Sure, we’re obsessed with fashion here at Rue, but when we’re not scrolling through Insta or flipping through Vogue (or, you know, working), you can catch quite a few of us with our noses buried in novels. So with today being the official start of summer, we reached out to a few of our associates for some reading recs. Consider every upcoming plane ride, beach trip, and lazy afternoon covered.
Credit: Random House
The Girls by Emma Cline
“I actually read this months ago when Rue’s book club was lucky enough to get our hands on some advance copies, and it was one of those stories I simply couldn’t put down. Between the cult theme, the infamous Manson-family murder inspiration, and the protagonist’s slow and steady loss of innocence, the novel had me hooked. And I wasn’t the only one. The room was packed for our book club discussion, and we nearly – but only nearly – forgot to break out the wine and cheese. Pick it up stat (the book just came out on June 14). You’ll want to be part of the conversation.”
– Chrissy Waters, Content Editor
Credit: Riverhead Books
The After Party by Anton DiSclafani
“Essentially a Southern Gossip Girl that takes place in the early 1950s, this book is jam-packed with scandal and riches. I got it the second it was released this past May to get me excited about summer, and I promptly devoured it on my morning commute. Reading a book set in blazing-hot Texas was just what I need to get me through New England’s rainy May showers. Toss it in your beach bag – I promise it’ll keep you entertained all the way through.”
– Esme Flynn, Boutique Producer
Credit: Random House
32 Yolks: From My Mother’s Table to Working the Line by Eric Ripert
“I read a few books a month, and in the summertime, I love those that are light and not that difficult to get through – because, let’s face it, I don’t want to be slogging through Tolstoy while I’m down the Cape. As a Francophile and self-proclaimed foodie, I’m really excited to read this autobiography of renowned chef Eric Ripert – it’s the perfect summer tonic for my sun-dazed brain. After reading Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain last year, I’ve kind of gotten hooked on tales from the restaurant industry, and since the two chefs are also very good friends, I think that 32 Yolks will keep my interest just as well!”
– Emma Lifvergren, Stylist
Credit: Doubleday
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
“After hearing so much buzz about this book and its ability to reduce the reader into a sobbing mess, I was eager to see if it would live up to the hype. It did. Devastatingly beautiful, this is a book about love, loss, friendship, and, well, life. For those who are looking for something with more substance than the standard beach read, this is a book that will stay with you long after you are done. It has spawned a cult following, with fans visiting NYC locations from the book as well as creating T-shirts and tote bags inspired by the four main characters.”
– Michael Boles, Associate Buyer, Men’s
Credit: Flatiron Books
Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty
“I’ve loved everything I’ve read by Australian author Liane Moriarty. The Husband’s Secret. The Last Anniversary. What Alice Forgot. My favorite so far has been Big Little Lies (which Reese Witherspoon just wrapped filming). Liane’s writing style jumps around to show the points of view of multiple characters to keep the reader on her toes as she tries to figure out the mystery of each book. She’s able to maintain this consistent style amongst her books while making each story unique so the reader doesn’t get bored with the formula. I can’t wait to dig into her latest, Truly Madly Guilty, when it comes out July 26.”
– Maureen Cuddy, Manager, Boutique Production
