

If you're a fan of book clubs and would like to imagine what would happen if true crime showed up in your town, you'll love reading The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires.

The Only One Left by Riley Sager

Sometimes people lie about what they've done and that's what home-health aide Kit McDeere discovers in The Only One Left.

Prior to her introduction in the book, readers meet young Lenora Hope who's entire family has been murdered. There are speculations that she committed the grisly crimes, but there was never enough evidence to convict her. Thus began her life of silence while remaining holed up in the mansion she grew up in.

By the time Kit McDeere arrives to assist Lenora who remains mute save for her ability to communicate via a typewriter. One night Lenora catches Kit off guard when she confesses she didn't kill her sister. So, Kit begins documenting what happened according to Lenora.

Only something isn't adding up, especially when Kit finds out why Lenora's former nurse left in the middle of the night. Now she's alone with the supposedly mute woman who's in a wheelchair and she suspects there's more to Lenora than she's been shown.

My Murder by Katie Williams

Despite her happy life, Lou's life is temporarily cut short when she becomes a victim of a serial killer. Brought back to life by way of a project ran by the government, she decides to be grateful to live her life again. She just can't seem to shake wondering why she was killed.

This makes her begin looking at people close to her warily because something feels off and she'll stop at nothing to figure out what happened to her.

Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto

Vera Wong spends her time in her tea shop sipping Wulong and snooping on her son. It's not a lonely life as far as she's concerned, but her world is changed when she finds a dead man in her shop.

Instead of calling the police, she takes a piece of evidence from the man's hands and decides she's the best person to solve the mystery of what happened to him. She correctly deduces that someone must be looking for something the man had and, sure enough, her shop starts to see an increase of customers.

The thing is that Vera begins developing a relationship with the influx of customer she's receiving and this makes her original mission of solving the dead man's case even harder.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

After compiling my vacation reads, I'm *finally* ready to start combing through Reese Witherspoon's Book Club list. Her revelation about reading one book every two days in her cover feature interview with Harper's Bazaar made me realize I need to step my game up ASAP.

Her admirable hobby - that's since led her to create a bourgeoning book club— continues to highlight books with women at the center, girl does she have a great eye for stories that fit every mood. To date, her book club list has amassed over 90 titles of romantic beach reads, thrillers, and more.

Since it's a new year and we're sure you not ready to tackle that many titles, I went through the list to pick the top 26 books worth diving into. Buckle up because they're sure to take our emotions on a ride! After you finish your TBR (To Be Read list), check out 27 Standout Reads From Jenna Bush Hager's Book Club, 20 Captivating Shondaland Book Club Picks, and 18 Must-Reads From The Oprah Winfrey Book Club!

July 2024: The Cliffs

Amazon

The Cliffs by J. Courtney Sullivan

Would you be willing to journey back to a place you once sought refuge as a teen? What if it looked and felt different than you remembered? What if you discovered secrets and buried ghosts that no longer want to remain hidden?

These are questions that Jane Flanagan finds herself answering as she journeys back to Maine after being away for some time. The house she used to seek refuge in has been renovated by a woman named Genevieve, but she feels that all of her hard work has gone to waste because things don't feel right.

She enlists the help of Jane to see if there are ghosts that wander the halls of the house and that's when the discoveries begin to happen. Jane realizes that some parts of history is impossible to erase no matter how much you try to paint over them.

June 2024: The Unwedding

Amazon

The Unwedding by Ally Condie

Ellery Wainwright is left reeling after it's clear she and her husband won't be celebrating their twentieth wedding anniversary together in Big Sur, California. Never mind the fact she's dreaming about how it would be the perfect way to applaud themselves for building such a wonderful life together.

But, life comes at you fast and she's left ambling around the resort while people are prepping for a wedding. Talk about a slap in the face. Still, she begins observing all the newness that comes with people planning to spend the rest of their lives together. As beautiful as it is, she can't help but to feel unsettled the longer she's at the resort.

Sadly, her suspicions are confirmed when she finds the groom's dead body. This all but chokes the beauty of the resort from her heart and when someone else dies, it's clear that the unfortunate party is just getting started.

May 2024: How to End a Love Story

Amazon

How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang

Trigger warning: This book mentions suicide and grief.
Helen Zhang and Grant Shepard are bound by an event that changed their lives forever. Before you ask, it's not a steamy one night stand where one of them ghosted the other.
Their paths actually crossed because of a pivotal accident that neither of them saw coming and it caused Helen to view Grant as her worst enemy for years. However, time passed and they moved on to separately create lucrative careers. What they couldn't have expected was for their paths to cross, especially not at work.
Given the amazing opportunity to be a writer for the TV adaption of her own successful YA books, Helen anxiously travels to LA to accept the position and hit the reset button on her life. She has a brief moment of euphoria until she realizes that Grant will also be in the writer's room.
Now they'll have to confront their complicated feelings for each other in order not to derail their jobs and lives. They know it's impossible for them to have a true love story, but sometimes the messiness of life is all it takes for two people to find common ground and decide how they want their stories to end.

April 2024: The Most Fun We Ever Had

Amazon

The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo

When Marilyn Connolly and David Sorenson fell in love, all they knew is that nothing could shake their foundation. Despite their unwavering hope in the past, their current reality looks differently than they imagined. Their four daughters — Wendy, Violet, Liza, and Grace — each have a unique set of problems that creates of chaos for the family. From the loss of one's husband to the secrets the youngest daughter keeps, the Sorensons are never quite sure what to expect.

In a shocking turn of events, a young man — Jonah Bendt — shows up and reveals that one of the daughters is his mom. He was placed up for adoption some time ago, but he's ready to come home to learn more about his biological family. There may be drama in The Most Fun We Ever Had, but there's still a family who finds a way back to the love that Marilyn and David have always believed in.

March 2024: Anita De Monte Laughs Last 

Amazon

Art student Raquel only comes Anita de Monte's story after she starts feeling like she's starting to make a name for herself among College Hill's socialites. The more she learns about how Anita's life was horrifically cut short, she starts drawing parallels between their lives. It's almost like history is repeating itself and it's hitting too close to home.

As Gonzalez alternates between both of their perspectives, Raquel and Anita's lives begin to intersect in a way that makes Anita de Monte Laughs Last the kind of novel that'll have you thinking about it longer after you finish the last page.

February 2024: "Redwood Court" by DéLana R.A. Dameron

Amazon

Redwood Court reads like a historical love letter to Black families and contains relationships that remind me of my own family. When Mika Tabor starts asking questions about her family's history, she receives much more than her class assignment asked for. The more she listens to her grandparents and observes her parents, she realizes they've been telling her meaningful stories all along. From tales of racism to the sweet grasp of a world that began moving past obvious racial tension, this novel offers a glimpse into the homes of many Black families.

While I often say I'd like to pass down books to my kids, Redwood Court has become something that I feel is mandatory to read.

January 2024: "First Lie Wins" by Ashley Elston

Amazon

Reese's Book Club is coming in hot with their first pick of the year! This thriller of a reader is all about "Evie Porter" and her separate identities. One paints the picture of who she truly is, but her job places her in the position of assuming a new name in order to complete the mission given to her by Mr. Smith. She's never met Mr. Smith, her boss, but she has the inkling that her latest mission hits a little too close to home.

Does he know more about her than she realizes and can she successfully fulfill the goal he has for? Buy your copy of First Lie Wins today to find out!

December 2023: "Before We Were Innocent" by Ella Berman

Amazon

What would you do if you knew a terrible secret that involved the death of one of your best friends? In Before We Were Innocent, Bess and Joni find themselves trying to escape answering this. However, some things are hard to bury — especially when the past comes knocking in the form of Joni. Will the two former best friends be able to maintain their innocence or will they have to accept the truth about themselves?

November Pick: "Maybe Next Time" by Cesca Major

Amazon

If the past few years have felt like you've been stuck in a weird time loop, you'll love this page turner by Cesca Major. Maybe Next Time follows Emma as she navigates being a busy literary agent, wife and mother - except she only seems to have time for her career. When her husband is involved in a tragic car accident, Emma finds herself distraught only to wake up and see him alive again.

As the scenario continues to repeat, Emma will have to dig deep inside herself to correct patterns she's been a part of her to save not only her husband but life as she knows it.

October Pick: "Starling House" by Alix E. Harrow

Amazon

Starling House is a daring tale of what happens when dreams meet determination, grit and evil. All Opal wants to do is create a haven for herself and her brother Jasper but she'll have to fight for it once she finds herself in the mysterious mansion of author E. Starling. In the depths of the shadows, she'll come face to face with things that'll test her resilience.

September Pick: "Mother-Daughter Murder Night" by Nina Simon 

Target

The women of the Rubicon family have a lot to tangle with in Mother-Daughter Murder Night. When powerful matriarch Lana's granddaughter Jack becomes the prime suspect in an unsolved murder, Lana becomes determined to find a killer instead of waiting for her disease to have it's last say. Find out what Nina Simon has in store for the town the Rubicons find themselves living in.

August Pick: "Tom Lake" by Ann Patchett

Target

Tom Lake weaves a beautiful tale of remembered love and viewing the humanity of one's parent. When Lara begins to regale her three daughters of a former romance she shared with actor Peter Duke at Tome Lake, they begin to take stock of what they know about their mom as well as their own love lives.

"Romantic Comedy" by Curtis Sittenfeld 

Amazon

Heartbreak has the potential to make you swear off love, which is something that late night writer Sally Milz knows all too well. She's also a firm believer in the "Danny Horst Rule," the phenomenon where average looking men exclusively date women more attractive than them — until pop star Noah Brewster shows up to host the late night show. Join her for an intoxicating love ride that makes her change her perspective.

"Where The Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens 

Amazon

If you love a good romance-murder mystery, you'll fall in love with Kya's story. After the town's golden boy winds up dead, everyone in town begins blaming Kya for his murder. With heartbreak and triumph woven throughout, Where The Crawdads Sing will become the summer read you can't put down.

"The House of Eve" by Sadeqa Johnson

Amazon

Even when forbidden, love seems to find a way in The House of Eve. 15-year-old Ruby is set to be her family's first college attendee, until it appears a scandalous affair will bring her back into poverty. Meanwhile, Eleanor's in love with William, a member of an elite Black family in D.C. that doesn't let just anyone in. The lives of both women will collide in an unexpected way as they forge their own paths.

"The House in the Pines" by Ana Reyes 

Maya witnessed her friend's sudden death in the woods seven years ago. Now, with nothing except a few hazy memories, she's determined to figure out what she saw, and who's behind it. The House In The Pines is proof that sometimes our past — and their secrets — don't stay dead.

"Tiny Beautiful Things" by Cheryl Strayed 

Life can feel like a dumpster fire sometimes which is why Tiny Beautiful Things feels like a soothing hug. If you love advice columns, you'll love the beautiful compilation of questions "Dear Sugar" answers within the pages as Clare sets out to offer advice while her own life falls apart. After you read the book, check out our interview with Sarah Pidgeon, who stars in the Hulu series!

"Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng 

New friends Mia and Elena are pitted against each other when everyone in town splits over a custody battle. Adapted into a mini-series on Hulu at the beginning of the pandemic, Little Fires Everywhere is a tale that shows everything isn't always what it seems, and there are always secrets to be discovered.

"Wrong Place, Wrong Time" by Gillian McAllister 

Wrong Place, Wrong Time is a novel that explores the lengths a mother is willing to take to prevent her son from doing something unspeakable. Will she be able to piece together clues in time or will all hope remain lost?

"Daisy Jones and The Six" by Taylor Jenkins Reid 

This titular novel turned Emmy award-nominated Amazon Prime series Daisy Jones & The Six explores the rise — and fall — of a legendary (and fictional) band.

"True Biz" by Sara Nović 

This heartwarming book about life at the River Valley School for the Deaf, and all of its students with completely different backgrounds, will make you laugh and cry with its beautiful depiction of human connection.

"The Club" by Ellery Lloyd 

If you've never liked hearing "How can you hate from outside the club? You can't even get in," you'll be glad you're not a part of this members-only society. The club has been pushed to its limit and everyone has something to hide.

"The Christie Affair" by Nina de Gramont 

Nan infiltrates Agatha Christie's home in 1925, intent on luring her husband away. There's something about love, affairs, and dark secrets that make for a good read, and you won't be able to get enough of this tale where things aren't always what they seem.

"Lucky" by Marissa Stapley 

"She's so lucky" ...or is she? Lucky redefines what it means to be honest when the titular character completes a million-dollar heist, and is left stranded by the very people who taught her how to scam.

"Sankofa" by Chibundu Onuzo 

When Anna learns the father she never knew is still alive, she travels to West Africa in search of answers. The tale of self-discovery through one's history, as well as the themes of home and belonging, is something we all long to understand at some point.

"L.A. Weather" by María Amparo Escandón 

Families can be complicated, and the Alvarados are no different. If you're looking for a little break from your own family dynamics, you'll get a kick out of reading along as they navigate evacuations, relationship problems, and their father's obsession with the Weather Channel.

"The Paper Palace" by Miranda Cowley Heller 

What happens when desire spills over and threatens to unravel everything two friends have built? The Paper Palace answers that as Elle must choose between continuing the life she has dedicated herself to and the life she never got to live.

"Seven Days in June" by Tia Williams 

When former lovers Eva and Shane reunite in the midst of their successful literary careers, they find that their chemistry is still as strong as it used to be. But, will the flame fizzle before their lingering questions are answered or will Eva choose vulnerability before Shane disappears again?

"The Last Thing He Told Me" by Laura Dave 

What would you do if your significant other disappeared without a trace, only leaving a cryptic note behind? In Hannah's case, she sets out on an unpredictable mission for answers — regardless of what lies ahead. After you read the book, check out our interview with Angourie Rice, who stars in the Apple TV+ series!

"The Sanatorium" by Sarah Pearse 

Le Sommet is a sanatorium-turned-luxury hotel in the Swiss Alps. Detective Elin arrives to celebrate her estranged brother Isaac's engagement to Laure, and her discomfort turns to all-out horror when Laure goes missing.

"You Have a Match" by Emma Lord 

DNA tests can reveal new information about our ancestry, but when Abby learns that she has an older sister — and that her older sister is an Instagram star — the women decide to meet up and get to the bottom of why their parents split them up in the first place.

"The Chicken Sisters" by KJ Dell'Antonia 

Nothing brings families together like food and age-old rivalries, something that sisters Amanda and Mae learn firsthand when they end up on opposite sides of a cooking competition. If you love hit TV series The Bear, you'll love The Chicken Sisters.

Other Stories On Reese Witherspoon's Book Club List

  • "Yellowface" by R.F. Kuang
  • "Cassandra in Reverse" by Holly Smale
  • "Did You Hear About Kitty Karr?" by Crystal Smith Paul
  • "The Nightingale" by Kristin Hannah
  • "The Marriage Portrait" by Maggie O'Farrell
  • "Our Missing Hearts" by Celeste Ng
  • "On The Rooftop" by Margaret Wilkerson Sexton
  • "Honey & Spice" by Bolu Babalola
  • "Counterfeit" by Kirstin Chen
  • "The Dictionary of Lost Words" by Pip Williams
  • "Anatomy" by Dana Schwartz
  • "Honor" by Thrity Umrigar
  • "The Island of Missing Trees" by Elif Shafak
  • "Within These Wicked Walls" by Lauren Blackwood
  • "We Were Never Here" by Andrea Bartz
  • "The Downstairs Girl" by Stacey Lee
  • "Tokyo Ever After" by Emiko Jean
  • "Northern Spy" by Flynn Berry
  • "Firekeeper's Daughter" by Angeline Boulley
  • "Infinite Country" by Patricia Engel
  • "Outlawed" by Anna North
  • "The Light in Hidden Places" by Sharon Cameron
  • "A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow" by Laura Taylor Namey
  • "Group" by Christie Tate
  • "Fable" by Adrienne Young
  • "His Only Wife" by Peace Medie Adzo
  • "Furia" by Yamile Saied Mendez
  • "The Last Story of Mina Lee" by Nancy Jooyoun Kim
  • "You Should See Me in a Crown" by Leah Johnson
  • "Everything Inside" by Edwidge Danticat
  • "I'm Still Here" by Austin Channing Brown
  • "The Guest List" by Lisa Foley
  • "The Henna Artist" by Alka Joshi
  • "UNTAMED" by Glennon Doyle
  • "The Jetsetters" by Amanda Eyre Ward
  • "The Scent Keeper" by Erica Bauermeister
  • "Such a Fun Age" by Kiley Reid
  • "Conviction" by Denise Mina
  • "The Giver of Stars" by Jojo Moye
  • "Fair Play" by Eve Rodsky
  • "The Secrets We Kept" by Lara Prescott
  • "The Last House Guest" by Megan Miranda
  • "Whisper Network" by Chandler Baker
  • "The Cactus" by Sarah Haywood
  • "From Scratch" by Tembi Locke
  • "The Night Tiger" by Yangsze Choo
  • "The Proposal" by Jasmine Guillory
  • "The Library Book" by Susan Orlean
  • "One Day in December" by Josie Silver
  • "The Other Woman" by Sandie Jones
  • "This Is How It Always Is" by Laurie Frankel
  • "Still Lives" by Maria Hummel
  • "Next Year in Havana" by Chanel Cleeton
  • "Something in the Water" by Catherine Steadman
  • "You Think It, I'll Say It" by Curtis Sittenfeld
  • "Happiness" by Heather Harpham
  • "Erotic Stories For Punjabi Widows" by Balli Kaur Jaswal
  • "The Light We Lost" by Jill Santopolo
  • "Braving the Wilderness" by Brené Brown
  • "The Last Mrs. Parrish" by Liv Constantine
  • "The Is the Story of a Happy Marriage" by Ann Patchett
  • “The Rules of Magic” by Alice Hoffman
  • "The Lying Game" by Ruth Ware
  • "The Alice Network" by Kate Quinn
  • "Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine" by Gail Honeyman

Whether you want to challenge yourself to read a book every couple of days like Reese or choose a few books to get you through the summer, I'm sure you'll find titles to add to your growing library. I already have my eyes on Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens and The Club by Ellery Lloyd!

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

Header Image via Amazon

I enjoy every single aspect of a vacation: planning, packing, even the journey itself. But there are few things I love more than settling into a flight with my favorite snacks and a movie. Figuring out exactly what to watch can feel like a hassle when there are dozens of movies to pick from, which is exactly why the Brit + Co team rounded up our favorite airplane movies to watch when you jet off on your own vacay!

Crazy Rich Asians

Warner Bros. Entertainment

Crazy Rich Asians is arguably the best airplane movie of all time (even if some airplanes have started removing it — a travesty!). The story follows Rachel, who joins her boyfriend Nick in Singapore for a wedding...then realizes he's the country's most eligible bachelor. It's got everything we want in our own holiday, including romance, travel, and incredible food.

Ocean's Eight

Warner Bros. Entertainment

I've lost count of how many times I've seen this movie, and it's always a good choice when you want a fun watch! Powerhouse women who team up for the ultimate New York City heist? The Met Gala? Rihanna, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, and Mindy Kaling? Count me in.

Eat Pray Love

Sony Pictures Releasing/Columbia Pictures

Even if your summer vacation doesn't include a trip to Italy, your airplane movie can. Eat Pray Love stars Julia Roberts as Liz, a woman who heads to the other side of the world for some soul searching after she realizes how loveless her marriage is. As expected, there's some very tasty food.

Mamma Mia!

Universal Pictures

Mamma Mia really is the gift that keeps on giving. It's an incredible birthday movie, bachelorette party movie, and airplane movie, all in one. The story follows Sophie, who invites all three of her mother's exes to her wedding to figure out which one is her father. And, naturally, they all sing ABBA the entire time.

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Warner Bros. Entertainment/Dungaree Productions

For a nostalgic movie that's all about friendship, growing up, and learning how to stick up for yourself, you HAVE to watch The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, which follows Bri, Carmen, Tibby, and Lena. The girls send a single pair of jeans to one another during their first-ever summer apart.

Under the Tuscan Sun

Touchstone Pictures

Diane Lane stars as Frances, a writer who's in serious need of inspiration after her divorce. But instead of going on her own vacation or trying a new dish, she decides to buy a house in Tuscany for a change of scenery. No big deal!

The Devil Wears Prada

20th Century Studios

Fashion, New York City, and the '00s are always a recipe for success, which is why The Devil Wears Prada is one of my favorite airplane movies. Anne Hathaway stars as Andy, whose life get turned upside down when she starts working for magazine mogul Miranda Priestly.

Barbie

Warner Bros. Entertainment

Margot Robbie's Barbie movie follows the titular doll, who has to navigate the real world when her life in Barbieland starts falling apart. Not only did it become THE movie moment of 2023, but it's also an emotional, fun, and colorful summer movie we want to watch all the time.

Crazy, Stupid, Love

Warner Bros. Entertainment

If you want to laugh out loud on your flight, then Crazy, Stupid, Love is definitely the airplane movie you want to choose! It perfectly executes its multiple storylines, and the ensemble cast (which includes Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling, and Steve Carrell) are pure magic together.

Harry Potter​

Warner Bros. Entertainment

There are few things more comforting than Harry Potter, so if you suffer from in-flight nerves (you're not alone TBH!!), then opt for this classic story about a boy who learns he's a wizard.

What are your favorite airplane movies to watch when you travel? Let us know on Facebook!

Lead image via Warner Bros. Entertainment

I've recently started sitting on my balcony in the morning to catch up on standout book club reads, and it's been so refreshing. Call me obsessive, but I just can't get enough of finding hidden gems that others — like Jenna Bush Hager — are reading. When she's not co-hosting TODAY with Hoda & Jenna, she's sharing her monthly book club picks on Read With Jenna and accompanying podcast!

Created by Hager in 2019, Read With Jenna features over 50 titles that Hager eagerly shares with other book lovers. She told The Today Show, "There's nothing like falling in love with a book," and I wholeheartedly agree. If you can't get enough of curating your own bookshelf, here are 26standout reads from Jenna Bush Hager's book club.

July 2024

Amazon

In a time where America is in the midst of political and social changes, a small town in Missouri is left shaken by the disappearance of girls. Despite the residents' fears, no one knows why this is happening nor do they know where to begin searching for the missing girls.

But, a young boy by the name of Patch decides to step up to the plate to return the daughter of a well-to-do family. Though the family seems to be grateful for her return, unrest begins bubbling underneath the town's surface.

As Patch and his family begin grappling with what it means to be a hero in society's eyes, they also realize that some things are merely a facade to hide darker truths.

June 2024

Swift River by Essie Chambers (June 4)

Prepare to be transported through time as you read one family's saga through the yes of the young Diamond Newberry.

She and her mom have relied on other people to drive them wherever they need to go since her Pop vanished without any indication of where he could be. Everyone in town knows who Diamond is and they often subject her to harsh bullying. It's something she wishes would change, but the only thing she can foresee is her mother's sheer determination to move on with their lives.

That sounds great, but Diamond's suddenly left with more answers when she learns about more of the women in the Newberry family. She even learns more information about her Pop that paint a much larger picture than she originally saw. What this does is creates a strong tether that helps Diamond start finding her place in the very world that's sought to mistreat her.

But, how much of Diamond's life will be forever changed the more she learned?

May 2024

Real Americans by Rachel Khong

Real Americans is a beautiful story about identity, class, and more in America. It begins with Lily Chen falling in love with Matthew despite their different backgrounds. She's dealing with being an unpaid intern who's the child of someone who escaped Mao's Cultural Revolution while Matthew is the heir of a successful pharmaceutical company. Nevertheless, they somehow manage to fit together.

But, something happens in between the time they fall in love and the moment Lily's son Nick realizes his mom seems to be keeping something from him. She's never talked about his father and this has only piqued his curiosity even more.

The more he tries to find answers about his dad, the more Nick realizes there's not always a clear path to the past.

April 2024

The Husbands by Holly Gramazio

What if you came home from work one day to discover you're married to a stranger and everyone knows but you? That's exactly what happens to Lauren and it confuses her because she's sure she'd remember getting married. Not only that, but she's apparently been married for a while. Everyone in her life knows and the life around her shows evidence that her marriage isn't a fluke. So why can't she remember it?

The answer to her question lies in the mysterious act that occurs in the attic. For some reason, it's become a place where she 'receives' new husbands and a brand new lifestyle. She starts to enjoy the newness of living different lives, but eventually she wonders if it's possible to find happiness in one of the realities she's being afforded.

March 2024

The Great Divide by Cristina Henríquez

Debuting tomorrow, The Great Divide is a tale about the intersection of lives, compassion, and dedication. Set in Panama, the novel allows readers to form an intimate relationship with Omar, Ada Bunting, and John Oswald as they navigate circumstances that bring them together.

Despite his father's disdain for a new canal that's been commissioned to be built, Omar finds himself among one of the workers tasked with paving the way for it to exist. It's backbreaking work that takes a toll on him, but his weariness is comforted by Ada. Having seen firsthand how Ada cares for those who are fragile or sick, scientist John Oswald immediately enlists her help due to his wife being sick.

The Great Divide sweeps you into it's compassionate arms and has an ending that'll surely make your heart swell.

The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

To celebrate it's 40th anniversary, Jenna Bush Hager's book club has named The House on Mango Street as it's second pick for March! It's about Esperanza Cordero's desire to define who she is outside of what her Spanish culture has chosen for her. There's moments of sheer bliss that make heart-wrenching recollections easier to stomach, but Esperanza always finds a way to embrace how these things make her who she is.

February 2024

Good Material

Good Material is the new coming-of-age novel for adults who are still trying to figure out if they're adulting properly and revolves a series of events that makes main character Andy feel like he's down on his luck. From watching the breakdown of his longterm relationship to feeling like he's not growing as a comedian, it's clear that Andy is ready to do whatever it takes to become better in the love and career departments. But, is he truly ready to learn his life's lessons and will he be prepared for what happens next?

January 2024

The Waters

Trigger Warning: This novel contains graphic mention of animal cruelty.
The Waters is a gripping tale that involves Hermine "Herself" Zook's unmistakable way of healing others in Whiteheart, Michigan. However, she doesn't have the best relationship with her daughters and this makes for a complicated life when her granddaughter, Dorothy "Donkey" Zook" is left in her care.

Despite Donkey's desire to run free in Whiteheart, her family's past threatens to disrupt that and then some. Will she be able to understand what's threatening the community around her or history repeat itself? Find out when the book releases January 9, 2024.

December 2023

We Must Not Think of Ourselves

#ReadWithJenna announced its December pick yesterday and it's a historical novel that's sure to tug at your heartstrings. We Must Not Think of Ourselves follows Adam Paskow's journey as a Jew held captive by the Nazis. He later finds himself working alongside others who are committed to immortalizing history as it unfolds around them. Not without flaws, Adam unintentionally falls in love with Sala Wiskoff despite the latter being a married mother. This thrusts him into a world filled with complicated choices fueled by the need to survive and love.

Will his choices hinder those he's agreed to help or will he prove that taking risks is necessary for history to move forward? Pick up a copy of We Must Not Think of Ourselves to find out!

November 2023

The Sun Sets in Singapore

To help ring in a new month, Jenna Bush Hager's book club announced its November pick earlier today. Available for purchase tomorrow, The Sun Sets in Singapore introduces us to three women whose paths seem different at first glance. However, each of them have something that's lurking behind initial assumptions. As Dara, Amaka and Lillian find themselves 'lost' in Singapore's paradise, they begin to realize there is a such thing as too much tranquility - especially if it's disguised to hide life-altering truths. Will they be able to confront what they've escaped from or will it continue to follow them like shadows on a summer day?

October 2023

How To Say Babylon

Jenna Bush Hager's October pick is a tale of what happens when toxic traditional views begin to threaten a family's foundation. Young Safiya Sinclair must come to grips with her father's authoritative reign over her family, especially when she realizes her mother's only act of rebellion is making sure her daughters are educated. It's something that Sinclair allows to open her mind and set her free from her father's views.

A Woman Is No Man

Let your curiosity and assumptions about this book's cover introduce you to the journey of Deya. While she has her sights set on going to college and chasing her dreams, her strict grandmother is only concerned about Deya becoming someone's wife. Tradition seems to rule her life, and it's the last thing Deya wants. A random turn of events grants her wish and takes her on a journey of self-discovery where she learns what it means to be a woman whose voice is not only heard, but also respected.

Searching For Sylvie Lee

Families can carry hidden secrets that threaten to undo everything one knows once they begin searching for the truth. And this is exactly what happens when Amy rushes to find out what happened to her older sister Sylvie after her disappearance. With her confidence growing as she draws nearer to the truth, Amy is faced with the difficult task of seeing her family without rose-colored glasses and has to decide what that means for them as well as her.

Nothing to See Here

When Lillian drifts apart from her roommate and eventual friend Madison, she thinks nothing of it. That is until Madison begs her to help her caring for her stepchildren whose irritation manifests as fire. Over time Lillian is able to develop a beautiful relationship with the twins and learns the depths of her love are limitless.

The Girl With The Louding Voice

As she grows up in Nigeria, Adunni longs for a future that looks different from what she's always known. She goes to great lengths to figure out how to do so and this takes her down a path filled with sorrow and faith.

Valentine

When Mary Rose Whitehead finds young Gloria Ramirez on her doorstep, she quickly realizes a vicious act of brutality happened. Unfortunately, justice isn't swift and this leads Whitehead to take matters into her own hand.

A Burning

A Burning takes readers on a tale that intertwines the lives of three different people. Beginning with the public smear campaign of Jivan, readers are then introduced to a gym teacher whose ambitions cloud his judgment and a sweet, yet misunderstood soul who works to clear Jivan's name.

Friends and Strangers

Friends and Strangers follows Elisabeth and Sam as they navigate what it means to show up in the different seasons of their lives. They somehow form an unlikely friendship that's quickly threatened and leads to things that are hard to come back from.

Leaving The World Behind

When Amanda and Clay decide to take a breather from city life with their teenagers, they initially feel they're in for peace and quiet at the rural location they've chosen. Unfortunately for them, the owners of the home they're renting arrive in the middle of the night. It's a tale of wariness that spills over and it's up to the reader to decide if it's warranted or not.

White Ivy

People aren't always what they seem, and Ivy Lin is a prime example of this. She learns how to steal from her grandmother, and she doesn't stop until her mother decides enough is enough. After being sent to China, Ivy grows to become trustworthy and evens bumps into her former crush's sister. But, her past begins to haunt her and she finds out that some things are hard to forget.

What's Mine And Yours

Gee and Noelle's worlds collide when integration brings them together. Behind the scenes we find that their mothers — both with strong opposing views — are doing what they feel is best to prepare their children for a life in America. Each has their own reasoning even if it threatens to erase who their children truly are.

Good Company

Flora Mancini is forced to question the life she and her husband have built when she discovers he didn't actually lose his wedding ring years ago. It's enough to make anyone go mad, but she somehow works to piece together the puzzle to discover the truth and decide how to move forward.

Malibu Rising

Things reach a fever pitch in this tale about family secrets and longing. Each of the Riva siblings have their own ghosts and anticipation to look forward to as their famous summer party draws near. It's only a matter of time before things bubbling underneath the surface burst in front of everyone.

Hell of a Book

Hell of a Book is about an author who's being followed by an imaginary child and a Black boy named Soot. As the past and present collide, Hell of a Book somehow lives up to its name in a reckoning tale.

Bright Burning Things

Bright Burning Things sheds light on a former entertainers love for her son and struggle to part ways with drinking. It's a tale that's familiar to those who have parents who struggle with alcoholism and the pain it often inflicts.

Black Cake

With their mother's cryptic message and a family-long recipe involving black cake looming between them, brothers Byron and Benny must work together to learn more about her history. They also have to find a way to repair their relationship before everything that still ties them together is lost forever. Be sure to read Black Cake before it comes out on Hulu this November!

Remarkably Bright Creatures

Tova Sullivan has suffered two great tragedies in life — the death of her husband and her son's unsolved disappearance. When she befriends an octopus named Marcellus, he becomes determine to help her understand what happened to her son before evidence is completely lost at sea.

Check Out More Titles From Jenna Bush Hager's Book Club:

Images via Amazon

Which books are you adding to end-of-year reading list? Let us know in the comments and follow our Amazon Storefront for more of must read picks!
Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Lead image via Read With Jenna/Instagram
This post has been updated.

POV: You're on day 5 of your hair wash routine, and you're trying to decide whether to dry shampoo, or just try to do a slick back bun that you know will take you forever to get right. With option A, you're left with talc-like texture and heavy buildup in your hair, and option B, you're left nervous that the tight hairstyle might not help your hair thinning.

But what if I told you there were dry shampoos that didn't leave behind all that that heavy residue and buildup? What if there were a dry shampoo that felt lightweight and easy, so you could get ready in 5 minutes? Believe it or not, these actually exist, so you don't have to worry about resorting to that hour-long slick back bun process anymore! I've tried and tested these dry shampoos — some of them being completely talc-free — to give you the easiest hair routine in the morning! Here are the 8 I recommend.

Crown Affair

Crown Affair Dry Shampoo

I was gifted this product a few weeks ago, but I can say that I genuinely have fallen in love with it, and I can't wait to purchase it as it runs out. It's a nontoxic, refillable dry shampoo that comes in powder form. This dry shampoo is incredibly lightweight and blends into my roots seamlessly — so much so, that I forgot I even used it! One of my favorite dry shampoos I've used in recent years. Plus, it's an Allure Best Beauty Product Award-Winner, so you know it's good! Definitely worth the hype!

Vegamour

Vegamour Dry Shampoo

This product is an award-winning dry shampoo, not only because of it's ability to make your hair looks freshly washed, but also because of all the volume it adds to your hair. It makes your roots look fuller and more lifted than before, so you'll get a refreshed do with a little height for the day! It's a great product if you're looking for more volume in your roots alongside a more typical dry shampoo.

Amazon

Batiste Dry Shampoo

This dry shampoo is extremely effective and extremely affordable — it's only $6! I've been using this for years because I go through my dry shampoo really fast, so it's nice to have a cheaper alternative that I can go through quickly and not worry about it being too expensive. Plus, it smells amazing! You'll have fresh hair in no time!

Amazon

Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo

Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo is completely talc-free, so it doesn't have the annoying buildup that a lot of dry shampoos cause. It's designed to completely get rid of excess oil that may accumulate in your hair and on your scalp. It's a great, lightweight option that won't weigh your hair down.

Amazon

Moroccan Oil Dry Shampoo

This dry shampoo is designed with lighter toned-hair in mind! It helps to blend in seamlessly with your lighter hair color, so you don't have traces of dry shampoo left behind for everyone to see. An added bonus with this one? It protects against UV damage! This is a huge plus for me as someone who is very sensitive to UV rays — especially on my scalp. The scent of this dry shampoo is just divine, as well! Grab this one to be protected, look fresh, and smell nice while you're at it.

Amazon

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day

Not only does this eliminate any oil, smell, or buildup, but it's also silicone-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free and cruelty-free — which is very rare in beauty products these days. Add this dry shampoo to your cart immediately to get the job done in a safe and sustainable way, because this product really cleans your hair.

Amazon

Dryer Detox Dry Shampoo

Anyone can use this product because it works effectively for all hair types! It smells so good, and genuinely cleanses your hair. I love to use it on my blowouts because it helps to make my hair looks clean, but also give it that voluminous, bouncy curls that I'm looking for. This one is a favorite of mine that I savor for more special occasions!

Amazon

Kristin Ess Dry Shampoo

We've got an option for all my ladies with darker tones as well, don't you worry! Another amazing aspect to this one is that it's infused with Vitamin C oil which is good for shine, making your hair look healthy, and keeping it from appearing too chalky. Lucious locks are on the way with this dry shampoo!

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Lead image via Crown Affair

If you’re eating according to the Mediterranean diet, sometimes it can be hard to sneak a snack in here and there without having to track down something that abides by the diet’s guidelines first. Luckily, there are a ton of Mediterranean diet-friendly snacks out there that you can simply buy from the store and enjoy on-the-go easily!

These 10 snacks will totally transform your snacking game – from savory to sweet, these picks satisfy any kind of craving while keeping it all healthy and delicious, per the Mediterranean diet.

Amazon

Mariani Mediterranean Dried Apricots

These dried apricot bites make the perfect sweet treat to snack on during the workday. They're nutritious, but also so delicious.

Whole Foods

Cedar's Foods Feta Dip

Cedar's Foods carries tons of tasty Mediterranean dips, but their Feta Dip reigns supreme for me. It's just the right amount of tangy and cheesy and goes wonderfully with some crisp pita chips!

Amazon

Simple Mills Veggie Pita Crackers

These pita crackers are made from a unique vegetable-based flour to deliver a third of your daily recommended intake of veggies in a single serving. They hit any crunchy craving with ease, while still being healthy for you!

Amazon

Kitchen & Love Chocolate Covered Almond Stuffed Dates

These dates are stuffed with almonds then coated in a decadent layer of 85% dark chocolate that balances everything out beautifully. You're gonna have a hard time not downing the whole bag in one sitting.

Amazon

Oloves Natural Whole Pitted Olives Variety Pack

Olives are undeniably Mediterranean, and these little packs make snacking on them on-the-go super easy. They come in flavors like Basil & Garlic, Lemon & Rosemary, and Chili & Oregano to keep your snack rotation lively.

Target

Good & Gather Red Pepper Hummus

Don't forget the hummus! It's always a great Mediterranean diet snack to have in the fridge since it's flavorful and filling, thanks to protein-rich chickpeas. This Target pick is flavored with red pepper, but you can find all sorts of different tastes at any grocery store.

Amazon

Brami Lupini Beans Snack Variety Pack

Think of lupini beans as the very-Mediterranean take on edamame. These crunchy, dried snacking legumes are slightly pickled and seasoned before being packaged, so you get all that good flavor when it's finally time to dig in. Every serving is 0 calories and has 0 grams of net carbs, so you're not sacrificing a single thing with this selection.

Amazon

Stretch Island Black Forest Fruit Strips

Since the Mediterranean diet is all about getting in tons of veggies and fruits, these purely fruity strips will fit right in. They're low-calorie and low-sugar, so you can ideally enjoy a few of 'em during each snack sesh.

Target

DeLallo Greek Feta Salad

This feta cheese salad incorporates two types of olives, oil, and spices, so it's a little bit heartier. I've eaten it as a pre-dinner snack many times. It goes super well with crispy toasted bread, or you could even enjoy it on its own if really briny foods are your vibe.

Amazon

365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil + Sea Salt Popcorn

Olive oil plays a big role in the Mediterranean diet, whether it's used as a cooking agent or a topping. In this case, it's used to pop some amazingly light popcorn that's finished off with the ideal amount of sea salt. Yum!

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