Today's Read Contributor As the calendar turned to August, readers have been greeted by a wave of compelling new fiction, fresh from publishers—and destined to shape the summer’s must-read lists. On August 5, 2025, several standout novels across literary, gothic, and contemporary genres officially hit shelves and digital storefronts.
Among the most talked-about releases is L.A. Women by Ella Berman. The novel delves into the fraught friendship and rivalry between two female writers in 1960s–70s Los Angeles. One character commits a profound artistic betrayal by basing a bestselling book on the life of her friend, set against the turbulent, creative backdrop of Laurel Canyon. Drawing inspiration from cultural icons like Joan Didion, Eve Babitz, Joni Mitchell, and Nora Ephron, Berman’s third novel is receiving high praise for its emotionally rich narrative and vivid historical setting. Early reviews describe it as layered and emotionally resonant, capturing both the glamour and the darker complexities of female ambition during a transformative cultural moment.
Also released this month is Jason Mott’s People Like Us, a genre-bending novel that builds on the success of his National Book Award-winning Hell of a Book. The story follows two Black authors navigating radically different book tours—one moving through an increasingly surreal international journey, the other facing the emotional aftermath of a mass shooting at a university where he’s been invited to speak. Mott’s narrative balances satire, grief, and humor in a deeply human tale that addresses issues of gun violence, race, identity, and artistic expression. Critics note its surreal tone and poignant commentary as standout elements of this timely work.
Debut author Xenobe Purvis makes an impressive entry into the literary world with The Hounding, a gothic novel set in an 18th-century English village gripped by paranoia and superstition. As a prolonged drought strains the community, two sisters become the center of rumors suggesting they are transforming into dogs. The novel unfolds through the perspectives of various villagers, examining themes of otherness, gender expectations, and mob mentality. Critics have praised the novel for its haunting atmosphere, sparse prose, and unsettling allegorical power. Some have compared its themes and structure to a blend of The Crucible and The Virgin Suicides.
Other notable titles include Sarah Pekkanen’s The Locked Ward, a psychological mystery involving estranged twins, accusations of murder, and questions of manipulated memory. Meanwhile, Tochi Eze’s This Kind of Trouble tells the emotional story of a Nigerian couple reunited after decades of separation, forced to confront long-buried truths and cultural dissonance. These selections have been featured prominently in People magazine’s fiction picks for August and reflect the range and emotional depth readers are seeking this season.
Each of these books offers something unique. L.A. Women immerses readers in the artistic and interpersonal tensions of a bygone Los Angeles. People Like Us challenges traditional literary structure with its surreal, reflective take on fame and tragedy. The Hounding delivers a chilling, timeless parable about fear and transformation. Meanwhile, The Locked Ward and This Kind of Trouble add layers of suspense and cross-cultural insight to the summer literary landscape.
Readers and critics alike are responding to these novels with enthusiasm. Reviewers describe L.A. Women as emotionally layered and evocative, a compelling look at the cost of ambition and the complexities of friendship. People Like Us is being recognized for its daring mix of genres and its unflinching look at current social issues, all delivered with Mott’s signature wit and heart. The Hounding is noted for its chilling execution and powerful exploration of community hysteria, offering a fresh take on gothic fiction that feels both historical and eerily relevant.
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These books, all released on August 5, offer readers a diverse mix of tone, theme, and style. Whether your taste leans toward introspective literary fiction, satirical social commentary, or atmospheric historical suspense, this August’s lineup has something to offer. It’s a standout season for readers eager to discover new voices and thought-provoking narratives.
