Audry Fryer's Blog, page 2

Romance Books for Summer (From Mild to Spicy Hot!)

Hi, my bookish friend! Today’s book topic matches the summer heat with a sampling of romances that go from mild to spicy!

I don’t mind a little spice in my books. The characters live their lives, and often a sex scene is part of that, moving the plot along. But I have preferences on how much sexual content I want throughout the story, as do most of my bookish friends, one way or the other. (I have one friend who prefers her books the hotter the better!)

Typically, you can judge a book by its cover. Books that bring the heat tend to have covers with toned, barely dressed bodies and suggestive poses. If the cover is rather vague, then the description provides clues about the heat level. And finally, if you’re extra picky about the spice level, there’s usually a review that will shout it out.

Below, I’m sharing another way I’ve seen reviewers and booksellers use more and more often, and it’s as clever as it's cute. Learn about the “Chili Pepper Book Rating System” and how it can help you better select books that match your spicy preferences!

Plus, I’ve got …

Six new release romance book recs that go from mild to extra hot!

I’m also sharing my thoughts on why “You can’t judge a reader by their book covers!”

Finally, in bookish news, discover Oprah’s 116th book club pick!

Today’s newsletter is coming in hot! I’m so glad you’ve joined us!

Happy Reading!

Your friend,

Audry

P.S. Help me reach more bookish friends so I can “quit my day job” and bring you even more fabulous bookish content. Sharing is caring!

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Designed on Canva by Audry Fryer

Getting Bookish with Chili Pepper Book Ratings

Books, particularly romance books, can vary widely in the amount of sexual content they include, from scenes that fade to black just as things are beginning to heat up to explicit content that bares it all (pun intended!). As a reader, while it’s often glaringly obvious which books bring the heat, there are other times when you really can’t tell from the description or the cover just how spicy a book is going to be!

That’s why some book reviewers and book sellers have adopted the “Chili Pepper Book Rating System.” However, unlike the very scientific Scoville Scale for actual chili peppers, the spiciness scale for books is more subjective. While each reviewer/bookseller may offer their own definitions for each level of spice, there does seem to be a general consensus.

So, if you haven’t come across these helpful chili pepper ratings or just want a refresher so you dial the spice up or down on your read, here’s a quick breakdown:

🌶️One Chili Pepper = Extra mild content with romance, some kissing, and a “fade-to-black.” Basically, the chapter ends without further description. These books may also be described as a “closed door” romance, where you, the reader, are standing behind a literary closed door separating you from the characters' more discretionary behavior.

🌶️ 🌶️ Two Chili Peppers = Mild heat with more sexual tension, more kissing and touching. There’s a reference to a physical or sexual act, but the story focuses more on the emotion of the moment than on the act itself.

🌶️ 🌶️🌶️ Three Chili Peppers = Medium spice that includes two to three sex scenes. These books may be called “open door” because the reader gets to see what’s going on with the characters. The sex scenes are important to the plot and woven into the story as a whole.

🌶️ 🌶️🌶️ 🌶️Four Chili Peppers = Hot scenes that go into detail. There are more intimate sex scenes that occur more often throughout the book. Sexual content is a primary theme of the book and the plot.

🌶️ 🌶️🌶️ 🌶️🌶️ Five Chili Peppers = Burning hot scenes that include all sorts of erotica. Definitely mature content! There’s no door and no holding back on the explicit language and detailed descriptions.

Bookish Recs: Mild to Spicy Hot Romance Books for Summer 2025

Here are six new release romances topping the bestseller lists and bringing the heat, from mild to scorching!

Designed by Audry Fryer| Book covers from Bookshop.org (View the booklist!)

🌶️ The Love Haters by Katherine Center is the feel-good romance of this summer! Jet off to Key West with Katie Vaughn, who’s agreed in a desperate attempt to save her career to profile her coworker’s brother, Tom “Hutch” Hutcheson. But Katie’s hiding a few facts from the Coast Guard rescue swimmer who describes himself as a “love hater,” including the fact that she can’t swim!

🌶️ 🌶️The Friendship Fling by Georgia Stone is a fun escape that’ll keep you turning pages! In a busy London coffee shop, Ava is serving customers and wondering how she’ll spend the next year without her best friend. Enter Finn O’Callaghan, who proposes she spend the summer with him as friends (of course!), crossing items off his bucket list. The two of them end up having more fun together than either of them expected, which becomes a dilemma as the summer comes to an end.

🌶️ 🌶️🌶️Overruled by Lana Ferguson is a sexy courtroom romance, with plenty of sparks and swoonworthy spice as hot as the setting of Austin, Texas, in the summer! Ezra and Danica are both divorce lawyers who often find themselves on the opposite side of a case. They’re also secretly in a relationship that’s only physical because that’s the terms Danica has established. Ezra would like more, but sharing his feelings may push Danica away. ()

🌶️ 🌶️🌶️Till Summer Do Us Part by Meghan Quinn offers the perfect blend of comedy, spice, and romance. Scottie works in an office full of “Brads and Chads” who are also all married. To fit in as not only the sole woman but also someone who is single, Scottie lies to her boss that she’s unhappily married. That lie leads her to enter into a fake relationship with Wilder Wells, who also happens to be a millionaire and has signed them up for an eight-day marriage retreat with all her coworkers!

🌶️ 🌶️🌶️ 🌶️King of Envy by Ana Huang will have you cranking up the AC! This forbidden romance follows billionaire Vuk Markovic, who bears both physical and emotional scars. While serving as the best man, Vuk becomes obsessed with the bride, supermodel Ayana Kidane, who finds it increasingly difficult to hide her growing attraction to him. This is the fifth book in the Kings of Sin Series, but it can be read as a standalone. Ana Huang is also the author of the wildly popular Twisted Series.

🌶️ 🌶️🌶️ 🌶️🌶️ Caught Up by Navessa Allen is a dark romance for readers who like their books extra hot! Nico “Junior” Trocci has a gritty past that doesn’t interest women like the one he’s obsessed with, the confident, sexy Lauren Marchetti. But opposites attract, and so does an intense relationship that takes some wild and dangerous turns. This is the second book in the soon-to-be trilogy, Into Darkness Series

Bookish Thoughts: Shame-Free Reading

If the saying “you can’t judge a book by its cover” is true, then so is “you can’t judge a reader by their book covers!”

Remember the friend I mentioned earlier who likes her books, the hotter the better? Well, she’s one of the most intelligent, educated, and successful people I know. But if you judged her by her reading list, you’d have no idea!

So, I’m stepping on my little soapbox and declaring that it’s not what books you read, but that you’re enjoying what you’re reading. Whether you’ve picked up a book for pleasure, education, escape, or a personal connection, it’s all good!

Your reading choices don’t define you … no matter how many chili peppers it’s rated!

What are your thoughts?

Leave a comment

Bookish Updates: Oprah’s 116th Book Club Pick

Culpability by Bruce Holsinger is Oprah’s latest book club pick! While it’s zero chili peppers on the spice chart, it’s a book that’ll get you thinking, turning pages, and looking for someone to discuss it with! When a family survives a lethal traffic accident caused by their autonomous minivan, the lingering fallout follows them even as they try to escape to a summer retreat on the Chesapeake Bay.

Bookish Quote of the Week

“I won’t say that one kiss fixed every broken thing in my life, but I will say this: Having someone stand up for you and then kiss you senseless by the water at sunset is a HELL of a thing.

Something quiet and forgotten and quiet and neglected in my soul got an undeniable dose of healing.”

― Katherine Center, The Love Haters

This content may contain affiliate links that earn me a small commission (just enough to grab a coffee) at no additional cost to you!

Enjoy Bookish AF every week! 🤓 Become a free or paid subscriber. (*Bonus 🎁 for paid subscribers: Get your super-fun Summer-Reading Bingo Card Printable)

Books Set in 5 Dreamy Summertime Destinations!

Hi, my bookish friend! Sometimes the setting of a story feels like one of the characters. These are the books that, right after you finish reading them, you immediately start looking up prices for flights to their destinations!

Today, I’ve got a book list to satisfy your wanderlust cravings. These book recs are perfect for seeking inspiration on where to travel next or just for escaping your present surroundings into a dreamy setting.

But first, Amazon Prime Day 2025 is happening now! Or more like Prime Days, as the sale started yesterday and lasts through Friday, the 11th. That’s plenty of time to create an epic book stack at a discount! (For more money-saving book-buying tips, read this post.)

And, finally, if books and travel are your love language, I’ve got the details on a book club trend that can make all your bookish getaway dreams a reality!

Plus, July book club picks!

Happy Reading!

Your friend,

Audry

P.S. Last month, I was fortunate to travel on an extended family vacation to Alaska. Our cruise took us to ports along the southeastern Alaskan coast, including Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, and Ketchikan. It was an amazing experience! (See my Notes feed for pictures from my trip!)

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Designed on Canva by Audry Fryer Bookish Buys: Amazon Prime Day for Book Lovers

Amazon Prime Day has been extended for four days. It started yesterday, July 8th, and runs through the 11th! Book lovers who are Prime members (sign up here) can cash in on exciting deals, including free trials, exciting discounts, and more!

Pro Tip: Earn a $250 bonus plus an unlimited percentage back on your Prime Day and future purchases by opening a Prime Visa. I opened an account last year, scooped up the bonus, and have been racking up the cash back savings ever since. Plus, destination travelers, there are no foreign transaction fees! Get your bonus $$ and start earning here!

Book Lovers, save on these Prime Day Deals:

Free Kindle Unlimited Trial: Prime members can enjoy three months of Kindle Unlimited for free! You’ll get access to a massive library of ebooks.

Kindle Device Discounts: Expect deals of up to 25% off select Amazon Kindles, including this Kindle Essentials Bundle, which features a cool matcha-colored cover and the 2024 lightweight, compact Kindle. Or enjoy the Kindle Paperwhite Essentials Bundle, featuring the easy-on-the-eyes Paperwhite display and a cute raspberry-colored cover!

Kindle eBook Deals: Score a potential up to 80% off certain titles, like The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner. Refresh this Prime Day Books Deals page often to see what you can get your hands on at a great price!

Print Book Deals: See the Book Deals page for the best discounts (50 to 60% off!) on print books!

Audible Promotion: Prime Members can get the first three months of an Audible subscription free!

Summertime is the perfect time to become a paid subscriber! You’ll get the Summer Reading Bingo Card printable as my gift to you!

Bookish Recs: 5 Destinations to Visit (If only in the pages of a book!) Designed on Canva by Audry Fryer | Book covers from Bookshop.org

The inspiration for the theme of this week came partly from my own travel plans and partly from excitement about Adriana Trigiani’s latest book, The View from Lake Como, which just released yesterday. If you enjoy entertaining location-based fiction, pick up any Adriana Trigiani novel to be whisked away to either Italy, New York City, or a small town in Virginia.

So, forget about jet lag, and get ready to travel to these literary settings!

Italy

The View From Lake Como by takes you from Lake Como, New Jersey, to “the other Lake Como” in Italy!

The Unraveling of Julia by Lisa Scottoline (soon to be released on July 15, 2025) is a thriller with a touch of romance, set in a Tuscan Villa.

Paris, France

The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl will immerse you in everything to love about Paris!

The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau by Kristin Harmel has murder, mystery, and thieves set in 1940s Paris.

England

Emma by Jane Austen, often regarded as the “perfect” summer novel, is set in the fictional English village of Highbury. But you can visit Jane Austen’s real home in England, which is celebrating Jane Austen’s 250th birthday! The Emma Festival is taking place there from July 12 to 20, 2025.

The Rose Code by Kate Quinn is set in London during WWII and tells the tale of female codebreakers.

India

Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts is an epic novel that takes readers from Australia to Bombay.

The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy is set in Varkala, southern India, and explores themes of love and loss.

USA

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah is a sweeping novel set in rural Alaska in the 1970s.

Where the Rivers Merge by Mary Alice Monroe is a new release set in the Low Country, South Carolina.

Do you have a book rec set in a dreamy destination that inspired you to want to travel there?

Leave a comment

Bookish Trend: Reading Retreats

Take your book club on the road, or more accurately, fly off to dreamy destinations with the intention of reading, relaxing, and rejuvenating!

Reading retreats are the latest travel trend that readers are adding to their bucket list, with most tacking on the asterisk “must-do-sooner-than-later.”

You can plan your own DIY reading retreat for you, your book club, or your best bookish friends. Or, you can opt for a service that curates your accommodations, meals, and overall experience.

Check out these book clubs that offer fabulous trips:

Silent Book Club has paired with a travel partner to offer luxury reading retreats to Costa Rica, the Italian Coast, and more! Go solo or bring a friend. (Learn more about here.)

Ladies Who Lit (based in the UK) also creates unforgettable getaways where the focus is on reading, sharing conversations about books, and doing it all in beautiful locations.

Bookish Updates: July Book Club SelectionsRead with Jenna

Happy Wife by Meredith Lavender and Kendall Shores is a great new release summer read! It starts out as a light-hearted romance between Nora and Will in the spotlight of the social scene in Winter Park, Florida. But it quickly turns into a mystery when, after his birthday bash, Will goes missing and Nora becomes the prime suspect.

Reese’s Book Club

Spectacular Things by Beck Dorey-Stein is set in a small Maine town and tells the story of a single mom who gave up her dreams of becoming a soccer star to raise two young daughters. As one daughter shows the same promise of achieving soccer stardom, sacrifices must be made once again in this family drama, which centers on the life choices each sister makes.

Sarah Selects

A Marriage at Sea by Sophie Elmhirst was just released yesterday, but it’s been getting a ton of hype for weeks! It tells the true story (although it reads like fiction) of the author, Sophie, and her husband, who set off on a dream trip in the 1970s, sailing around the world until a breaching whale sank their boat. Most of the story centers on how they survived for a remarkable 117 days on a rubber raft in the Pacific Ocean.

Bookish Quote of the Week

“When we allow ourselves to explore, we discover destinations that were never on our map.”

― Amie Kaufman, Unearthed

This content may contain affiliate links that earn me a small commission (just enough to grab a coffee) at no additional cost to you!

Enjoy Bookish AF every week! 🤓 Become a free or paid subscriber. (*Bonus 🎁 for paid subscribers: Get your super-fun Summer-Reading Bingo Card Printable, plus an adorable printable mini-reading journal!)

New Beach Reads & Favorite Beach-y Authors

Hi, my bookish friend! What is it about settling into your beach chair with your plush towel draped over it, the scent of sunscreen on your skin, warm sand beneath your toes, a cool drink by your side, and a book you’re excited to read in your hands? If you’re like me, it’s pure bliss!

That’s why today, I’m sharing a list of bright new beach reads. With this book list, summer reading feels like it's finally in full swing!

So, slide on your sunglasses because today I’m sharing:

😎 5 Clever products for reading on the beach that you’ll wish you knew about sooner!

📚 8 New Release Beach Reads, with recommendations from beach-read author Mary Kay Andrews.

🏖️ A Beachy Mystery/Thriller to Read & Watch with a twist you won’t see coming!

🐚 10 Quotes from books by the Best Beach Read Authors of all time!

Here’s to fun reading in the sun and awesome readers like you! 🍹

Happy Reading!

Your friend,

Audry

P.S. Help me grow our super-fun bookish community by sharing this week’s newsletter with your friends, family, co-workers, people you just met … I’m not picky!

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Designed on Canva by Audry FryerBookish Buys: Make Reading on the Beach More Enjoyable!

Reading on the beach can be a delight. However, getting the most enjoyment out of the experience often takes some planning. Between managing the elements and prepping for comfort, here are a few ideas to get the most out of your next reading sesh on the beach.

Start with sun protection! You may be reading Sunburned, but you don’t actually want to be sunburned! I swear by Neutrogena Ultra Sheer.

These sunglasses that go over your reading glasses mean you’ll never have to choose seeing clearly or squinting in the sun again! They comfortably fit over your regular glasses, and look so good, no one will know you’re wearing two glasses.

Protect what you’re reading from water, sand, and spills! This eReader Protective Case Cover fits most Kindles and allows you to read while your device remains safe in the case. Or keep your physical books safe in this super-cute summery fruit-patterned case.

To read in comfort, this backpack chair has it all! Carry it on your back, unfold it, and enjoy! You can read lying on your stomach thanks to a cushioned face opening and arm holes. Or sit up and recline while taking advantage of the attached sun shade.

Bookish Recs: 8 New Beach Reads 📚

I turned to “beach read” maven and author, Mary Kay Andrews, and her Friends & Fiction YouTube Channel, for help with most of this fun and fabulous list of books that just beg you to pack up the car and drive to your nearest sandy shore! (See some but not all of the authors listed below discuss their books on this YouTube episode!)

Designed on Canva by Audry Fryer | Book covers from Bookshop.org

The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club by Martha Hall Kelly is a heartwarming read with a dash of suspense, set on the idyllic Martha’s Vineyard. The story shifts between two timelines. In 2016, Mari Starwood returns to the island after her mother’s death to learn more about her mother’s past. In 1942, sisters Cadence and Briar start a book club to restore some sense of normalcy as they keep their family farm running during World War II. The story becomes even more intriguing when a German U-Boat and a mysterious spy wash ashore. I predict you’ll see plenty of people reading this one on your beach ventures!

Beach House Rules by is such a charming beach read! Sip on sweet tea as you enjoy this coastal Southern story about a mother and daughter who lose everything after the father goes to prison for a white-collar crime. They start a new life in a beachside commune for single mothers, make new friends, and try to manage being the focus of an unfriendly Instagram account. The reviews are glowingly positive for the story, the characters, and the writing!

It’s a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan is a sweet rom-com that’s perfect for the beach and summer reading! Jane Jackson is a former teen actress who is trying to shake her former (cringe-worthy) persona so she can be taken seriously as a Hollywood producer. Only she’s made a promise she’s seriously not sure she can keep, and is on the verge of a romance with a man she thought she couldn’t stand. Readers rave about the relatable characters and the entertaining storyline.

Mansion Beach by Meg Mitchell Moore has that beach-y feel! Set on Block Island, the story follows three women whose lives become intertwined. There are backstories, hopes and dreams, and even a murder mystery! Reviews are mostly positive. Most readers thought it got off to a slow start, but then picked up about a quarter of the way through. A few readers weren’t fans of the writing, but still enjoyed the plot and especially loved the setting.

The California Dreamers by Amy Mason Doan is set on the dreamy California coast. The story begins in the 1980s and follows the lives of a surfing family of six who live out of their van. When a photograph of them is taken without their permission and becomes famous, their lives soon take separate paths. Now, as they reunite to remember their father, the family must reckon with the glaring spotlight once again being on them. Reviews are mostly positive, but some readers find the writing style challenging.

Betting on Good by Wendy Francis is a fun read about two couples, each with their own secrets and relationship issues, set against the backdrop of the Kentucky Derby. The stakes are high for both couples. And the drama will keep you turning pages! The reviews are mixed, with readers loving this lighthearted read and feeling as if they’re attending the Kentucky Derby with the characters. Other readers had a difficult time relating to the characters and their motives.

Our Last Vineyard Summer by Brooke Lea Foster looks like the perfect cozy story to pass a breezy afternoon. This story also takes you to Martha’s Vineyard, both in the present and back to 1965 and 1968. The story follows Betsy, who just wants to spend the summer with her boyfriend and end it engaged. But her father’s recent death and the sale of their home on Martha’s Vineyard send Betsy and her sisters back home to nostalgic, yet complicated memories and old family secrets.

Sunburned by Katherine Wood is both a beach read and a hot thriller! In it, Audrey wants nothing to do with her ex, Tyson. But when a human foot washes up in the Everglades (that once belonged to someone they both have a connection with!), things get complicated rather quickly!

Bookish Entertainment News: Beachy Thriller/Mystery to Read & Watch

READ: We Were Liars by E. Lockhart was published in 2014 and has since become a sensation. The story follows the Sinclairs, a perfect, rich, beautiful family, who vacation at a perfect beach, Beechwood. Then everything changes one summer. And the truth of what really happened is hidden among lies, and a twist few see coming. This is the first book in a three-part series.

WATCH: We Were Liars: Season 1 on Prime Video brings the book vividly to life. The setting of an island off Martha’s Vineyard has all the beachy, summery feels. And the twist at the end is leaving viewers reeling! Watch the trailer here. Or read fellow Substacker ’s review of the book-to-TV adaptation here.

10 Bookish Quotes from the Best “Beach Read” Authors of All Time

I wanted to showcase the remarkable talent of this fantastic list of authors, so what better way than to do that than in their own words?! Usually, I add one “Bookish Quote of the Week.” But today, you get not one, not two, but ten quotes of the week. And you may even discover a book rec to add to your beach read TBR!

“They always stayed at the beach to enjoy the golden hour, that hour when the sun sank low enough to spangle the water and make everything look as if it had been dipped in honey.”

― Elin Hilderbrand, Here's to Us

“Sometimes a change of scenery is all that’s needed to get a little perspective.”

― Emily Henry, People We Meet on Vacation

“You should always have an adventure lined up. Having something to look forward to is tantamount to happiness.”

― Abby Jimenez, Life's Too Short

“A summer away from everything, where I could read my books without worrying about being called a freak and swim whenever I wanted to, felt like heaven.”

― Carley Fortune, Every Summer After

“My perfect beach town isn't a fancy resort or glitzy planned community. It's a place with a hometown grocery that has decent meat, seafood, and a deli; a couple of ice cream shops; and a handful of good restaurants - where the island-wide dress code is 'no shoes, no shirt, no problem.”

― Mary Kay Andrews (quote from Atlanta Magazine), author of Beach Town

“The beach, the ocean, solitude—these are only a means to help you travel to the true peace and joy inside you. You must carry the magic in your heart, wherever you go.”

― Mary Alice Monroe, The Beach House

“Here's my definition of a great beach read - a fabulous story that sucks me in like a black hole and when it's over, it jettisons my bones across the galaxy with a hair on fire mission to convince everyone I know that they must read that book or they will die.”

― Dorothea Benton Frank, author of Sullivan's Island

“Mom said when she brought us beachcombing? She told us to always believe in something more. She told us to look at what was right in front of us, and we’d see that even a grain of sand was a miracle. That even a bit of glass was a message, that the universe was full of tricks and clues and signs.”

― Nancy Thayer, Beachcombers

“her blue eyes sparkling like she’d looked at the water so long they near turned into water themselves.”

― Kristy Woodson Harvey, Feels Like Falling

“She is fifteen years old that summer, a thoughtful, book-struck girl with long-lashed hazel eyes and a long-legged body that still doesn’t completely feel like her own.”

― Jennifer Weiner, That Summer

Did I miss your favorite “beach read” author? Let me know!

Leave a comment

This content may contain affiliate links that earn me a small commission (just enough to grab a coffee) at no additional cost to you!

Enjoy Bookish AF every week! 🤓 Become a free or paid subscriber. (*Bonus 🎁 for paid subscribers: Get your super-fun Summer-Reading Bingo Card Printable!)

Page-Turners to Pack on a Trip

Hi, my bookish friend! My summer has a few trips planned, including an extended family cruise to Alaska and a trip to the nearby Delaware Seashore. So, I’ve been prepping which books I’ll bring with me to read. (Because priorities, right?!)

I like to travel light, so I often read a book on my phone using the Kindle App. But I’m also packing a paperback in my carry-on bag for the plane. It was passed along to me from my hairstylist, Brandy. She handed me Layla by Colleen Hoover and told me she couldn’t explain what it was about without giving away spoilers. Well, now I’m intrigued!

So, if you have plans to travel near or far this summer, I’ve put together a list of page-turners you’ll be glad you packed on your next trip!

Here’s what’s waiting for your reading pleasure this week:

I’ve got tips and helpful accessory recommendations for when you’re traveling with books.

For fun, I’ve sorted this week’s vacation-worthy book recommendations into categories based on popular trip ideas!

And, finally, I’ve included three more popular book club picks for June!

As always, I’m so glad you’ve joined me here. And I hope I can help you find great reads to make your well-deserved time off even more enjoyable!

Happy Reading!

Your friend,

Audry

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Designed on Canva by Audry FryerBookish Quote of the Week

“Books are a uniquely portable magic.” – Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft

Bookish Reading Tips: 3 Smart Ways to Travel with Books

If you’re planning to read as you travel and once you’ve arrived, these quick tips can help you enjoy your reading habit while on vacay!

Save room and lighten your suitcases by choosing to read digitally.

Wait to buy physical books until you arrive. Then, plan a trip to the local bookstore!

Take advantage of a “read and return” program offered at many U.S. airports. Read how it works here!

Bookish Buys: Must-Have Reading Travel Accessories

These accessories can make traveling with books and enjoying your reading time once you arrive easier!

Book sleeves, such as this one featuring a wildflower pattern, can protect your physical books from spills, rips, or other types of damage.

Reading lights allow you to continue reading in low-light conditions. This hands-free, bendable book light wraps around your neck!

Tablet/e-book holders, including this comfortable cushion holder, are so comfy for reading while traveling and also great for unwinding with your book once you’re there.

Bookish Recs: 9 Page-Turners for Every Kind of Trip

Wherever your summer takes you, get playful with your book choice and coordinate your location with your read!

Designed on Canva by Audry Fryer | Book covers from Bookshop.orgBeach

Fever Beach by Carl Hiaasen may not be entirely set on a beach, but this book, set in the hot Florida sun, is also one of the hottest reads of this summer. It has just the right mix of humor, political content, and odd characters to keep you turning pages!

*The next newsletter/post will feature an exciting list of beach reads! Until then, check out this book list from last year with many excellent “toes in the sand” recommendations: Best Beach Reads of Summer.

Island Time

Last Ferry Out by takes you to a remote tropical island where paradise mixes with danger and a deadly secret. This twisty thriller about a woman searching for answers after her fiancé’s untimely death reveals a killer lurking among her new acquaintances.

By a Lake

One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune is one I’ve recommended before, but it’s worth mentioning again! As you relax by your lakeside retreat, you’ll be able to visualize the likeable characters and picture the heartwarming romance unfold.

Big City

Summer in the City by Alex Aster is a sweet rom-com that’s the perfect quick read for enjoying downtime between your adventures in the city. Set in New York City, this swoony love story follows a screenwriter with writer’s block and the tech CEO she’s currently “fake dating,” even though she can’t stand him!

The Mountains

One by One by Ruth Ware is a suspense-driven thriller set in the French Alps at a snowed-in ski chalet. After an avalanche traps this group of coworkers on a cooperate retreat, tensions rise and a killer takes advantage.

Solo Trip Abroad

One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle tells the story of a daughter traveling alone after her mother’s recent death on the trip she had planned with her mother to Italy’s Amalfi Coast. However, in a twist of magical realism, she’s able to tour the picturesque area of Positano with a much younger version of her mother.

On a Cruise

The Cuban Heiress by Chanel Cleeton brings you aboard a luxury cruise traveling from New York City to Havana, Cuba, in 1934. The story follows the complicated and soon-to-be entwined lives of two women facing desperate situations as they travel.

Going Off the Grid

What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown is a psychological thriller set in a remote cabin in Montana during the 1990s. It tells the story of a daughter living in isolation until her teenage years, when she begins to learn the horrifying truth about her father, her deceased mother, and everything she thought she knew about her life.

Traveling by Railway

With a Vengeance by Riley Sager places you on a luxury train in the 1950s, leaving from Philadelphia to Chicago. Among the travelers is a woman seeking retribution, only to be impeded by the murder of one of the passengers and their unknown killer, who has their own plans of retaliation.

For more “Page-Turners (You Won’t Be Able to Put Down!),” see my booklist on Bookshop.org!

Bookish Updates: June Book Club Selections!

Bonus! Here are three more books to squeeze into that already overstuffed travel bag!

Designed on Canva by Audry Fryer | Book covers from Bookshop.orgRead with Jenna

A Family Matter by Claire Lynch features family secrets and an equally heartbreaking and heartwarming storyline. In the early 1980s, a young mother must make the agonizing choice between custody of her daughter and pursuing a relationship with another woman. Years later, the daughter learns the truth of why her mother left her and her father.

Reese’s Book Club

The Phoenix Pencil Company by Allison King offers a genre-blending story of magical realism, historical fiction, and a family tale spanning generations. Most of the story takes place in WWII Shanghai, China, where a magical pencil that reveals secrets becomes a tool for spying and a source of survival for two cousins.

Sarah Selects

Consider Yourself Kissed by is a light-hearted and enjoyable with excellent writing and humor that keeps you smiling even though the story has a bit of an edge, centering around a woman’s struggle to balance motherhood, mid-life, and the career she left behind.

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Chill with a Thriller this Summer

Hi, my bookish friend! Let’s start off the summer with a thrill by escaping into a mystery/thriller book with page-turning suspense!

Today, I’m sharing why thrillers make an excellent choice to toss into your beach bag for a day relaxing by the water. (I hope you’ll share your thoughts and book recommendations in the comments if you agree!)

Then, if you’re looking for your next thriller book to read, I’ve got plenty of great recommendations:

5 New Release Mystery, Thriller, Suspense Books to read this summer!

One to Read & Watch (on Hulu).

And why readers can’t get enough of Freida McFadden’s psychological thrillers.

However, if thrills and chills aren’t your thing, “stay tuned!” I’ve got a summer of different genres planned for you! (See “The Bookish AF Summer Reading Lineup” here!)

Happy Reading!

Your friend,

Audry

P.S. My reading update: I recently finished "Broken Country" and loved it, and then thoroughly enjoyed listening to Ina Garten’s memoir on audiobook. Now, I’m reading one that my mom recommended (after I featured it in my first-ever Substack post): Jane and Dan at the End of the World by Colleen Oakley.

Share this week’s post with a friend whose beach bag contains five paperbacks, a melted chapstick, and one half-empty bottle of sunscreen! 🏖️

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Designed on Canva by Audry Fryer Bookish Thoughts: 3 Reasons Why Thrillers Make Great Beach Reads!

Mysteries, thrillers, and suspense books really seem like they belong in the darkly moody month of October. And they certainly work great then. But … what is it about thrillers that makes them particularly appealing during summer? I’ve got some theories!

It’s easy to toss a thriller in your beach bag and know you’ll be entertained. Why? Because you know what to expect: There will be danger. There will be plot twists to figure out. There will be fast-paced suspense right up to the last page. Check, check, and double-check!

Thrillers hold your attention. In fact, they’re so hard to put down, you need a long block of time, like a day at the beach, by the lake, or poolside, to devour them. These books keep you right where you want to be: lounging and reading the day away!

They provide a stress-releasing escape. You get to safely step into a world you fortunately aren’t living in, but have definite thoughts about what you’d do if you were in these situations. So you get to take a welcome break from the demands of your life as you puzzle together where the plot is heading. Ah, sweet escape!

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Bookish Recs: New Release Summer “Mystery, Thriller, & Suspense” Books

There are so many, many, many great thrillers being published all year long. So, if you love this genre, you’re definitely spoiled for choice!

I’ve already featured three of the most anticipated thriller books for summer a few weeks ago, including The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark, which reviewers are calling “unputdownable” and “a wild, twisty ride.”

Here are a few more new release mystery, thriller, and suspense books to add to your TBR!

Designed on Canva by Audry Fryer | Book covers from Bookshop.org

The Missing Half by Ashley Flowers is getting so much hype! It’s more of a mystery and suspense book with a few thriller elements thrown in, but it’ll keep you turning pages way past your bedtime. For the past seven years, ever since her sister went missing, Nic’s life has been a mess. When the sister of another missing woman who’s linked to Nic’s sister’s disappearance contacts Nic and provides hope, the two of them embark to find answers … and eventually more than they expected!

The Perfect Divorce by Jeneva Rose is the sequel to the #BookTok sensation, The Perfect Marriage. I suggest starting with “The Perfect Marriage” since book two builds on everything that happened in the first one. And there was a lot that happened: an affair, a dead mistress at a lakehouse, a murder trial in which the cheating husband’s only hope to avoid prison is the legal counsel of his wife, Sarah.

In “The Perfect Divorce,” Sarah has moved on to a new marriage, but she’s cheated on again (boy, can she pick ‘em!). As she’s dealing with the divorce, a new investigation is launched against her first husband. Hold on tight: this book has more twists and turns than a roller coaster at Six Flags! Oh, and the hardcover edition features murderous, blood-soaked sprayed edges to add extra drama to your bookshelf.

The Tenant by Freida McFadden promises a twist at the end that you won’t see coming. Blake seemed to have it all: a high-paying job as a marketing VP, a lovely fiancée, and the owner of a gorgeous brownstone. When he’s abruptly fired and unable to make the mortgage payments, Blake rents out a room to the gorgeous and personable Whitney. However, Whitney isn’t all that she seems, and Blake has no idea he’s living in a trap.

Upcoming New Releases:

She Didn’t See It Coming by Shari Lapena (Publication date: July 29, 2025) tells the gripping story of a woman who inexplicably goes missing from her luxury condo.

Our Last Resort by Clémence Michallon (Publication date: July 8, 2025) features the reunion of a once-close couple, Frida and Gabriel, at a beautiful Utah desert. Their romantic getaway soon takes a turn with a guest's murder and unsettling suspicions growing about Gabriel’s involvement. (Check out !)

Bookish Entertainment: A Thriller to Read & Watch

READ: Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty ratchets the tension steadily through this story of nine strangers who are exclusively invited to take part in a ten-day health retreat. The story follows Frances Welty, a bestselling novelist and guest, who increasingly becomes suspicious of the retreat’s director and her intentions for the guests.

WATCH: The Hulu original series is now onto its second season. I really, really need to get Hulu because the cast looks so good! Nicole Kidman plays the enigmatic director. In Season One, Melissa McCarthy as Frances blends her comedic timing with the suspenseful drama. Season Two keeps Kidman but ushers in a new cast of strangers, including Henry Golding, Annie Murphy, and Christine Baranski. Watch the trailer for Season Two here!

Getting Bookish with Bestselling Psychological Thriller Author, Freida McFadden Book covers from Bookshop.org | Author Image from www.freidamcfadden.com

Three years ago, I curated two exciting booklists: one featuring dark, suspenseful mystery books and the other, plot-twisty psychological thrillers. While you’ll find plenty of great book recs, I can’t believe I left off what would become one of the most popular thrillers that’s still creating a buzz and topping bestseller lists today: The Housemaid by Freida McFadden.

Although she started publishing books over a decade ago, The Housemaid was Freida McFadden’s breakout bestseller, and she hasn’t looked back since! (You’ll notice I’ve featured her latest psychological thriller above, The Tenant, which was just released last month.)

Why You’ll See Frieda McFadden’s Name Everywhere on Thriller Bestseller Lists

Sadly, I don’t read many thrillers, so I haven’t read a book (yet!). However, a good friend recently recommended I read The Widow's Husband's Secret Lie. This 150-page novella, published last year, promises much of what Freida McFadden’s readers have come to love about her writing style: easy-to-read, fast-paced chapters, enjoyable dialogue mixed with humor, emotionally riveting storylines, page-turning suspense, and plot twists she intentionally makes as unpredictable as possible.

Will the Real Freida McFadden Please Stand Up

Fascinatingly, Freida McFadden, the real-life person, may be almost as fascinating as her books (minus the murder parts, of course!). Did you know she’s a practicing physician who specializes in brain injury? It’s true! McFadden wrote all her books while working full-time and only recently scaled back her patient load to two days a week.

And get this: Freida McFadden is a pen name so she can separate her medical career from her creative works. In an interview, she joked that she didn’t want her patients to worry about winding up in one of her books. Isn’t that the worry of everyone who crosses paths with an author?! Interestingly, she came up with the name “Freida” because FRIEDA is a database medical school graduates use to search for a residency or fellowship.

But the lines do blur between McFadden’s two careers when she’s writing scenes that require medical knowledge. Other authors have to conduct research, but she only needs to consult her own brain!

Check out Freida McFadden’s collection of books here!

Bookish Quote of the Week

“What do you like to read?”

“Books.”

“What kind of books?”

“The kind with words.”

― Freida McFadden, The Housemaid

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Books to Give this Father's Day

Hi, my bookish friend! Are you trying to figure out a Father’s Day gift and stuck on what to get? You’re not alone! It’s so easy to fall into the trap of a “#1 Dad” mug, barbecue tools he doesn’t need, gadgets that promise so much but just take up space, or, like me, another “Phillies” t-shirt and fishing gear (but I’m sure he’d still appreciate that!).

But if your dad is a reader, then you’re in luck! Today, I’m saving you from last-minute purchases you’ll likely find on a “Worst Father’s Day Gift List” by sharing book gifts he’ll likely *want* because they match his interests!

Plus, I’m covering the breaking Bookish News for Mid-June:

Goodreads’ Most Read Books 2025 Summer Check-in

Oprah’s Book Club 115th Book Pick (by an author she’s chosen before!)

3 New Books Lighting Up the Bestseller Lists

Top Summer Titles for Audiobook Appreciation Month

Happy Reading! (And Happy Father’s Day to all the dad readers! You’re much appreciated!)

Your friend,

Audry

Psst! That person who buys the worst gifts …share this post and hope for the best!

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Designed on Canva by Audry Fryer Bookish Recs: Books That Match Dad’s Interests

Who doesn’t like reading something that matches their interests?! And that goes double for dads who take their hobbies seriously!

Designed on Canva by Audry Fryer | Book covers from Bookshop.o rg Fiction-Reader

The First Gentleman, by James Patterson and Bill Clinton, is a newly released, already topping the charts, page-turning political thriller about a murder trial for the newly elected president’s husband. This is the third book by this duo! I read the second book they wrote together, The President’s Daughter, and enjoyed the entertainment value.

History Buff

The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder by David Grann looks so exciting and awesome, and that’s just the cover! It recounts the true story of survivors of the British war vessel, the Wager, which left England in 1740. The tales they told of the shipwreck and their battle to survive on a desolate island eventually led to a criminal trial and the revelation of shocking truths.

The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War by Erik Larson begins with the chaotic months following Lincoln’s election and tracks the buildup of tension that finally explodes when the Confederacy shells Fort Sumter.

Sports Fanatic

Why We Love Baseball: A History in 50 Moments by Joe Posnanski is the perfect gift for a dad or anyone who loves the game. Each story, moments from Babe Ruth to Willie Mays and more, is told from the perspective of someone who was there to witness it.

Ben Hogan's Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf by Ben Hogan is the bestselling golf book of all time! Why? Ben Hogan’s mastery of the golf swing won him every major championship and more. Now he’s spilling all the secrets on how anyone can master their golf swing.

Outdoorsy Guy

Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival by Dave Canterbury is ideal for the dad who loves to explore the wilderness and test his survival skills. Or maybe just read about it, just in case! For an even better gift, get the whole series with The Bushcraft Boxed Set.

North American Birdwatching Handbook: The Illustrated Encyclopedia of North American Birds by Henry Prescott, newly released this past January, includes spectacular photos and everything a “birder” needs to take the guesswork out of birdwatching.

Music Fan

Fahrenheit-182 by Mark Hoppus and Dan Ozzi is perfect for dads and fans of ’90s music. In this humorous yet inspiring memoir, Blink-182’s Mark Hoppus shares life behind the lyrics. Released in April of this year, the five-star reviews keep rolling in!

Dad Jokes Enthusiast

The Great Book of Dad Jokes Extra Cheesy Edition by Samuel Davie is a book that you may regret giving him. However, it’ll likely become his favorite gift ever! It includes hundreds of illustrated “dad jokes” to keep him supplied with fresh puns that create endless groans from family members.

The #1 Dad Book: Be the Best Dad You Can Be in 1 Hour by James Patterson is the perfect gift for new dads. But even more seasoned fathers and grandfathers will likely get a laugh out of it, too!

Bookish Buys: More Father’s Day Gifts (That Aren’t the Worst!)

Last year, I bought my dad Big Whiskey by Carlo DeVito, and, as someone who appreciates a well-crafted mixed drink, he loved it! The book details the history of American whiskey and profiles over a hundred distilleries.

I found the book while updating my Father’s Day Gift Guide on my website. I just gave the post a quick update for 2025, so check it out here if you’re looking for bookish Father’s Day gift ideas that aren’t all books (or the worst!).

Bookish News Updates: Mid-June 2025Goodreads’ Most Read Books 2025 Summer Check-in

The Goodreads annual Reading Challenge is a great way to track and motivate your reading. It lets you set a goal of how many books you want to read in a year, tracks what you read, and gamefies your reading by awarding “achievements.”

As readers enter the books they’ve read so far, Goodreads gets the stats on what’s most-read and seasonally lets us know what readers have been devouring. The Wedding People by Alison Espach, a feel-good story about an uninvited wedding guest, tops the list. (I wrote about the audiobook version here.)

What books have you read from this list? Check out the “Most Read Books (so far)” and share your recs in the comments!

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Oprah’s Book Club 115th Book Pick

Yesterday, Oprah announced her 115th book selection: The River Is Waiting by Wally Lamb. It’s the third time Oprah’s Book Club has chosen this author, and as she says, “That should tell you something!”

The story is a deep character dive into a troubled father dealing with addiction and eventually landing in prison after causing, as Oprah puts it, “every parent's worst nightmare.” For literary fiction lovers, this family saga and story of healing and forgiveness looks heartwrenching and compelling.

3 New Books Lighting Up the Bestseller Lists

If you’re looking for the hottest books as we head into summer, keep these books on your radar!

The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig is the next romantasy series that everyone will be talking about!

Nightshade by Michael Connelly is a murder thriller with a police investigation that’s keeping people turning pages.

Mark Twain by Ron Chernow offers an intriguing look back at this iconic American author, making it a must-read for summer.

June is Audiobook Appreciation Month

The Audio Publishers Association (APA) discovered through their recent survey that more than half of Americans 18 and older listen to audiobooks.

Count me as one of those people! I’m just about to finish Ina Garten’s memoir “Be Ready When the Luck Happens.” As a fan, I’ve enjoyed listening to Ina tell her life story in her soothing voice. That’s what makes audiobooks so worthy of a month of appreciation!

If you missed it (or just want to read it again), I share all things audiobooks and trending titles in my post from early April: Audiobooks Are Not Cheating!

Bookish Quote of the Week

“What we become depends on what our fathers teach us at odd moments, when they aren’t trying to teach us.” – Umberto Eco, Foucault’s Pendulum

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Best Book Gifts for Graduates

Hi, my bookish friend! My twin son and daughter will be graduating from high school this Friday, so I figured this week would be the perfect time to create an inspirational book list for graduates.

Graduation is one of those pivotal moments in life. It comes with a combination of emotions: sadness that this stage is ending, while at the same time, relief that the test-taking, boring classes, and so on are behind you. It’s a sentimental time for remembering everyone and everything. It’s also a scary yet exhilarating time for making plans for the future. (Don’t even get me started on how all of this feels as the mom of the graduates: all of this, plus some!)

If you’re looking for a book to give as a gift to a graduate in your life or you’re the graduate or you just adore the life advice from commencement speeches and life-changing books, this week’s post is for you!

Today, I’m inspiring your reading (and future generations) with:

Sure, you can give grads money, but books make great gifts, too. See my recs!

Looking for a unique gift for a graduate? I’ve got five “bookish” ideas!

Test your BIG word knowledge! Can you beat my “High IQ Vocab Quiz” score?

Plus, June is Pride Month! So, celebrate and support this community by selecting a book (or two or several) from this fab book list.

Happy Reading!

Your friend,

Audry

P.S. Hey, readers, I could use your help! Please help spread all this delightful, bookish fun by sharing Bookish AF with more awesome people who love … well … delightful, bookish fun!

Share this post with a friend (or a “frenemy” if you secretly hate it - no judgement)!

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Designed on Canva by Audry Fryer Bookish Quote of the Week

“My years in college and afterward taught me this: Success is not the result of making one good choice, of taking one step. Real success requires step after step, after step, after step. It requires choice after choice; it demands education and passion and commitment and persistence and hunger and patience.”

— Jesmyn Ward, Navigate Your Stars

Bookish Recs: 10 Books that Make a Perfect Gift for Grads

Every graduate is unique. My twins couldn’t be more opposite! So here’s a sampling of books to help you match your grad’s personality. (See this list on Bookshop.org!)

Designed on Canva by Audry Fryer | Book covers from Bookshop.orgChildren’s Books for Grads

Of course, whenever anyone mentions a book for recent graduates, I think of Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss. However, if you want your gift to stand out, there are plenty of other excellent choices.

Will the Pigeon Graduate? by Mo Willems

If you’re familiar with the “pigeon” books, you know that you’re in for a zany, funny story! This newly released book is perfect for grads of all ages, especially if your graduate grew up enjoying this series as a child.

The Sky Is the Limit by Lisa Swerling and Ralph Lazar

This sweet, uplifting picture book encourages and inspires the grad in your life to dream big.

Illustrated Books of Wisdom for Graduates

These books make gorgeous gifts for grads. They deliver words of inspiration complemented by beautiful, artfully designed pages.

Carpe Every Diem: The Best Graduation Advice from More Than 100 Commencement Speeches: A Graduation Book by Robie Rogge

This book may be the perfect gift for a grad! Each colorful page features an inspiring and motivational quote from a speech delivered by a famous commencement speaker. You’ll discover gems from Oprah Winfrey, Spike Lee, Barack Obama, Gloria Steinem, Kermit the Frog, Abby Wambach, and more!

You Are Only Just Beginning: Lessons for the Journey Ahead by Morgan Harper Nichols

I first learned of Morgan Harper Nichols through her eye-catching artwork and lyrical words of encouragement that she regularly posts on Instagram (@morganharpernichols). So, when I saw she created a book of her art and inspirational poetry intended for graduates, I had to add it to this list!

Navigate Your Stars by Jesmyn Ward

This short book artfully shares the commencement address delivered by Jesmyn Ward, a two-time National Book Award–winning, New York Times bestselling author, and Oprah’s Book Club’s 103rd pick. Ward links her personal experiences to the life lessons she’s learned. Each page features the beautiful illustrations by Philadelphia-based artist, Gina Triplett.

More Books from Commencement Speeches

Sometimes a commencement speech is so well done, just listening to it once isn’t enough! These books make great gifts for grads who are fans of these speakers.

What Now? by Ann Patchett

American award-winning author Ann Patchett is best known for her compelling fiction novels, such as her most recent bestseller, Tom Lake. This short book shares and expands the thought-provoking commencement address she delivered in 2006 at Sarah Lawrence College.

In Conclusion, Don’t Worry About It by Lauren Graham

If your grad is a Gilmore Girls fan (or you are and want to share your love of its biggest star), then you have to get your hands on Lauren Graham’s short book that contains the expanded version of her heartfelt, humorous commencement speech that she gave at her hometown high school.

Books About Life After Graduation

Whether you’re looking to encourage a recent graduate or you’re the one seeking direction, these books hit the mark for guiding this unique transitional time in life.

I Graduated: Now What? by Amanda McLaughlin

Oh, the dread “adulting” and all the unknowns that go with it! This book asks basic “adulting 101” questions and provides all the answers, along with checklists and journaling prompts, for overcoming everyday obstacles, from financial to relationship challenges.

Dear Graduate by Charles McEnerney and Adam Larson

This quick and easy read displays a few lines of impactful text on each colorful page. It’s the perfect book to offer guidance and advice for graduates who have an “undecided” major or an uncharted career path.

The Defining Decade by Meg Jay

For grads in their twenties or heading there, this book by clinical psychologist Meg Jay, PhD, is worth the read! It’s also a great gift choice for parents of said grads!

For more inspirational books, see my list of life-changing books on Bookshop.org or read my story with the book descriptions here!

Bookish Buys: 5 Literary Gifts for Graduates

This shiny stainless steel graduation bookmark is the perfect add-on for one of the book gifts listed above! It features a pretty etched phrase, “Enjoy the next chapter,” and a chain with a cap bearing the year “2025.”

Go “old school” with Graduation Mad Libs! How fun is this gift idea! If you used to love playing Mad Libs as a kid, then it’s time to help a new generation take a break from screen time to enjoy a laugh with this classic game.

The Happiness Project One-Sentence Journal by Gretchen Rubin is a thoughtful gift for a grad who enjoys expressing their thoughts. This cleverly designed journal is so quick and easy that they’ll be able to keep a streak going of completing it each day, with likely happy results!

This Ambient Book Lamp is perfect for grads heading off to a dorm room or any graduate who enjoys books. The open book casts a soothing reading light, while the closed book takes up little space and is easily portable.

Finally, buy this soft, lightweight yet oh so cozy “Just One More Chapter” Blanket along with one of the books listed above, and you’ve got a gift that’s worthy of the Dean’s List!

Bookish Quiz: Grads and Vocabularians Test Your Word Knowledge!

Faizan Zaki, the 2025 winner of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, spelled "éclaircissement" as his final word. He didn’t even ask for the definition before he spelled it!

Faizan is 13 years old and already knows more than I do. I certainly would struggle with spelling it. And the definition? Um, well .. (Answer: "éclaircissement" is a French word that means clarification or enlightenment.)

How strong is your knowledge of big words? Want to test it out?

This Buzzfeed Quiz will put your big word vocabulary to the test! See how you rank amongst other quiz takers or a grad in your life. I thought I had a strong vocabulary game, but I only scored 18 out of 30. For fun, share your score!

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June Bookish News: It’s Pride Month!

In honor of Pride Month, I've curated a booklist of adult fiction recommendations that celebrate LGBTQIA+ authors. This list includes exciting new releases, such as Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid and Oprah’s Book Club pick, The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong.

See the Bookshop.org list here to discover new perspectives, highly talented authors, and page-turning stories.

This content may contain affiliate links that earn me a small commission (just enough to grab a coffee) at no additional cost to you!

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The Most Anticipated Books of Summer 2025

Hi, my bookish friend! What makes summer reading the best?

Maybe it’s the nostalgia of remembering school being out and reading whatever your heart desired. Or, perhaps, it’s because we suddenly have more time to read during long car rides, plane trips, and getaways.

Of course, the weather is just right for lounging outside with a book, covered in sunscreen, or under the shade of an umbrella or a tree … unless the heat and the bugs drive us inside!

This week, I’m helping to inspire your summer reading with:

The most anticipated books of summer!

A fun list of books with “Summer” in the title

Is Sarah Jessica Parker really reading *two* books a day?

And an inside scoop on the Bookish AF summer lineup of topics

The summer reading season is just getting started! So, instead of reading an AI-generated list with made-up and out-of-date titles (Sigh, that actually happened.), stick with the always-to-be-trusted, written by a real human, book recs and lists here on Bookish AF!

Happy Reading!

Your friend,

Audry

P.S. Hello and welcome to my new subscribers! I’m so happy you’ve chosen to join our wondrous bookish community. ☺️📖

P.P.S. Bonus for paid subscribers: Get your super-fun Summer-Reading Bingo Card Printable! Scroll to the footnotes to find the link to download it! Psst, NEW paid subscribers get the bonus, too!

Enjoy Bookish AF every week! 🤓 Become a free or paid subscriber.

Created on Canva by Audry FryerBookish Recs: Most Anticipated Books for the Summer of 2025!

Here’s just a brief roundup of the books readers are most looking forward to this summer. I’ve done the scrolling for you and selected a few standout books already released or coming out soon from the top genres:

Fiction

While My Friends by Fredrik Backman, which I described here, is topping nearly every bestseller list and getting stellar reviews, here are three more fiction new releases that are also getting a lot of attention:

Songs of Summer by Jane L. Rosen, the third book of the Fire Island Trilogy, follows thirty-year-old Maggie, who discovers so much more than she expected when she crashes a wedding on Fire Island in search of her birth mother.

What Will People Think? by Sara Hamdan looks like a fun yet heartwarming read! Mia is living a life in secret because her Palestinian-American family would never approve. So, what happens when everyone eventually finds out?

Atmosphere: A Love Story by Taylor Jenkins Reid, which releases on June 3rd, is getting soooo much hype! Set in the 1980s, Joan is a professor at Rice University who is about to live her dream of going to space by joining NASA’s space shuttle program.

Thrillers

The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark, available on June 3rd, tells the story of a ghostwriter who thinks she’s helping out her Dad with his latest horror novel. Only this time, the story isn’t fiction. It’s his real-life horror story from June 1975.

Also, watch for the gripping psychological thriller about three women who have one man with a dark side in common in Don’t Let Him In by Lisa Jewell on June 24th.

The Woman in Suite 11 by Ruth Ware is available on July 8th and features a pulse-racing escape across Europe. It’s the follow-up novel to The Woman in Cabin 10, which is coming this fall as a Netflix adaptation starring Kiera Knightley.

Romance

One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune offers the perfect summer escape to a picturesque lake, along with a heartwarming love story that leaves readers swooning for more.

Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood is likely going to be no problem to read and enjoy! Set in Italy, Maya and Conor have far too many reasons not to be together. And yet …

Romantasy

Silver Elite by Dani Francis is a dystopian romance about a young woman’s quest to hide her forbidden psychic abilities while training with the very people who’d want her dead if they knew, including the man she’s trying hard not to fall for.

Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry features extraordinary monsters and the slow burn of an unlikely romance. It’s already filming to become a feature film.

Fantasy

Aftertaste by Daria Lavelle follows a chef who dines with ghosts. Although his paranormal abilities to taste each ghost’s favorite foods may seem quirky, it’s also a deeply moving story of love and loss.

Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab, with a release date of June 10th, looks intriguing. It weaves together the desperate stories of three women from three different time periods.

Sci-Fi

The Memory Collectors by Dete Meserve has a fascinating premise of four characters who time travel separately to the past, become trapped together, and realize there’s a fifth menacing presence.

Horror

Never Flinch by Stephen King features the return of a favorite character and a frightening storyline of two killers whose stories converge.

Also, watch for The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, which comes out July 15th and promises a page-turning story of an encounter with a witch that ripples through generations.

Nonfiction

Mark Twain by Ron Chernow is the perfect non-fiction complement if you read James by Percival Everett. This biography details the writer’s lesser-known life.

Erased: What American Patriarchy Has Hidden from Us by Anna Malaika Tubbs is an eye-opening account and most likely to be banned.

Share this booklist with someone who loves piña coladas and getting caught … with their nose in a book! 🍹 📖

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Bookish Thoughts on “Summer” Reading Designed on Canva by Audry Fryer | Book covers from Bookshop.org

Check out this list of books with “summer” in their title, such as the incredibly popular Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez, as a fun way to enjoy summer reading even more!

Bookish Quote of the Week

“I never understood the concept of a fluffy summer read. For me, summer reading means beaches, long train rides and layovers in foreign airports. All of which call for escaping into really long books.”

— Maria Semple

Bookish Entertainment News: 2 Books a Day for SJP

There’s a fascinating debate happening among book readers in response to Sarah Jessica Parker’s revelation that she’s currently reading two books a day. (Is that even humanly possible?)

Now, for reference, she’s judging the Booker Prize, which requires reading all the books being judged (around 165!) in seven months. So, doing the math, yeah, she has to read quickly and barely skip a day!

Read about the debate here, and share your thoughts about it:

Leave a comment

Bookish Update: The Bookish AF Summer Reading Lineup

All summer long, Bookish AF will feature a different genre and highlight the best newly released books. For a sneak peek, here’s a rundown of what’s coming after I cover “Books for Grads” next week and “Dads who Love to Read” the following week.

The Bookish AF Summer Reading Lineup:

June 18th Chill with a Thriller

June 25th Page-turners to Pack on a Trip

July 2nd New Beach Reads & Best Beach-y Authors

July 9th Books Based on Summertime Destinations

July 16th Romance Books: Sweet Rom-Coms to Spicy Hot Recs

July 23rd Escape into a Romantasy

July 30th Murder Mystery Books to Murder Your Reading Rut

August 6th Best New Historical Fiction

August 13th Hottest Celebrity Biography and Memoir Books

(These booklists can give you inspo if you’re working on the Summer Reading Bingo Card printable for paid subscribers! 😉)

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10 Book & Wine Pairings (You Didn't Know You Needed!)

Hi, my bookish friend! I was scrolling through Instagram last week when I came upon a post featuring a “book tasting” event in which books were paired with a wine. Yesss! I was all about that idea!

So, down the rabbit hole I went: As it turns out, the “book tasting” event was held in London and sponsored by a book club created by English singer-songwriter Dua Lipa, best known for “Dance the Night” from the Barbie movie. Her book club is a part of a larger online lifestyle website called Service95. (See Dua Lipa’s latest book club pick here!)

Since I live here in the United States and unlikely to travel to the Bookbar in London (let the record show I’m all up for going there if anyone wants to fund my trip - LOL!), I decided why not make “book and wine pairings” the theme for this week’s newsletter?

So, find your corkscrew, a glass, and a bookmark because below you’ll find:

My attempt at matching 10 book genres to different wine varieties.

3 Bookish buys for “literary” wine glasses, tumblers, and charms

A hack for reading more that uses “pairing” as its superpower

Now, I’m a wine lover (see my Vinvino profile). However, I know not everyone will share my enthusiasm. So, I also added a non-alcoholic beverage option with each pairing.

Happy Reading! (And Happy Sipping!)

Your friend,

Audry

P.S. Since you opened this week’s newsletter, I’m pretty sure you’re the type of person who knows how to enjoy life, like pairing books with wine. No wonder we’re bookish friends! I’m so glad you’re here. ☺️

Share this week’s post with someone who’s up for sipping while turning pages.

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Designed on Canva by Audry Fryer

Bookish Recs: 10 Book and Wine Pairings

While relaxing with a few chapters is usually associated with a cup of tea or a mug of coffee, books and wine also make a fantastic combo. In the post I saw about the books and wine event, they took it a step further and asked: Can the type of wine you choose complement what you’re reading?

Let’s find out! Below, I’ve paired *10 different types of wine with popular book genres and a few book recommendations, including the latest new releases (the third book rec).

*These are only suggestions! The fun part about wine and books is finding your preferences.

Cabernet Sauvignon + Literary Fiction

Non-Alcoholic Alternative: An espresso or black coffee

The rich and bold flavor of Cabernet Sauvignon mirrors the depth and complexity often found in literary fiction. Just as a Cab Sauv often uncovers hidden notes with each sip, literary fiction reveals profound themes and layers with each turn of the page.

Recommended Book Pairings:

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Normal People by Sally Rooney

Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Pinot Noir + Young Adult

Non-Alcoholic Alternative: A cherry cola soda.

As a light red, Pinot Noir pairs well with the lighter stories associated with Young Adult (YA) novels. Pinot Noir’s delicate and nuanced profile of berry flavors upfront that give way to earthy undertones matches themes of first loves and coming of age.

Recommended Book Pairings:

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

Heartstopper Series by Alice Oseman

Somadina by Akwaeke Emezi

Merlot + Mystery

Non-Alcoholic Alternative: A cup of chai tea or a hot chocolate

The smooth and approachable nature of Merlot goes down easily with the intriguing plot of a good mystery. Mull over the plum, berry, and cocoa notes as you deliberate the clues and enjoy a satisfying finish with each mouthful and conclusion to the story.

Recommended Book Pairings:

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

The Missing Half by Ashley Flowers

Malbec + Thrillers/Horror

Non-Alcoholic Alternative: An energy drink

The deep red color of Malbec matches the bloody plot in a thriller or horror novel. This bold, dry wine with persistent tannins keeps you going back for sips just as the suspenseful plot of a thriller keeps you turning pages.

Recommended Book Pairings:

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin

The Tenant by Freida McFadden

Chardonnay + Historical Fiction

Non-Alcoholic Alternative: Mulled apple cider

Chardonnay, with its classic elegance and richness, enhances the themes of times gone by found in historical fiction. Go with buttery, oaked Chardonnay for historical romances and reserve the crispness of an unoaked variety for historical thrillers.

Recommended Book Pairings:

The Women by Kristin Hannah

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

My Name Is Emilia del Valle by Isabel Allende

Sauvignon Blanc + Fantasy/Romantasy

Non-Alcoholic Alternative: Kiwi-lime sparkling water.

The vibrant and zesty character of Sauvignon Blanc complements the imaginative and whimsical elements of fantasy. For romantasy, choose a Sauv Blanc from New Zealand to transport you to extraordinary worlds of romance and adventure.

Recommended Book Pairings:

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Crown of Betrayal and Blood by Nina Frost

Pinot Grigio + Science Fiction

Non-Alcoholic Alternative: A cucumber-mint lemonade.

Pinot Grigio’s crisp citrus and green apple notes and refreshing style pair well with the innovative concepts and futuristic settings found in science fiction.

Recommended Book Pairings:

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley

Silver Elite by Dani Francis

Rosé + Romance

Non-Alcoholic Alternative: Strawberry daiquiri mocktail

The light and fruity profile of Rosé perfectly complements the tender emotions and joyful moments typical of romance novels. Just like the heartwarming nature of these love stories, Rosé is best enjoyed during the warm weather months.

Recommended Book Pairings:

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

Story of My Life by Lucy Score

Moscato + Rom-Coms

Non-Alcoholic Alternative: Sweet tea

The sweet and playful nature of Moscato pairs wonderfully with the lighthearted escapades found in romantic comedies. Both offer a delightful experience.

Recommended Book Pairings:

Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score

Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez

Bridesmaid by Chance by Meghan Quinn

Sparkling Wine + Action-Adventure

Non-Alcoholic Alternative: Flavored sparkling water

The effervescence of sparkling wine matches the thrill and excitement present in action-adventure stories. Whether it's a daring escape or an exhilarating journey, both are best enjoyed with a sense of celebration and awe.

Recommended Book Pairings:

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

Hidden in Smoke by Lee Goldberg

Have a wine + book genre combo to share? (Or own a winery and want to do a collab? 🤞)

Leave a comment

Bookish Buys: Literary Wine Glasses, Tumblers, & Charms

These products pair well with uncorking a wine and enjoying it with your latest read.

Show off your literary love as you read and sip with this stemless glass that has a cute saying: “In My Bookish Era.”

This tumbler is perfect for reading outside. It’s insulated to keep your white wine or rosé cool. With a spill-proof lid, you’ll be living the saying on it: “Drink Wine. Read Books. Be Happy.”

If you plan to host a books and wine book club event, these adorable literary wine charms will help your guests keep track of their glass as they flip through book pages.

Bookish Reading Tip: Habit Pairing

Pairing your reading time with a tasty snack or beverage can lead to you reading more.

Why? Research suggests that you’re more likely to keep a reading habit (or any habit you want to do) if you pair it with something pleasurable you already enjoy often (such as wine, but maybe not every single day!). The resulting dopamine release means you’re not relying on willpower to keep up the habit.

I can say that this hack works. I’m often easily distracted (probably undiagnosed ADHD), and reading at lunchtime is a habit I’ve easily kept up.

Bookish Quote of the Week Photo by Audry Fryer

“Give me books, French wine, fruit, fine weather and a little music played out of doors by somebody I do not know.”

― John Keats

This content may contain affiliate links that earn me a small commission (just enough to grab a coffee) at no additional cost to you!

🍷 Cheers to you! And thank you once again for all your love and support of this newsletter! It means the world to me. ♥️ Bookish AF is reader-supported and always free.

😊 Please consider helping me keep the newsletter going with a paid subscription. (Psst! You’ll get a surprise! 🎁And more bonuses coming up soon!)

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Where to Buy Cheap Books

Hi Bookish AF friend! Everything seems to be getting more and more expensive these days. And despite the adage “you can never have too many books,” the reality is that you do have to be able to afford the “many” books.

But here’s the good news: there are plenty of places where you can buy cheap books. Yay!

Today’s newsletter is here to help you save with more than 10 places where you can buy cheap books. Plus, a smart shortcut for finding the lowest price!

Then, I’ve been extra busy rounding up all the bookish breaking news for mid-May:

May is Mental Health Awareness Month: See this booklist!

The Read with Jenna book club announced their pick for May.

Also, Oprah just selected her 114th Book Club pick.

The 2025 Pulitzer Prize winner for fiction is a book I read and loved!

Fans of Fredrik Backman (the author of “A Man Called Ove”): New book!

And there’s a new Netflix series based on a Judy Blume novel from 1975.

Happy Reading! (and Happy Bargain Hunting!)

Your friend,

Audry

P.S. Here’s a fun bookish word: "Tsundoku.” This Japanese word (pronounced "sun-doh-koo") translates to “piles of reading” or, more accurately, that pile of unread books sitting on your bedside table or bookshelf. (You can thank me later for helping you save money while adding to your tsundoku!)

📚Know someone always up for adding more books to their “tsundoku” collection? Share this Bookish AF post with them!

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Designed on Canva by Audry Fryer Bookish Reading Tip: Best Places to Buy Cheap Books

Shopping for print books can add up quickly. However, there are plenty of ways to save!

In-person: Visit a local used bookstore or find a library sale.

Online: You can easily find many sites dedicated to discount books.

Here are the top 10 places on the web to spend a little … on a lot of books!

ThriftBooks carries over 13 million titles with a wide selection of genres, both new and used books, and affordable prices.

AbeBooks, an Amazon subsidiary, provides book collections and the option to conduct an advanced search of its inventory of discounted books, used books, and textbooks.

Alibris sells print books and ebooks as well as music and movies. Check out the bargain section for 99-cent books!

Powell’s Books, located in Portland, Oregon, and one of the largest independent bookstores in the United States, is also a great place to visit online for discounted and used books.

Better World Books aims to live up to its name by donating a portion of the profits from each book sold to charities and environmental programs. It also provides a rewards program to save on future purchases.

Biblio is great for finding affordable books, or if you’re looking for a rare or out-of-print book. They also give back by building libraries in rural South America.

Half Price Books is a retail store based in Dallas, TX, that also provides a website with books priced, maybe not half-off as their name implies, but at a decent discount.

Book Outlet has a section called Frugal Finds where you can stock up on cheap books. They also have a rewards program where you can accrue points and use them to buy … what else … more books!

BookBub is a site you’ll want to check often for its ever-changing selection of discounted ebooks, including new releases! Subscribe to their newsletter to never miss out on a sale on the genres you love best.

Amazon Daily Deals has a constant stream of the latest book deals. Since we’re on the subject of saving money, I found deals on these books on wealth:

The 5 Types of Wealth: A Transformative Guide to Design Your Dream Life by Sahil Bloom

Die With Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life by Bill Perkins

The Psychology of Money: Timeless lessons on wealth, greed, and happiness by Morgan Housel

Bookish Pro Tip: Use this shortcut to find cheap books!

With one click, using a comparison platform, such as BookFinder.com or BookScouter.com, you get a rundown of different prices for the book you’re considering buying.

I clicked on both sites, and Book Scouter seemed the most sleek and user-friendly. For fun, I searched my book, Until Next Sunday, and it created a list of places I could buy it, including on several of the platforms listed above! Plus, it displays the shipping costs and the book's condition.

Bookish News: Mid-May 2025

From thought-provoking and uplifting books for your mental health to a modern adaptation of a fifty-year-old novel that’s still relevant today, the bookish news in May doesn’t disappoint!

May is Mental Health Awareness Month: Read these books!

Your Guide to Ritual Design: Redefine Your Day, Transform Your Life by Kris Farren Moss will inspire you to rethink how you go about your day. Discover how adding small rituals into your daily life can lead to more meaningful experiences and feelings of connection. (Thank you for sending me a copy. I can’t wait to read it!)

Find more book recs to improve your mental health here!

Read With Jenna Book Club Pick for May

The Names by Florence Knapp explores how a name can change the direction of a person’s life. Three different storylines, each following a different reality, emerge as Cora decides which of the three names she will name her newborn son: Gordon, after her abusive spouse; Julian, the name she prefers; or her daughter’s choice, Bear. (Be aware that this book depicts domestic violence.)

Oprah's 114th Book Club Pick

The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong begins with nineteen-year-old Hai standing on a bridge about to jump when Grazina, an elderly woman with dementia, stops him. Hai becomes her caretaker in this poetic, character-driven story. You can watch a short clip of Oprah explaining why she chose this book here.

The 2025 Pulitzer Prize Winner for Fiction is …

James by Percival Everett! And I couldn’t agree more. I read James earlier this year and knew it was one of those influential books that would stay with me long after I read it. Read my review of it on Goodreads.

From the Author of “A Man Called Ove”

My Friends by Fredrik Backman is a heartwarming story that’s sure to make you laugh and cry. It follows eighteen-year-old Louisa, who leaves on a cross-country journey to learn more about the three figures most people overlook in the background of a famous painting.

Bookish Entertainment News

Forever on Netflix is the adaptation of Judy Blume‘s 1975 groundbreaking novel by the same name. The Netflix series, set in 2018, depicts two black teenagers living in Los Angeles, who become each other’s firsts.

Bookish Quote of the Week

“I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library.” – Jane Austen in Pride and Prejudice

This content may contain affiliate links that earn me a small commission (just enough to grab a coffee) at no additional cost to you!

Thank you once again for all your love and support of this newsletter! It means the world to me. ♥️ Bookish AF is reader-supported and always FREE.

Please consider helping me keep the newsletter going with a paid subscription. (Psst! You’ll get a surprise! 🎁)

Enjoy Bookish AF every week! 🤓 Become a free or paid subscriber.