'The View' co-hosts share their favorite books of 2024
It's not too late to find your perfect beach book this summer!
All week, Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, Sara Haines, Alyssa Farah Griffin, and Ana Navarro are sharing their summer selections in our annual "Ladies Get Lit" series! Read on for the "The View" co-hosts' favorite picks to "get lit" – from memoirs and contemporary fiction to historical romance and selections for young readers!
Five lucky viewers will win hard copies of the co-hosts' favorite summer books from our Ladies Get Lit series — all valued at just over $400! This sweepstakes has ended.
WHOOPI GOLDBERG'S PICKS
"Aretha Cool" by Matthew Jordan Smith
See the last decade of Aretha Franklin's iconic life through the eyes of her trusted photographer Matthew Jordan Smith. The book features never-before-seen photographs that highlight Aretha's depth, soul and presence. This rare collection and tribute to her legacy celebrates the Queen of Soul's unparalleled artistry and her unique collaboration with Smith.
"The Fall of Roe: The Rise of a New America" by Elizabeth Dias and Lisa Lerer
Journalists Elizabeth Dias and Lisa Lerer reveal the inside story of the stunning reversal of Roe v. Wade. Their investigation charts the steadfast political and religious movement to take down abortion rights and remake American families, womanhood and the nation itself.
"The Friday Afternoon Club" by Griffin Dunne
Actor, director and producer Griffin Dunne shares his story of growing up among larger-than-life characters in Hollywood and Manhattan – including Sean Connery, Carrie Fisher and his aunt Joan Didion – all amid the tragedy of losing his sister, which changed his family forever.
SARA HAINES' PICKS
"The Women" by Kristin Hannah
From the bestselling author of "Firefly Lane" and “The Nightingale,” "The Women" is a historical fiction novel about sheltered 20-year-old nursing student Frances “Frankie” McGrath, who joins the Army Nurse Corps after her brother ships out to serve in Vietnam. When she returns home, haunted by memories of tragedy, she is met by an America with a skeptical outlook on the war and the role women should play in sacrificing for their country.
"The Color of Love" by Poppy Harlow and Laura Jarrett
"If love were a color, what would it be?" In this children's book for ages 3-7, news anchors Poppy Harlow and Laura Jarrett celebrate love in its many forms when a young girl tackles a classroom project to share what love looks like to her. With beautiful illustrations by Elisa Chavarri, young readers will get to explore how love manifests everywhere.
SUNNY HOSTIN'S PICKS
"Swan Song" by Elin Hilderbrand
Bestselling author Elin Hilderbrand brings her Nantucket novels to a close in this sun-soaked mystery. Chief of Police Ed Kapenash is about to retire. Blond Sharon is going through a divorce. But when a $22 million summer home is purchased by the mysterious Richardsons – how did they make their money, exactly? – Ed, Sharon, and everyone in the community are swept up in high drama. When their house burns to the ground and their most essential employee goes missing, the entire island is up in arms.
"A Love Song for Ricki Wilde" by Tia Williams
Set against the backdrop of modern Harlem and Renaissance glamour, "A Love Song for Ricki Wilde" is a swoon-worthy love story of two passionate artists drawn to the magic, romance and opportunity of New York, and whose lives are uniquely and irreversibly linked.
ALYSSA FARAH GRIFFIN'S PICKS
"Tyranny of the Minority" by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt
America is undergoing a massive experiment: It is moving toward a multiracial democracy, something few societies have ever done. But the prospect of change has sparked an authoritarian backlash that threatens the very foundations of our political system. Why is democracy under assault here, and not in other wealthy, diversifying nations? And what can we do to save it?
"Combat Love" by Alisyn Camerota
CNN Anchor Alisyn Camerota’s memoir "Combat Love" is her story of growing up longing for stability and attachment as the foundation of her family crumbled. Set on the Jersey Shore in the free-range 1980s, Camerota finds the belonging she craves courtesy of a local punk rock band and their fans. “Combat Love” chronicles her near-misses and misadventures at clubs like CBGB and Max’s Kansas City, coupled with the sex, drugs and punk rock of 1980s New Jersey.
JOY BEHAR'S PICKS
"The Big Goodbye: Chinatown and the Last Years of Hollywood" by Sam Wasson
Author Sam Wasson explores the personal lives of the people central to the making of one of the great American movies, “Chinatown.” Jack Nicholson explored a relationship with Angelica Houston, Roman Polanski experienced the savage murder of his wife Sharon Stone, and director Robert Evans was making film history, all during one of the most colorful periods in Hollywood history.
"Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy" by David D. Burns, M.D.
"In Feeling Good," eminent psychiatrist, David D. Burns, M.D., outlines the remarkable and scientifically proven techniques that will immediately lift your spirits and help you develop a positive outlook on life.
ANA NAVARRO'S PICKS
"An Island Princess Starts A Scandal" by Adriana Herrera
Soon to be trapped in a loveless marriage, Manuela del Carmen Caceres Galvan has given herself one last summer of freedom in Paris, with her two best friends, in this historical romance. Cora Kempf Bristol, Duchess of Sundridge, is known for her ruthlessness in business. It's not money she chases, but power. When she sees the opportunity to secure her position among her rivals, she does not hesitate. How difficult could it be to convince the mercurial Miss Caceres Galvan to part with a parcel of land she’s sworn never to sell?
"Relentless: My Story of the Latino Spirit That Is Transforming America" by Luis A. Miranda Jr.
Political veteran Luis A. Miranda Jr.’s personal and political memoir reveals a deep understanding of Latino culture and how its shaped America. He shares details from the rise of his son Lin-Manuel’s hit musical – "Hamilton” – and explores the suffering after the devastation of Puerto Rico by Hurricane Maria. Miranda examines what his experience reveals about our ever-changing politics, demographics, and society.
Tune into "The View" all week long to hear each of the co-hosts' picks!
