Backlist Reading Summer
A season of permission to read on my own timeline
Hi Friends,
Though I’m not a published author (yet!), I orbit the book world, which means I hear about upcoming releases long before they hit shelves. It’s exciting and inspiring, but it also means the idea of ever catching up on my TBR (to-be-read) pile is, as the kids say, delulu.
As part of my mission to stop telling myself I’m “always behind,” I’ve decided to take control of my summer reading plans the way I know best: with a rebrand.
Presenting: Backlist Reading Summer
One perpetually overwhelmed millennial attempts the impossible: reading all the books she’s been meaning to get to while resisting the siren song of shiny new releases. Will she discover she’s been allowed to read on her own timeline all along? Stay tuned.
Before we dive in, a quick reminder that if you’ve been considering becoming a paid subscriber, summer is still the perfect time! When you upgrade your subscription, you’ll gain instant access to The Italian Girl Summer Companion: 15 pages of inspiration for embracing a lovelier, more cinematic life.
In a couple of weeks, paid subscribers can also look forward to receiving my monthly Designing the Month: August edition.
Onto the stack!
It’s a Love Story, by Annabel Monaghan (2025)
Premise: A former child TV star turned screenwriter travels with her work nemesis to his hometown to convince her old co-star (and first love) to help them make their movie.
This book came from: The Bookmark, our little indie bookstore here by the beach. I picked it up last summer!
What I’m excited for: If you follow me on Instagram, you know I’ve already started it! I’ve been on the go and haven’t had much dedicated reading time, but I’ve been carrying the paperback everywhere, sneaking in chapters whenever I can. Annabel Monaghan is one of my favorite romance authors, and this one is already ranking among my favorites.
Romantic Comedy, by Curtis Sittenfeld (2023)
Premise: A normal person/famous person love story set behind the scenes of a fictional SNL-style sketch show.
This book came from: A used book sale in St. Louis that I attended with my writing pal Shannon!
What I’m excited for: I’ve never been a consistent Saturday Night Live watcher, but listening to Good Hang with Amy Poehler has piqued my interest in the world of sketch comedy, and I think it’ll be fun to spend time there through this story.
Sunny Side Up, by Katie Sturino (2025)
Premise: A recent divorcée attempts to reinvent herself before her younger brother’s wedding while navigating love and body acceptance in New York City.
This book came from: The publisher kindly sent me a copy of the newly released paperback. You may remember spotting its gorgeous cover in this post, which means you can expect it to make an insufferable number of appearances in my Instagram Stories.
What I’m excited for: I adore a summer story set in a city instead of at the beach. I’ve also followed Katie Sturino’s content for years, and I’m looking forward to seeing her voice come alive in fiction.
Killer Potential, by Hannah Deitch (2025)
Premise: An SAT tutor discovers her wealthy employers brutally murdered and flees with a mysterious woman she finds bound at the scene. As a nationwide manhunt unfolds, the two travel across the country searching for the real killer.
This book came from: I ordered it from Bookshop.org last summer, intending to read it with my writing group, but instead ended up at the bottom of my TBR pile.
What I’m excited for: Most of the books on this list are slower-paced, so I love the idea of mixing in a thriller. I’m already picturing myself flying through this one over a weekend.
The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers, by Samuel Burr (2024)
Premise: A twenty-something old soul attempts to solve the final puzzle left behind by his beloved maternal figure, promising to reveal the mystery of his own parentage.
This book came from: Titcomb’s Bookshop, one of my favorite independent bookstores on Cape Cod, during a visit last summer.
What I’m excited for: Everything about this book feels cozy and exactly my kind of mystery, complete with eccentric characters and puzzles to solve.
My “if we have time” 2026 Book Release Wish reading list:
Our Summer Storms, by Carley Fortune
Already preordered, and I’ve already started it!
American Fantasy, by Emma Straub
It just came up on my library holds, and I officially have ten days to finish it.
Dolly All Along, by Annabel Monaghan
Everyone seems to be loving this one, and I’m not sure I can withstand the FOMO until next summer.
Whistler, by Ann Patchett
Another preorder patiently waiting for me in my Audible library.
This Story Might Save Your Life, by Tiffany Crum
Podcasters who end up in their own survival story? How could I not? I’m currently waiting in the library queue.
☀️ Five good things
When we recognize what brings us the most joy, we invite more of it into our lives. Here are five things that made me happy this week. Share yours below!
Our internet has been out this week, which has been equal parts annoying and kind of cozy? I’ve been coloring, reading, watching DVDs, and it feels like being a kid in the ‘90s again.
I’ve been bringing July’s vision board to life with several afternoons at the pool, including one especially fun day with my mom.
My Rent the Runway haul this month is extra dreamy, especially the skirt in the photo above that practically begs to be twirled in.
I made a late-night batch of blueberry pie simple syrup for iced lattes and turned the leftover berries into a crisp topped with fresh whipped cream.
I picked up a new bouquet for the table, and the sunflowers have been bringing an extra dose of joy to the house.
💬 Set or share your intention
Whether it’s a giant leap, a tiny to-do list item, a habit change, or something else, there is power in accountability, and this is a safe space to share your aim. Some weeks, we’ll fail, others, we’ll soar, but with support, we’ll always keep going together.
Until next week, get out there and make something beautiful.
Michelle
🫶 Paid subscribers keep this newsletter going! Thank you for supporting this creative community.
If you’d like to keep hanging out, you can also find me:
🍿 Talking movies, food, and nostalgia on Film to Table
📼 Getting playful with memory and pop culture on Play Me a Memory
📷 Sharing bits of everyday inspiration on Instagram
And if this newsletter made you smile, think, or feel a little more like yourself, passing it along is always appreciated!