The Love Hypothesis is making a comeback. Published in 2021, this romance novel gained major traction. So much so that it was adapted into a movie to be released globally on Prime Video on September 23, 2026.

A best-selling novel is nothing new to Ali Hazelwood. Her success continued with Love on the Brain, Theoretically, Bride, and Not in Love, all ranked bestsellers pushing her success in the publishing industry.

The Love Hypothesis follows a fake dating situation-ship between a third-year Ph.D. student and a college professor, Olive Smith and Dr. Adam Carlsen. Through this rocky relationship, the book explores many hurdles and vulnerabilities, making a compelling case to read.

The novel gained popularity during COVID-19. Everyone was stuck in their homes, so of course, the next-best thing to do was to read. Not only did we read a ton, we scrolled even more, aiding the explosion of this novel in late 2021 to early 2022, coinciding with BookTok’s massive growth.

The movie adaptation will star Lili Reinhart as Olive Smith and Tom Bateman as Dr. Adam Carlsen, two well-known actors. It’ll be interesting to see how they bring the novel to life. With recent buzz surrounding the trailer that dropped on Amazon News and YouTube, both old and new fans will be brought together for this intriguing story.

Now’s the time to give this book a chance. With the movie releasing in just a few weeks, this is the perfect opportunity to read and imagine the story before it appears on the big screen. So if you missed the hype back in 2021-2022 when it went viral the first time, you now have a reason to see what the hype was about.

A palate cleanser is exactly what our book club needs, especially after August’s read. With a mix of romance, humor, and plenty of challenges, The Love Hypothesis is a perfect choice for September. After we finish the book, maybe we can all visit Prime Video when it releases and watch the story in action.

You made it this far, we might as well read the book together.

Book Club with Katie is a virtual book club. Share your opinions and help spark meaningful conversations in the group chat. We’re building something meaningful here, and I’d love for you to be a part of it.

Joining Book Club with Katie is easy. Here’s how:

1. Comment “Book Club ” on this post, and I’ll send you a DM with your link to join the FREE group chat.

2. Get The Love Hypothesis. Visit your local library to grab it for free, or you can click here to add it directly to your cart if you’d prefer to buy it.

3. Start reading and conversing with us. Answer questions and prompts in real time as we read together, or openly share your own thoughts, questions, and opinions when you finish the book.

I can’t wait to dig into this one with you. It’s been on my 2026 books to movies list for longer than I’d like to admit.

Until next page,

Katie

P.S.

Hi, new readers 👋

Welcome, I’m so glad you’re here. Feel free to introduce yourself in the comments, and let us know what brought you here. Kayla H., Victoria P., Morgan, Madeline M., Elle B., Marie K., Unwritten Days, TreNesha S., Angie B., Linda M., Sophia S., Karen O.

Every bit counts 🙏🏼

From the bottom of my TBR list, thank you for all your support. Whether that’s participating in the virtual book club, engaging with my posts, or becoming a free or paid subscriber— every bit counts. We’re building something meaningful here, and I’m so glad you’re a part of it.

Dolly 💔🦋

Like her or not, Dolly Parton made her mark on the world, including my family’s reading practice. Her nonprofit reading program filled my children’s bookshelves in recent years. I was fortunate to visit the Imagination Library attractions at Dollywood last April. During that trip, my admiration for Dolly grew, and I found myself diving headfirst into whatever books about her I could get my hands on. I made a list of my favorite ones and put them up here for you on My Dolly Bookshelf.

The Great Alone is one of those books that readers can’t seem to stop recommending long after its publication. Written in 2018, Kristin Hannah shows exactly how a book can remain a favorite among readers, avid book club members, and BookTok eight years after its release.

Maybe it’s the characters that reel readers in and keep them turning the pages all night. Perhaps it’s the prose or transportive setting. Whatever it is, something has to click for a book to stand the test of time, and The Great Alone is on its way to doing just that.

The story begins when the Allbright family makes the move from Seattle to Alaska in the 1970s. That move alone would be a huge jump for anyone, especially the devoted mother and child Cora and “Leni”.

As the days in Alaska become shorter and the temperature gets colder, things start to get increasingly tense and unpredictable for the family.

The isolation of living off-grid becomes daunting to the Allbright family, and living deep within the Alaskan wilderness doesn’t make anything better. Throughout the novel, love, hope, trauma, survival, and resilience are all at play to create a story that has continued to leave a lasting impression.

Readers have consistently acknowledged how Kristin Hannah’s books are written in a captivating way, forming a deep sense of connection with not only the characters but the plot and the book itself.

So why did we choose The Great Alone for our August read?

Well, it’s definitely not because the cold Alaskan forest seems inviting, that’s for sure!

What drew us to this book is the compelling characters and the ability to spark conversation. There’s a reason why this book has readers in a chokehold for over eight years, and we’re ready to experience it. Whether it becomes our new favorite book, one that breaks our hearts, or challenges us, The Great Alone has so much for us to think about and hopefully leaves us plenty to talk about through the entire month of August.

Here’s your official invitation to read along with us.

Book Club with Katie is a virtual book club. Share your opinions and help spark meaningful conversations in the group chat. We’re building something meaningful here, and I’d love for you to be a part of it!

Joining the community is easy, and here’s how:

1. Comment “Book Club with Katie” on this post, and I’ll send you a DM with your link to join the FREE group chat.

2. Get The Great Alone! Visit your local library to grab it for free, or you can click here to add it directly to your cart if you’d prefer to buy it. Any purchases made through this link will support my writing.

3. Start reading and conversing with us! Answer questions and prompts in real time as we read together, or openly discuss your own thoughts, questions, and opinions when you finish the book.

Whether you’re reading along, or simply looking for questions to keep in mind, here are some things to think about:

• Which character can you relate to the most?

• How does isolation affect and influence the characters’ decisions in the novel?

• What was your first impression of the Allbright family?

• What message do you believe that Kristin Hannah wanted the readers to take away from The Great Alone?

Will The Great Alone truly live up to its reviews? There’s only one way to find out. Get comfortable, grab a tea or coffee, grab a snack, and join us this August as we trek through the Alaskan wilderness.

Until next page,

Katie

P.S. Welcome new readers: Emily M., Cee Cee., Adem Z., Audrea S., Diana Dean, and Reading in the Dark. I’m so glad you’re here. Feel free to introduce yourself in the comments, and let us know what brought you here.

The title excites you. The book description entices you. And the pressure to read the new release that’s trending on BookTok is real. Everyone’s talking about it, and you don’t want to be the one reader left behind. There’s just no way you can wait. The book gets to skip the TBR line.

In moments like these, it’s easy to fall into the habit of reading new books just because everyone else is— not necessarily because you think you’ll actually enjoy them. Well, I’m here to remind you to read what you want. That’s all that really matters.

But what if the stars align and the popular new novel excites your inner reader? Dive into the hype. Forgo the budget and buy that limited-edition hardcover. Hell, clear your calendar and read it all in one day.

Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke, follows a successful tradwife (traditional housewife) influencer whose beautifully curated life is turned upside down when she mysteriously wakes up in 1855. She begins to question everything she thought she wanted when she’s forced to experience the reality behind the lifestyle she’d spent years romanticizing.

I feel like this book is especially popular for two reasons:

1. The internet is already debating the tradwife trend, and this novel takes the conversation a step further. “Tradwife” TikTok vlogs featuring women in their twenties are more frequent and prominent than ever on social media. Young women choosing not to go to college or pursue careers, and instead opting to become stay-at-home wives or mothers, have become an incredibly controversial topic online, drawing a ton of attention to these tradwife influencer videos.

2. Anne Hathaway. This novel is already on the way to becoming a movie starring the one and only Anne Hathaway (the release date is currently TBD, but Amazon MGM has already paid for the rights).

The author, Caro Claire Burke, is a feminist writer and reader who frequently shares her thoughts and opinions on social media. She even has a whole post dedicated to readers who enjoy creepy, dystopian feminist literature.

I love this discussion between the author and Ayesha Rascoe in her interview for NPR, where she describes what it was like to write the scene that turned the protagonist’s life upside down:

Be the person who reads the book before watching the movie – wink, wink. Join Book Club with Katie! This is your official invitation to read along with us. Share your opinions on this buzzworthy book while everyone is still talking about it and help spark meaningful conversations. We’re building something meaningful here, and I’d love for you to be a part of it!

Read the book with me! Here’s how:

1. Comment “Book Club with Katie” on this post, and I’ll send you a DM with your link to join.

2. Get the book! Visit your local library to grab it for free, or you can click here to add it directly to your cart if you’d prefer to buy it. Any purchases made through this link will support my writing.

3. Start reading and chatting with us! Answer questions and prompts as we read together, or openly discuss your thoughts and opinions.

Leave a comment

Have you heard the buzz about Yesteryear? I watched Seth Meyers and Caro Claire Burke, the author, in this video long enough to learn that Anne Hathaway goes by “Annie” behind-the-scenes. Then I stopped because I don’t like spoilers. Let me know what you think below.

Until next page,

Katie

P.S. Welcome new subscribers: Vanessa L., Kathleen S., SouthernMissie, Melissa F., Sarah M., Leigha, Adam R., Nancy M., Hajar C., Sabrina P., Em, Jada L., Annie, Bogan, Renee V., Catherine M., Trail Toes, Martha C., Margaret. I’m so glad you’re here. Feel free to introduce yourself in the comments, and let us know what brought you here.

“My relationship with books has changed over the past couple of years. My family is French speaking, and I struggle speaking it. Growing up, the words grew harder and harder to pronounce, so did the feeling of being judged, and the pressure to speak it completely. Although I understand the language and can read it, I don’t speak it well. This year I’ve been challenging myself to read more non-fiction books to learn how to speak French again. I found this book, Short Stories in French, at the public library. I’m about five stories in, and it’s getting harder. There are a lot of words that I don’t know, and I find myself sitting there self-conscious that I have to check the word bank. But I am learning! Like, why am I giving myself such a hard time and having this inner dialogue that I’m having? I put a lot of pressure on myself when I’m reading. I feel like I have to perform. But the goal is to learn and find joy in doing so. It feels silly, but recently I got excited thinking about books I used to read as kid. I made a mental note that I don’t need an assignment to read a book. The point is for me to enjoy and learn whatever I can. That’s the whole point.”

This post is part of my series People Read Books: Real People, Real Stories on Life and Literature. Follow along for more conversations from people I meet by subscribing free to my Substack.

But the thing about scrolling on your phone mindlessly is that eventually your battery runs out. And, if you’re lucky like I was that day in the coffee shop, you won’t have a phone charger with you.

When the screen turned black, I looked up and noticed a woman reading a thick paperback at a table. It was the kind of book with a cover that demands to stay shut and needs to be broken in, eventually staying open after 100 pages or so. A design flaw, really. But that didn’t stop the woman from reading. Instead, she picked her phone up and placed it on top of the book. And let me tell you, seeing the smart phone as a makeshift paperweight was everything.

Even as I write this, I still can’t believe it! We’re about 20 years in since the arrival of the touchscreen and no matter how lightweight the design, there’s a heaviness that comes with it. A weight in our pocket, our daily lives, our hopes and dreams. And to see it so plainly that day at the coffee shop!

June Book Club with Katie

This month, we’re reading the 2025 Pulitzer Prize winning novel James by Percival Everett. It’s a reimagining of Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, but told from the perspective of Huckleberry’s friend. Jim, who prefers to be called James, is an escaped slave. In Everett’s retelling, James emerges as an emotionally complex man whose intelligence and rich inner world challenge the society that attempts to diminish him.

The novel begins when James overhears that he’s about to be sold and separated from his wife and daughter. The story follows James as he flees in search of freedom and a way back to his family. Along the way, he joins Huckleberry, and the two travel together down the Mississippi River.

The book description promises an action-packed journey, humor, and sharp observations of slavery and freedom. Here’s a quote from the first passage:

Thank you to Sonia W. for choosing this month’s book! I’d love for you to read the book with us, so consider this your invitation to join my private community. It’s completely free to be part of, and here’s how you can join in:

1. Comment “Book Club with Katie” on this post, and I’ll send you a DM with your link to join.

2. Get the book! Visit your local library to grab it for free, or you can click here to add it directly to your cart if you’d prefer to buy it. Any purchases made through this link will support my work or an indie bookstore of your choice!

3. Start reading and chat with us! Answer questions and prompts as we read together, or openly discuss your thoughts and opinions.

As you may have noticed, our community members pick our book each month, which is one of my favorite things about our book club. If you have a recommendation, please share!

Leave a comment

Speaking of sharing, here are a few more things that moved me this month:

• For anyone longing for true, authentic community outside of the 2-parent, 2-kids norm, you’ll want to check out what Mia Birdsong has to say in How We Show Up: Reclaiming Family, Friendship, and Community

• Who knew bugs could be so beautiful? Check out these water color paintings by artist Maria Mayrhofer

• I’m obsessed with this street mural of a woman smiling with pen and paper by Charlotte painter Garrission Gist

• For anyone looking for a way to organize big ideas and book research, I recommend checking out Personal Curriculum, Author’s Edition by Charlotte author A.L. Sterling

Until next page,

P.S. Hi, and welcome: Laurie M., Ankit R., Ki, Estrella, David J. Ashley W., Andrea R., John M.,David G., Patricia S., Stephanie Y., Kala, Mathew A., The Great Wild Word, Andrew B., Out of Programme, Richard G., Maryanne, Safia L., Gracefully Savage, Rebel St. James, Clare M., Shikara R., Kenz, Mary, Janice J., Lucy H., Jen E., Emily T., Floyd G., Steffen, Hannah, Klaire, Madi S., Kaura A., Eric J. Franco A., Jonathan S., Arielle F., Erin, Gabby W., Jes S., Caitlan, Amy, Nicole B.

Wow! I’m excited to have over 40 new readers here with us. Feel free to introduce yourself in the comments, and let us know what brought you here.

After starting a family and moving to a new state, I struggled to make reading part of my routine again. Through my interview series, People Read Books, I spoke with more than 20 readers and heard a similar theme. Many had gone through stretches of life when they barely read at all.

The good news is we eventually made our way back. For me, it began with a conversation. I started chatting randomly outside by the mailbox with a neighbor, and we quickly learned we both liked to read. When we saw each other again, we checked in about the things we were reading. Talking about literature with my neighbors energized me. It didn’t take long for us to form a book club, and we’ve been reading together ever since.

Getting back into the habit will probably look different for you, and that’s okay. Not one person that I interviewed shared the same thing that helped them, but everyone shared the same desire to rediscover the joy of reading again.

Today in this post, I’m sharing the top things that helped readers rediscover their love of reading. Maybe it’ll be the spark you need, or maybe you’ll simply find something that resonates. If you do, let me know!

Give yourself permission to read what you want

“What helped me was to let go of my standards about what I was reading. At the time, I felt like I needed to read something complicated. But giving myself the permission to pick up the fluffiest romance novel or maybe a graphic novel, which are fun, but you know, wasn’t my norm. I had to say to myself, it’s okay to read differently than you used to.”

Kelly Mayfield, author and librarian

“Choose books you love. The second reading feels like a chore, take a break. I’m not afraid to step away from reading for a couple of days, so I can go back with rejuvenation. Thankfully, it doesn’t happen often, but everyone goes through those periods. There are good things about trying to power through. But also, recognizing, maybe your brain doesn’t need this right now. You need to vibe with some music or a stupid show. Tap into something else and then return to it.”

Alyssa, indie bookstore owner

Go easy on yourself, and remember it’s not a contest

“Especially with the book internet community everything can feel like a contest. Even if people are saying it’s fine if you didn’t read 100 books this year, you still internally end up comparing yourself because that’s just human nature.”

Kelly Mayfield, author and librarian

Plan your own reading retreat

“When you read a really wonderful book, you always remember where you were. I recently put a few aside for when I’m able to sit outside and listen to the ocean this summer. It’s such a lovely experience. I save specific books for vacations— ones I’ve been looking forward to and know will fit the vibe. Isola by Allegra Goodman was perfect for a recent trip to the Bahamas— transportive setting and time period, engrossing drama, and the highest stakes. I finished it in two days!”

Sara Revsin

Read together with friends, family, or neighbors

“My daughter and I recently completed a reading challenge, where we read in every room in our house. I mean every room— the living room, the little closet, the garage. She picked the room, we read, and then she marked it off the chart. It was really fun and exciting to read in different spaces. It gave me time to read and her time to read, too. It was good bonding for us.”

Bethany Marcel, editor, mom, and runner

“It’s so nice to talk to someone who has read a book you like or recommended a great one to you. It can be hard finding people who have overlapping taste. I fell in love with reading when my mom would read to me. Now, we share what we’re reading when we talk on the phone, and if we’d recommend it to each other. It’s a way to connect and spend time with her.”

Hannah

Try an audiobook

“I don’t agree with people who say that listening is not reading. As someone who got diagnosed less than a year ago with ADHD, I’ve been learning that people with ADHD are often under-stimulated. Like, let’s say folding laundry, and in order to do the task, you need to have something else taking your attention.

Ashley Hackett

Lean on your local indie bookstore or library

“Use your local bookstore. Go in there and be like here’s what I liked about the last book I read— what should I read next? Booksellers and librarians are the two best resources because people’s tastes are so different, you know? They are all around and can help you to get an idea of what you might like.”

Sara Revsin

“There aren’t many spaces in the United States where you can just be with no monetary expectations. And that really bothers me. Like, of course, you know, I’m running a business. I want to be able to pay my rent, but I also want to provide a space where someone can come and read and not have to spend money to do so. They deserve that. People deserve that. In a world where we rarely connect with others, person to person, thanks to the internet and thanks to a lot of other things that divide us. Simply saying you are invited to come be with us, can be really magical and powerful.”

Alyssa, indie bookstore owner

Let your mood guide your reading choices

“I like having different options to read for whatever mood I’m in. Like, am I in the mood for mental stimulation that challenges my viewpoints? Okay, I’m going to reread Wuthering Heights. And reread each page several times just to figure out what the hell just happened. But sometimes you don’t want that. Sometimes, you just need a book that takes you away from the craziness of the world that we’re living in. One that lifts you up and helps you feel good again.”

Sara Revsin

Change up the pace

“Read short stories like The Sun magazine or other literary journals. Read poetry. You know, there are so many different things to read. And some of them don’t take hours. You can spend five minutes reading a beautiful short story, a beautiful poem, even a novella. And that’s enough. And it might just spark something in you. There’s nothing wrong with reading something very short. I love short stories.”

Bethany Marcel, editor, mom, and runner

Set limits on your screen time

“So much of the book happens inside your own head… and that experience is just for you. It’s different from a movie in that way. When an author is setting you up for something that’s good and you can tell it’s good, you got to allow them to be excellent at their craft. Dig in. Let it happen.”

Randall

“I have limits set on my phone. I like Instagram, but I need to limit myself to 15 minutes a day. And sometimes when I open up Instagram, I ask myself, do I actually want to be doing this right now? Is it making me feel good or making me feel bad? And almost always it’s making me feel bad. I stopped looking at TikTok because it was stressing me out.”

Sara Revsin

Find a cozy space

“The couch in our sunroom is my favorite reading spot. I love curling up with a blanket and seeing the weather outside. If it’s early enough in the day, I’ll have a cup of coffee. When my daughter visits, I love when she curls up on the other side and reads with me.”

Kelly Mayfield, author and librarian

Read when everyone else is sleeping

“For me, reading often happens first thing in the morning. I will make a cup of coffee, turn on a soft light, usually when everyone else in the house is still asleep, and then open a book just for fun. That is my me time. It’s how I start the day. Reading first thing in the morning really centers me. I like to start my day reading. And I feel the difference in myself when I don’t start my day with a book. When I roll over and scroll social media first thing in the morning my attention is more fractured for the rest of the day.”

Bethany Marcel, editor, mom, and runner

Join your girl’s virtual book club

Shameless plug! But also, not everyone lives in a place where they have access to a thriving literary community. Or maybe you do but you can’t commit to one that requires a certain time and place. I’d love to have you read with us. Just say the word in the comments, and I will direct message you with more details.

Until next page,

P.S. What’s missing from this list? I’d love to know what you’d add. Let me know in the comments below!

“There’s such wealth in a tangible thing like a book, you know? To put your hands on it and do some of the creating with the author. So much of the book happens inside your own head… and that experience is just for you. It’s different from a movie in that way. When an author is setting you up for something that’s good and you can tell it’s good, you got to allow them to be excellent at their craft. Dig in. Let it happen. Right now, I’m reading the third book in a series that’s eventually going to have 10 books, which is ridiculous because all of them are over a thousand pages. There’s just so much to dig into. I need to block out the whole world, so I can go into this one and actually understand what’s going on. But it’s a really cool, really involved fantasy novel. So, I got to pay attention. And I’m excited to have the time to get into it and appreciate the art form.”

This post is part of my series People Read Books: Real People, Real Stories on Life and Literature. Follow along for more conversations from people I meet by subscribing free to my Substack.

Seriously though, it’s crazy what people are actually capable of while under pressure, especially when that pressure comes from the need to stay alive.

This month we’re reading Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing. This story follows Ernest Shackleton in 1914 as he sets sail for Antarctica, along with his twenty-seven man crew, to cross the last uncharted continent on foot. On the journey, the Endurance becomes trapped in ice just short of its destination, and we’ll read along to Ernest’s near-impossible 850-mile journey across the South Atlantic.

True story, by the way. Alfred Lansing’s narration is based on the diaries of Shackleton and his crew, as well as firsthand interviews with those still alive at the time this book was written. It’s a story of resilience against all odds.

Are you intrigued yet? If you can’t wait, here’s a quote pulled from the first passage:

I’d love for you to read this month’s book with us, so here’s your invite to join my private community. It’s completely free, and here’s how to participate:

1. Comment “Book Club” on this post, and I’ll send you a DM with your link to join the group chat.

2. Get the book! Visit your local library to grab it for free, or you can click here to add it directly to your cart if you’d prefer to buy it. Any purchases made through this link will support hello reader, love katie or an indie bookstore of your choice!

3. Start reading and chat with us. Answer questions and prompts as we read together, and openly discuss your thoughts and opinions.

Leave a comment

One of my favorite things about our community is members pick our book each month! Join and come ready with your recommendations.

Thank you to Audrey C. for choosing this month’s read, I’m excited to dive in.

We’re building something meaningful and thoughtful here in this book club, so I hope to see you in the group chat.

Until next page,

P.S. Welcome, new subscribers: Ellen S., Zilla, Elle, Tarik O., and Ellie F.! I’m so glad you’re here. Feel free to introduce yourself in the comments.

I’ve spent the last few days reading by a creek in the mountains. The water swirled around the exposed boulders while geese squawked and hollered nearby. The tree branches were full of buds, bursting bright green.

The forest beauty is subtle in this part of the county. It takes it’s time to take hold. But once it does, you notice it everywhere. The soft ferns, the scent of honeysuckle, butterflies fluttering around a cluster of wildflowers.

Sometimes, reading a story or poem can feel that way, too. Slow at first, then all at once, you’re consumed by it.

Other times, stories are anything but subtle. They can be loud, strange, and impossible to ignore.

This month’s reader’s pick falls into that second category.

I’m fascinated by horror, but I don’t typically reach for it. I have a bit of a weak stomach, but if the story’s good enough, I’ll grin and bear it.

Reader’s Pick for April

The book we’re reading this month is Suburban Hell by Maureen Kilmer, picked by Lauren W. The story follows four PTA outsider moms, whose she-shed project accidentally awakens demonic forces, turning their HOA neighborhood into supernatural chaos. The cover’s font reminds me of R.L. Stine’s Goosebump and Fear Street books, giving ‘90s nostalgia all the way.

Here’s how to read the book with us:

1. Comment “Book Talk” on this post to sign up. I’ll send you an email with all the details

2. Grab a copy of the book! You can borrow free from your local library, or if you prefer to buy, I’ve made it easy to add to your cart here. Any purchases made through my links will support hello reader, love katie or an indie bookstore of your choice

3. Read the book, or give it a fair chance

4. Then come join us for a lively discussion

Leave a comment

Welcome, new subscribers! I’m so glad you’re here. Introduce yourself in the comments. Chris S., Mike W., Becky M., Kristina K., Christine H., Catalina A., Sarah L. Eliot P., Tim R., Joseph J., H. Davis, Zach & Kelly M., Bill B., Steena H., Hope S.

Until next page,

There was a time in my life when I did both. In fact, I was so strict about finishing the book before watching the movie that I skipped quite a few watch parties with friends just so I could get the pages in.

Now I’m lucky to finish the book. The question has shifted from “will I be able to finish the book before the movie releases” to “should I read the book OR watch the movie?” As we all feel, there’s only so much time in the day!

Which brings me to the next point. One I’m a bit embarrassed to admit. With the exception of one book, I haven’t finished this dang list yet. That’s what happens when you commit to writing a novel of your own.

So unfortunately, dear reader, I can’t recommend all of these books to you just yet. I don’t know what that says about me. Maybe that I’m a terrible bookstacker? Or just hopelessly honest?

Which reminds me, I have something to ask you. Have you read any of these books yet? Tell me, would you recommend them to a friend like me?

1. Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe (Apple TV, April 2026): Literary fiction novel turned comedy-drama TV series with Nicole Kidman and Elle Fanning. This story is centered around a young mother struggling to make ends meet, who starts an OnlyFans account. Yep, you read that right. An OnlyFans account.

2. Five Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand (Peacock, July 2026): Beach read turned Peacock TV series starring Jennifer Garner. It’s centered around a woman who invites friends from different phases of her life on a weekend trip to Nantucket, after the tragic loss of her husband. This may or may not count as research for the novel I’m writing.

3. Chronicles of Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis (Netflix, November 2026): Children’s classic book turned Greta Gerwig adaptation. Did you read that? Greta Gerwig! You might recognize her name as the Oscar-nominated director for Barbie and Little Women. I’m curious to see her interpretation of this beloved series. But also, sorry Greta, there’s a slim chance that any adaption will beat the joy I felt reading the books as a child and adult when I fell back in love with reading all over again. It’ll be interesting to see how this classic translates to the screen with the tech production stack available in today’s times.

4. The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood (Amazon MGM, premier date TBD 2026): Contemporary romance turned rom-com adaption with Lili Reinhart. The story is centered around a conveniently fake, romantic relationship between a student and professor at Stanford University. This made it to the list because it’s a book club pick.

5. The Correspondent by Virginia Evans (no date yet but just signed with Lionsgate in March): Debut novel turned movie drama with Jane Fonda. It’s centered around a retired lawyer who confronts regret when a letter from her past resurfaces. The novel is a epistolary, which means the story is told entirely by letters and emails. It’ll be interesting to see how the correspondence translates on screen.

All of these books should be available to borrow at no cost to you at a library. If you’re looking to buy, I made it easy for you to shop with this prefilled list at bookshop.org. Purchases made from the website directly support hello reader, love katie or an indie bookstore of your choice.

Until next page,

P.S. This booklist is brought to you by the 5 on Five book link party with participating bookstackers. I’m your host for April and chose movie adaptations as the theme. Book Talk With Lauren is hosting in May. She’s chosen the top five books of the first five months of 2026 for the optional theme. Want to join in on the fun? Learn how to here!

I used to believe censorship was about keeping movies and books out of the hands of children not yet developmentally ready to handle the subject matter. As a parent now with school aged children, I too, have the innate desire to protect them from unnecessary fear.

But after my conversation with school librarian Kelly Mayfield and reflecting on the recent public firing of the Tennessean librarian, who refused to remove 132 books that explore themes like female empowerment, social justice, and equality, I realized there’s more to book censorship than slasher thrillers, and it’s more widespread than I initially thought.

22,810. That’s the number of instances of books banned in U.S. public schools from 2021-2025.

“Never before in the life of any living American have so many books been removed from school libraries across the country.” The words are written on PEN America’s website, a non profit that tracks book bans and fights censorship.

The record-breaking removal of books has been largely led by advocacy groups. All of which has been reported on by experts more qualified than me to talk about education policy, First Amendment rights, and cultural wars.

But I learned a surprising thing talking with Kelly, who is also a mom of six. Some of the books being faced with removal are books we grew up reading. For example, popular series like Winnie the Pooh, Magic Treehouse, and Charlie Brown were on the list of the 2,500+ titles flagged in the Tennessean library.

In this interview we talk about Kelly’s experience with taking on book censorship, facing her own bias, and what else is happening in high school libraries today.

I’m sharing it all here with you (with plenty of book recommendations included!). Maybe it’ll be the spark you need, or maybe you’ll simply find something that resonates. If you do, let us know!

Hi Kelly, welcome to Hello Reader. Please would you start by introducing yourself and tell us what you’re reading?

My name is Kelly, I’m a librarian and author. I always have multiple books going. I’m reading Influenced by Cindy L. Otis and Sarah D. Littman. I just finished it today. It was so good. I could hardly put it down. I’m also reading A Good House for Children by Kate Collins. And I’m doing the one year read of War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy. I pick that up once or twice a week, so I can read several chapters at a time.

As a young reader, you had limited access to books. How did this experience shape your lifelong passion for literary resources?

I remember, I begged my mom and grandmother to teach me to read before kindergarten, and they wouldn’t. They said it would make the teacher’s job too difficult if I knew how to read and other kids didn’t. I was angry at them because I had to wait another year. By second grade, I read everything I could get my hands on. I didn’t realize at the time, but the school library was very outdated.

I grew up on a farm and went to a rural school. Sometimes we combined grades because there wouldn’t be enough students. The local library in town was only open during business hours and my mom worked, so it was hard to get there. When the Bookmobile came to town, I thought it was amazing.

But at that age you don’t know what you don’t have, you know?

When I got married and moved to a bigger town, I went to the library and it had three stories full of books. The first thing I asked was how many are you allowed to check out at a time? They said as many as you want. I was like, is this real? How does this even work?

During your first job as a school librarian you confronted a principal who was removing books from the library. Tell us, how did that go?

I noticed the principal didn’t want books with contemporary Black voices other than sports. She thought the parents should have a say in what their kids read. And I was like, we do have some Black students here. Their experiences and perspectives aren’t being taken into account. And because we’re taking all of these books out, instead of the library opening kids to the world, it’s giving them a limited vision.

Another example, she didn’t want books that mentioned divorce. We had a lot of kids in this school whose parents are divorced. I personally remember Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary, a book that I read several times in elementary school because it was the only book that mentioned divorce. I didn’t know any kids with divorced parents at that time. And I just loved having something that I could relate to.

So, I kept bringing up my point of view and objecting. And eventually, she cut my position. It was convenient for her because, I think, she wanted to hire someone who would go with what she wanted, not ask so many questions and complain.

During the time that I was there, they removed 3,000 books in three years. The library went from 7,000 to 4,000 books. The librarian before me said it used to be one of the largest private school libraries in the state. I still have students from there telling me they got rid of even more. Like, just don’t tell me. I say I don’t even want to hear it. It’s so sad.

So I ended up writing an essay published in an anthology on book banning. It’s called a Library Without Controversy.

What are the students at your current school reading?

I work in a private, religious-based high school. It’s majority white, wealthy students. One reason is because I don’t have a degree in teaching, so that limits where I can work.

My students just buy books that they want to read. So, I don’t get as many checkouts as other schools where students don’t have as much access to books outside of the school library.

Girls are reading a lot more than boys. That’s part of the overall discussion happening now in library circles. Is there a growing divide? Is reading becoming a feminine thing, and why are guys backing away from it?

Manga is huge in high schools, and that’s something that I want to buy in the future. Right now, we don’t have it because I don’t have enough money to add Manga while rebuilding the outdated collection.

The students who are readers— are really big readers. I have a lot of students who read fantasy. The girls often read romcoms and mysteries. They typically come to me saying I want more like this. What else can you recommend for me?

I’m very encouraged to see the students don’t seem to have this idea that, oh, this is written by a person not like me, so it’s for other people, and I’m not going to read it.

For example, after reading Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry by Joya Goffney, some students told me there were some interesting things in there about racism that they hadn’t considered. That’s why it’s so important to not censor what they’re reading. Students like to think about things, they like to have experiences. I mean, nobody reads fantasy because they want something exactly like their own life, right?

You mentioned that readers might assume certain books are not for them based on the author’s background. Tell us, what made you become aware of this bias?

At my former school with mostly white students, when I put books by nonwhite authors on display I noticed that they wouldn’t take them. And, I had to do a little self examination. Like, when is the last time that I checked out a book that wasn’t by a white author? I was open to reading all kinds of authors, but I also had a belief that Black authors were writing for an audience that’s not me.

So I began to rotate authors from different backgrounds than my own. Now, my belief is the total opposite. To me, that’s the whole point of reading…. to experience something you haven’t experienced before.

Schools around the country are banning cell phones. What’s your school’s take? Have you seen a difference in readership?

Our school’s policy is more “we don’t want to see your phone out.” The kids still do find ways to be on their phones. A school in Louisville, Kentucky reported that their library circulation is huge this year because they have taken the cell phone ban very seriously. Phones must stay in the locker at all times. And kids are actually checking out a ton of books there because they don’t have their phones.

With students spending so much time looking at screens, they really do crave doing something with their hands. I put a lot of board games, like chess, puzzles, and fidget devices in my library for screen-free time. I love seeing the kids playing Uno or working on a puzzle as a group while they chat with each other.

You’re also a mom of six. Any advice on how to incorporate reading into a busy family life at home?

Reading out loud. Reading as a family. There are so many books that are good whole family reads that everyone could enjoy. Make trips to the library regularly together.

At the same time, not everybody’s going to be a reader, even if you raise your kids immersed in books like I did. Three of my kids are adults now, and I have one in high school and two in middle school. I have two big readers, two that go through reading phases, and two that don’t read at all. It’s really up to the person, if they want to read or not.

A few years ago you couldn’t bring yourself to read. Any words of wisdom for readers who are having a hard time? What do you wish someone would have said to you then?

I had this experience during the pandemic. When you’re depressed and unable to do the things that bring you joy, the worst part is that you don’t have any assurance it’s going to end. It’s very easy to feel like life is never going to change or I’m failing somehow. You look at other people and think “Well, they’re doing fine. Why aren’t I?”

What helped me was to let go of my standards about what I was reading. At the time, I felt like I needed to read something complicated. But giving myself the permission to pick up the fluffiest romance novel or maybe a graphic novel, which are fun, but you know, wasn’t my norm. I had to say to myself, it’s okay to read differently than you used to. Also I remembered it’s not a contest. Especially with the book internet community everything can feel like a contest. Even if people are saying it’s fine if you didn’t read 100 books this year, you still internally end up comparing yourself because that’s just human nature.

Are you a completist or a do not finisher?

I was a huge chronic finisher until I became a librarian. I have to get through so many books that I’m fine not finishing now. I feel like I need to read enough of the book as part of my job, so I can recommend it to people or know what it’s about. But why waste your time on something you’re not enjoying? That’s the point of reading—to enjoy it!

Favorite reading spot?

The couch in our sunroom. I love curling up with a blanket and seeing the weather outside. If it’s early enough in the day, I’ll have a cup of coffee. When my daughter visits, I love when she curls up on the other side and reads with me.

until next page,

P.S. This interview is part of my series People Read Books: Real People, Real Stories on Life and Literature. Follow along for more conversations from people I meet by subscribing free to my Substack.

But without being vulnerable, there’s no chance of getting to a “yes.” Without rejection, you stay exactly where you are. So how do you go from the “no” to trying again and again?

I learned about a surprising technique called exposure therapy when chatting with Ashley, who spends a great deal of her time in the churn and burn after being illegally fired with 25,000 other federal employees in 2025.

In this conversation, we talk about her take on rejection (inspired by a TedTalk and social media trend) and taking a break from the everyday with books. She also shares her favorite indie bookstores in Washington D.C. and a few hot takes on book culture.

I’m sharing it all here with you (bookstore photoshoot included!). Maybe it’ll be the spark you need to get yourself back out there, or maybe you’ll simply find something that resonates. If you do, let us know!

Hi Ashley, welcome to Hello Reader. Please would you start by introducing yourself and tell us what you’re reading?

My name’s Ashley. I’m a freelance writer based in Washington D.C. Right now, I’m writing for a lot of clients in the tech space and also working on my first novel. Every part of my career has been touched by writing and reading in some way. I’m a former journalist and federal employee. It’s been a year since I got illegally fired from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of AIDS Research.

I’m reading three books: Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë, Red Rising series by Pierce Brown, and A Beast Slinks Towards Beijing: A Novel by Alice Evelyn Yang. I’m also reading a lot of research for the novel I’m writing, which is a dual timeline, dual POV book queer coming of age story with a family generational saga that starts in 1950s Argentina and moves to 1980s Washington D.C., when the AIDS epidemic was in full swing, to present day.

It’s been a year since you lost your job at NIH. Tell us about the departure and where you are now?

I was fired from the best job I’d ever had.

Many of my colleagues and I opened a letter from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) saying our “performance had not been adequate.”

I worked as a science writer and communications specialist at NIH for three years and received a stellar annual performance review two weeks prior. Within the next hour, I’d lost access to all of my work accounts.

And yeah, I got mad…I showed up to the Senate with hundreds of other fired feds to ask the Senators what they were gonna do about it (the answer is nothing of substance).

About six months in, I stopped spiraling and my creative life began. I applied and got into a novel writing program. I formed an LLC and booked my first editing job. I started my Substack Throughlines.

I’ll always be passionate about public health. At the NIH I felt like I was making a difference in my community. I absolutely loved my job, and I was devastated by the firing of tens of thousands of federal employees.

Now, though? I’m working on cool projects that interest me, including a 1,000 rejection challenge inspired by entrepreneur Jia Jiang and a 2025 TikTok trend. I share it all on my Substack and invite others to track and celebrate their rejections with me.

Wait… you’re tracking and celebrating your rejections… with the goal of reaching 1,000 this year? And you’re sharing it all on the Internet? Tell us more.

My Substack itself exists in part because I wanted to try out some “exposure therapy” by exposing myself to the uncomfortable feeling of writing emotionally vulnerable essays and publishing them for the whole Internet to see. As many other writers will attest, this action is terrifying. But it gets so much easier the more you do it. Why wouldn’t that same logic work for rejection?

You mentioned you’d like to take a break from the everyday with a book. When did that habit start for you?

I was a voracious reader when I was a kid. Like, you could not get me out of a book. I remember a specific time when I was laying on my couch reading a fantasy book and my mom kept calling my name and talking to me, which I didn’t realize until after she was waving her hands in front of my face to get my attention. I was so engrossed in the book that I couldn’t even hear her. I had no idea what was going on around me. I still remember that being the time that I knew that reading was my favorite hobby.

Why escape with a book now with everything going on in the world?

Words are one of the most important things we have right now. I remember being in school when dystopian novels like Hunger Games and Divergent came out. Dystopian novels were huge then, but now it feels like we’re living in one to me. It’s really important to explore perspectives different from your own, whether it’s a queer perspective, a person of color, etc.

Just a trend or here to stay?

Analog living…

Personally, I think the analog trend is silly and performative in itself. When you’re treating something analog as a trend, you’re not going analog because you’re sharing it on social media, you know what I mean? Like the irony is crazy!

With that being said, anything that gets people wanting to read is amazing. Although I find the analog trend to be ironic and silly, I’m glad that people are showing the desire to want to get back to these things.

Romantasy…

I love that romantasy has been commercially popular, and it’s a great point for people to get back into reading.

Classics…

I missed the classics train in high school and college, and I’m trying to catch up before I go see the movies that are coming out!

Most of us have more books on our TBR (to be read) lists than time to read. How do you select what to read?

I’ll give any book a shot, if the subject matter sounds interesting to me. But generally, I look for books in the genre that I enjoy, which is fantasy. Where I’ll stop reading is if the writing style is, I don’t know how to say this, if it’s bad. Like, grammar errors shouldn’t be in a book! That will turn me off. Even if it’s an incredible story concept and my friends love it, I won’t finish it, if I can’t get past the writing quality.

Favorite reading spots in Washington D.C.?

Reading in a bar is so romantic.

There’s this one sushi restaurant in D.C. that’s swanky, dimly lit, and they have a great bar. It’s called O-ku... And I love going there for happy hour. I get a cocktail, a sushi roll, and read my book. It’s one of my favorite places to read. Other than that, I’m reading on the metro, in coffee shops, everywhere.

Favorite indie bookstores in Washington D.C.?

The Little Gay Bookstore is my favorite. I mean, the name says it all. It pulls a lot of queer books, which I love personally. There’s also Lost City Books, which is great. And Politics and Prose has a lot of author readings coming through. It’s not just political. They carry it all.

Would you rather listen to an audio book or read in your hands?

Excuse me, I’m a big audiobook person. I don’t agree with people who say that listening is not reading. As someone who got diagnosed less than a year ago with ADHD, I’ve been learning that people with ADHD are often under-stimulated. Like, let’s say folding laundry, and in order to do the task, you need to have something else taking your attention.

So now I don’t feel bad about listening to an audiobook while I’m washing dishes. It’s my way of making the chore more enjoyable. And I can pay attention.

One of my favorite parts about audiobooks now are multiple narrators and sound effects. It’s great for Sci-fi and fantasy that are action- oriented. When I get a book that’s a little bit more literary with beautiful prose, I read it physically.

This concludes our conversation. Thank you, Ashley, for taking the time to share with us. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

until next page,

P.S. This interview is part of my series People Read Books: Real People, Real Stories on Life and Literature. Follow along for more conversations from people I meet by subscribing free to my Substack.

Even as I write this, I catch myself imagining the hearts, comments, and new subscribers this post might (or might not) bring. It’s hard not to keep score.

But what happens when your sense of self starts rising and falling with those numbers?

A year ago, Sara was at the top of her field, a C-suite executive in marketing at a tech company. Today, she’s at home writing her first novel and reading any chance she can get while caring for her two daughters. We met at a writing challenge shortly after she left the corporate world and have kept in touch ever since.

In this conversation, she shares what made her walk away from the executive life, what she found in the idle times that followed, and how books helped her reconnect with a part of herself she lost.

Hi Sara, welcome to Hello Reader. Please would you start by introducing yourself and tell us what you’re reading?

I’m Sara, an aspiring novelist working on my first book. I’m on the second draft, and I’ve been writing full-time since I left my job in tech last April. I’m also mom of two young daughters.

I’m currently reading The Hidden Machinery by Margot Livesey, which is a book of essays on writing, The Vagabond by Colette, which is a really interesting book from 1910, written by a French woman who was a prolific writer that’s a bit lost to history. I just finished Little One by Olivia Muenter, which I loved!

It’s been almost a year since you left your role as chief marketing officer at a tech company. Tell us about the departure, and how has it shaped your life?

It’s definitely one of those things in life that I didn’t recognize until after the fact, when I felt very disconnected from the creative part of my identity.

For the longest time, I was so focused on achievement and climbing the ladder as high as I could, it zapped me mentally, and I would end each day wanting to let my brain go. I didn’t have much time or energy to devote to reading and writing. I read at night in bed but passed out without getting very far.

And then I had kids.

And I was like, ugh, all of that doesn’t actually matter to me anymore. And do I really want to be stressed out about a job that’s not giving anything back to me?

So I left my job. It was toxic, and I was burnt out. After working a very stressful career for many years, I had the privilege to take a beat and decide what I wanted to do next. In the aftermath, I started asking myself, okay, how do I actually want to spend my time? Very quickly, reading made it to the top of my list.

And so, I threw myself into books head first. In the process, I began to divorce my sense of self-worth from achievement. If I didn’t allow myself the space to do that, I wouldn’t have gotten back in touch with the part of myself that I lost. The creative, curious thinker thirsty for different viewpoints.

Tell us more about the part of yourself that you recently rediscovered. Who is she? What does she like to read?

As long as I can remember, I loved reading. American Girl was a formative series for me. I checked them out from the library because we didn’t have a lot of money. I’ve always been interested in the historical aspect of a story and books that could tell me something about the world or take me to a place that I never been.

You’re a self-described mood reader. How do you let your moods guide your reading choices?

I like having different options to read for whatever mood I’m in. Like, am I in the mood for mental stimulation that challenges my viewpoints? Okay, I’m going to reread Wuthering Heights. And reread each page several times just to figure out what the hell just happened.

But sometimes you don’t want that. Sometimes, you just need a book that takes you away from the craziness of the world that we’re living in. One that lifts you up and helps you feel good again.

I also save specific books for vacations— ones I’ve been looking forward to and know will fit the vibe. Isola by Allegra Goodman was perfect for a recent trip to the Bahamas— transportive setting and time period, engrossing drama, and the highest stakes. I finished it in two days!

Speaking of the world we live in, is there anything you’d like to say about why books matter today especially?

I went to see author George Saunders when he was in Boston a couple weeks ago for his new book. He talked about reading and what it can do for culture. You know, the more you read, the more open you feel toward difference, and the more empathy you have for people that are not like you.

We would all be better off if we read more. It helps grow your humanity in a way. Someone said at the event, the hour after you spend reading, you’re a little bit more of a generous person. And I like that. Read to understand people. There’s so much going on under the surface of every person you come across.

What advice do you have for someone wanting to get back to books but doesn’t know where to start?

Use your local bookstore. Go in there and be like here’s what I liked about the last book I read— what should I read next? Booksellers and librarians are the two best resources because people’s tastes are so different, you know? Lean on the local literary influencers around you to get an idea of what you might like.

Also the rise of book clubs is so cool. Even if you don’t know someone that’s running a book club, go to your neighborhood group and ask who wants to start a book club?

What’s your go-to indie bookstore in the Boston area?

The Boston area is quite culturally rich. Like these people read. They’re nerdy. They love it. And so, literature is very active here. Every night of the week you could find somewhere to go and something to do.

Newtonville Books is my neighborhood bookstore. And two new bookstores just opened within 10 minutes of me. People supposedly aren’t reading books, but clearly people are reading if two bookstores just got financing to open. And the events I’ve been to are full of people and lovely conversations.

I’m trying to be a better literary citizen. I love going to events at local bookstores, author events, even for people that I don’t know. It feels good supporting local business. And it’s really affirming to be in a room of people that love reading and talking about books.

You’re mom to two daughters. It’s nearly impossible to completely disconnect from tech while raising kids these days. Any advice for parents wanting to incorporate more reading time into their family?

I mean, I need tips on how to get my five year old to read!

My niece and nephew, who are 10 and 12, like graphic novels. And their parents asked me if that counts as reading. Anything that will get a kid a little bit interested in reading is great. So just be, you know, flexible.

For me, I’m careful with my scrolling time on my phone. I have limits set on my phone. I like Instagram, but I need to limit myself to 15 minutes a day. And sometimes when I open up Instagram, I ask myself, do I actually want to be doing this right now? Is it making me feel good or making me feel bad? And almost always it’s making me feel bad. I stopped looking at TikTok because it was stressing me out.

The one thing helping me to disconnect is having time blocks on my calendar that repeat every day. I have an hour every morning to journal, read, and have coffee. Something about the ritual forces me to not be on my phone first thing in the morning. It helps set my brain on the right direction for the day.

What are you most excited for about reading in 2026?

Reading books by my favorite authors on vacation.

When you read a really wonderful book, you always remember where you were. I recently put a few aside for when I’m able to sit outside and listen to the ocean this summer. It’s such a lovely experience.

This concludes our conversation. Thank you, Sara, for taking the time to share with us. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. You can learn more about Sara and the books she’s reading and writing on her Substack.

until next page,

P.S. This interview is part of my series People Read Books: Real People, Real Stories and Portraits on the Quiet Art of Literature. Follow along for more conversations from people I meet by subscribing free to my Substack.

You don’t have to be a long-distance runner to know it. Start any task too fast or slow and you’ll pay for it later. Settle into the right rhythm and the miles begin to take care of themselves.

Reading or writing a book can often feel like this, too.

I was reminded of that when chatting with Bethany, who spends a great deal of her time thinking about pacing both on the page and on the trail. She’s an editor, creative writer (keep scrolling for her inspiring accolades!), and mom. Last spring, she completed her first marathon.

In this interview, we talk about pacing, attention, and why a sustainable reading practice can feel a lot like running. Bethany also shares how she invites her daughter into her reading time (and when she prefers not to), and some words of wisdom for new caregivers.

I’m sharing it all here with you (running puns included!). Maybe it’ll be the oomph you need to get out of a reading or writing slump, or maybe you’ll simply find something that resonates. If you do, let me know!

Hi Bethany, and welcome to HELLO READER. Please, would you start by introducing yourself and share what you’re reading.

I’m Bethany, an editor, creative writer, and mom living in Portland, Oregon. I’m always reading multiple things at once. Right now, I’m listening to the audiobook of Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid. I just started reading Gifted and Talented by Olivie Blake, which I’m really enjoying so far. I’m also reading Advanced Marathoning By Pete Pfitzinger and Scott Douglas because I’m a runner (not an advanced marathoner!)— a friend let me borrow it, you know, for wisdom.

You’re a freelance editor, creative writer with work in The Sun, and have been awarded residencies at Tin House and more. Writing and reading is your full time job. Tell me, how do you find the stamina?

I’m always reading something. Whether it’s rereading my own work, reading someone else’s work, or just opening a book. But with reading for work, you see people care about books. I find joy in the projects that I read so often, and that sparks something in me, it makes me want to read and write.

But when I feel burnt out, it can be hard for me to remember why I love books at times. And so, I have to find time to make sure I’m just reading for pleasure. Usually that means I’m reading sexy romance novels, or something that’s just so fun and helps me move out of the seriousness of it, where I’m not thinking so much.

Speaking of feeling burnt out, what do you do when you hit the wall with words?

Ooh, change up the pace. Read short stories. Read The Sun Magazine or other literary journals. Read poetry. You know, there are so many different things to read. And some of them don’t take hours. You can spend five minutes reading a beautiful short story, a beautiful poem, even a novella. And that’s enough. And it might just spark something in you. There’s nothing wrong with reading something very short. I love short stories.

You’re also a mom. How do you get your reading intervals in at home?

For me, that often happens first thing in the morning. I will make a cup of coffee, turn on a soft light, usually when everyone else in the house is still asleep, and then open a book just for fun. That is my me time. It’s how I start the day. Reading first thing in the morning really centers me. I like to start my day reading.

And I feel the difference in myself when I don’t start my day with a book. When I roll over and scroll social media first thing in the morning my attention is more fractured for the rest of the day.

Young readers read a different pace than adults. Tell me, how do you adjust your pace to support your daughter’s love of books?

When my daughter was younger it was hard. I read less. I went on walks or runs with her in the stroller and an audio book on. When I sat down and cracked open a book, it was for 10 minutes at a time or less.

Now that she’s older, she’s reading for fun. At first, reading was a chore, but now she loves it. In the evening, when I say good night and she has a book in her hands, it’s just so cute. It’s adorable.

We recently completed a reading challenge, where we read in every room in our house. I mean every room— the living room, the little closet, the garage. She picked the room, we read, and then she marked it off the chart. It was really fun and exciting to read in different spaces. It gave me time to read and her time to read, too. It was good bonding for us.

What words of wisdom would you share with new parents or guardians as they begin the lifelong marathon of caregiving?

Go easy on yourself. I remember putting a lot of pressure on myself in the beginning. But infancy is just a hard phase, and it’s so intense. Find little moments where you can take time for yourself. It’s so important. Don’t forget who you are, but also just give yourself grace and compassion because it’s such a challenge.

This concludes our conversation. Thank you, Bethany, for taking the time to share with us. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

until next page,

P.S. This interview is part of my series People Read Books: Real People, Real Stories and Portraits on the Quiet Art of Reading. Follow along for more conversations from people I meet by subscribing free to my Substack.

We’re all busy.

Our days are packed with endless tasks we need to do just to get by. The time we have left to do the things that bring us joy, like reading a book, is limited. Which puts pressure on the inevitable decision every reader faces— which book should I read next?

I was reminded of this when chatting with Catherine, the reader who picked Hemlock and Silver by T. Kingfisher to read together this month, when she shared her nerves about the choice.

“I don’t want to waste people’s time on a book they don’t like. Not that anybody will be mean about it. Still, I want the book to be one that people enjoy… that sparks a good conversation,” she said.

And that’s just the thing about this book club. It’s not just about what books we read together. It’s about coming together and sharing our reading experiences, whether you enjoyed the book or not. Besides, you don’t have to finish a book you don’t like. Give it a fair chance, at least 50 pages or so, and come ready to share what was or wasn’t working for you.

Hemlock and Silver by T. Kingfisher is a popular fantasy novel centered around Anja, an herb-obsessed healer who lives a quiet life. That’s until the king calls upon her to save his dying daughter. On the quest to save her, Anja finds a secret: a dark world that might hold the cure… or the thing that could kill them all.

Here’s how to read the book with us:

1. Register FREE for the online book discussion (or email me directly for information about the in-person meetup)

2. Get the book! You can borrow at no cost from your local library. If you’re looking to buy, I made it easy for you to add to cart here. Purchases you make from my links will support hello reader, love katie or an indie bookstore of your choice

3. Read the book, or at the very least give it a fair chance

4. Come join us for a lively discussion

Register FREE for book discussion

Meet Catherine, the reader who picked the book

Hi Catherine, you’re a founding member. Thanks for sticking around with us. Please start by introducing yourself for anyone who hasn’t had the pleasure of meeting you.

Hi, I’m Catherine. I work from home with my cats, dog, and husband. I’m mom to Poppy, who is about to finish up second grade. I enjoy baking, gardening, and have been an avid reader since I was a child.

How did you come by Hemlock & Silver by T. Kingfisher?

It popped up on a 2025 new release list. I also read T. Kingfisher’s Nettle & Bone, which I really liked.

You mentioned feeling a little nervous about choosing Hemlock & Silver to read with the group. Tell us more about that.

I’m most nervous to recommend this one because it’s such a departure from what we typically read. Also, I’ve never read it before. People could hate it. But it wouldn’t be the first one. I just hope it doesn’t go lower than My Husband. [laughs] It’s still funny that people in our book club hated that one so much.

Everybody has different taste. And, that’s fine. One of my favorite things about book club is we actually talk about the book and have good conversations. So I don’t want my pick to be a book that I can’t even get through. Or so lame that people don’t want to finish it.

What ultimately led you to choose Hemlock & Silver for book club?

In a good way, it reminds me of books that I read when I was in middle school. But Hemlock & Silver is not a young adult novel. It’s a bit darker than that. Still, something seems nostalgic about it.

And it’s interesting because it’s a retelling of Snow White, who is not the main character. Obviously, it will deviate quite a bit from the Disney version because this is an adult book. But yeah, I’m curious to see how it parallels and what direction the author took it.

What about Hemlock & Silver made you want to read it with the group?

Because it’s a retelling, I’m curious to see if it will provoke some feeling of nostalgia. And will people in this group even like a book like this one? I always appreciate everybody’s different opinion, and I’m really curious to see what people think about it.

You mentioned the nostalgia of being a young fantasy reader. Tell us, what draws you to the genre and keeps you coming back in adulthood?

It depends how political you want to get. But in general, I’m more drawn toward fantasy now than other fiction because of today’s times. I need something that takes me out of everything that’s happening right now. Like, I just can’t continue to steep myself here, even everything happening in my own life. So fantasy helps me escape to a different world, even if it’s just for a little while.

Will you listen to or read Hemlock & Silver?

I’ll listen to the audio from the Libby app, if it’s available. And because that’s what I have time for right now. I’m an audio person for the sake of time.

Based on what you know now, if Hemlock & Silver was a drink, what would it be?

A Dark and Moody. It’s a riff on a Daiquiri. It tastes similar but it’s definitely funkier. And, it’s got a little bit of a bite. So, it’s something that touches on the familiar, but is very different, which is what I’m expecting from this book.

Can’t join us this time? No worries. There’s always next month. In the meantime, you can browse the full list of books we’re reading this year. We’ll decide which one to read next during the group discussion. This keeps things flexible should we find ourselves reading too much of the same.

Until next page,

That’s what stayed with me after listening to what author TJ Klune had to say when he was in town a few days ago.

As both a reader and writer, I’m surprised by how easily I forget the importance of literature. How deeply it shapes humanity, how it connects us, how it helps us make sense of the world. Which is why this author event arrived at the right time.

I was eager to chat with TJ Klune for one simple reason. I adore his book The House in The Cerulean Sea. There are so many things to love about it—rich characters, overcoming adversity, humor, magical writing that opens your heart. I laughed. I cried. I laughed because I was crying. Fans of the book: Scroll down for TJ Klune’s inspiration for his beloved characters.

One benefit of being an aspiring novelist near a large metropolitan area is best-selling authors are likely to visit. The downside is that it’s unlikely you’ll get a dedicated one-on-one conversation with one. But don’t let that get in your way of asking. You just might find, like I did, a way to get your answers anyway.

Spots for TJ Klune’s events were free and taken within a of couple hours. Luckily, I signed up in time to get seats at a writer’s talk and an event for fans.

I’m sharing my takeaways from both events here with you. Maybe you need a reminding like me, or maybe you’re a fan wanting to know more about the author. Either way, I hope you’ll find something here for you.

Books hold power.

They can make you laugh, cry, provide an escape, gain new perspectives, and so much more. TJ Klune articulated this in a way that landed. “Are books going to fix the world? No. People do. But books can inspire us. They’re here to teach us kindness, empathy… put us in other people’s shoes,” he said at the writer’s talk.

Writing and reading communities are lifelines.

This is especially true for people who don’t have a safe place to be themselves. “I didn’t have a good home as a kid to put it mildly… If it weren’t for my two English teachers and a librarian, I don’t know where I would be today,” TJ Klune shared at the events.

Not all writers fit neatly into the “plotter” or “pantser” box.

In case you’re not familiar with writer speak, those who write by the seat of their pants are often referred to as “panters” and those who stick to rigid outlines are “plotters.” TJ Klune’s outlines for his books are at least 100,000 words— thick with research that takes anywhere for 6-12 months. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t deviate from his plan.“Try things just to see if you can do it,” He advised the group of writers. He recommended Steven King’s book On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft.

Terrible book release timing doesn’t necessarily mean readers won’t find your book.

March 2020 and January 6, 2021— ring a bell, anyone? The House in the Cerulean Sea was released when the US shut down during the Covid pandemic. Still, readers found their way to the book. It became a New York Times Best Seller on the same day of the attack on the US capitol.

Fan fiction can split a room of authors, readers, and publishers.

What’s TJ Klune’s take on this charged topic you might wonder? “Fan fiction is an act of love for books and stories. If you want to write 100,000 words about a world and characters I created… and post it online for free… go for it,” he said at the event.

If you’re writing or reading only dark things, you might want to ask yourself, “Am I okay?”

One of the many things I love about TJ Klune’s writing in House in the Cerulean Sea is the humor. I especially enjoyed the workplace satire and often found myself musing over phrases like “extremely upper management.” As someone with a humor tendency, I had to ask TJ Klune: “At what stage does humor come into your drafts?”

His reply was long-winded. Here’s what I managed to capture in my notebook: “Humor is subjective… I’m glad you found it funny…. others certainly didn’t…. But if you’re writing too many dark things, ask yourself, ‘am I okay?’… [the room erupted with laughter]… “That’s not life… Life has dark and light moments… and I want my books to reflect that.”

Don’t read something just because everyone else is— read what you want.

“Read books that bring you joy, that bring you happiness, and read books on writing.” TJ Klune said to the room full of writers. He recommended Guards! Guards! by Terry Pratchett. “It’s the funniest book ever written.”

Talia, a character in his book, is based on a garden gnome.

This one’s for fans of The House in the Cerulean Sea. The beloved character Chauncey is TJ Klune’s tribute to the wonderful determination kids have to pursue what they love— no matter what stands in their way.

Talia, on the other hand, was inspired by a chipped garden gnome that followed the author through multiple moves across the country.

Sal and Phee, TJ Klune confessed, may have been shortchanged in the book, but that’s about to change— he has plans to give them more time in the spotlight!

“Hey TJ, if your book was a drink, what would it be?”

I couldn’t leave the event without knowing the answer. Not to toot my own horn, but TJ Klune lit up when asked about House in the Cerulean Sea. “You’d think it would be fruity… and tropical… But no... It’s Boba... Not everyone enjoys tiny balls bursting in their mouths,” the author said... [the audience erupted in laughter]… The answer closed out the talk and fans rose from their chairs in a standing ovation.

Until next chapter,

“I fell in love with reading when my mom would read to me. She started with The Lion, Witch, and Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. I was obsessed. When I could read on my own, we had reading challenges. Now, we share what we’re reading when we talk on the phone, and if we’d recommend it to each other. It’s a way to connect and spend time with her. And it’s so nice to talk to someone who has read a book you like or recommended a great one to you. It can be hard finding people who have overlapping taste. Currently, I’m reading more nonfiction and history because the state of world and the trajectory in which it feels like it’s going. Books can be such an escape, but I think it’s great to pair that with a healthy dose of reality. Even in fiction, I want to draw those parallels. It allows you to have a better connection with the world around you. Life is a richer experience when you’re reading. Especially with the instant gratification in the world we live in right now. Reading can only do you good. But don’t do it because it’s good for you. Read to expose yourself to enriching things. And because it’s fun.”

People Read Books: Real people, real stories and portraits on the quiet art of reading by Katie Garcia. Hannah at Silent Book Club. Photography by Tyree Trice.

“Literacy is a gift. My grandma was the only one of her siblings who learned how to read. She would explore worlds and get lost in books, but her siblings never had the choice. They were a family of sharecroppers and my grandma being the youngest was sent to school while her siblings stayed back to work. Reading was really important to her, and she really encouraged it. Growing up, we would all take turns reading the same book in the house. I would read and pass the book to my brother. Then we would all talk about it. And everyone had their favorite books, you know. Some of my mine were the American Girl Series with Addie, a gift from my grandparents. It was a way to bond with family. And I think that bond carries, you know? I love talking about books with people. Like what are you reading and why do you like it? Reading is community. And being able to absorb knowledge on your own time is power. Regardless what you read, it is power.”

People Read Books: Real people, real stories and portraits on the quiet art of reading by Katie Garcia. Aurora and friend at Silent Book Club. Photography by Tyree Trice. Mural by Maddyebbert.art.

A week ago, I stood at a window watching people weave around piles of snow, arms full of books, camp chairs over shoulders, pint cups in hand— a dog even snuggled with a blanket in a backpack carrier. The biting winds and lingering Arctic air from last weekend’s winter storm weren’t enough to keep them home. These readers had a date with a book at That’s Novel, an indie bookstore in North Carolina.

You might recall the bookstore in a recent story I wrote about owner Alyssa Pressler for The Reading Life Series. She’s the organizer of tonight’s event. A silent book club, where approximately 150-regulars come with a book to read together in quiet company.

Two hours of people sitting together and reading whatever they want! Leaving the comfort of your own space to sit in silence with dozens? I had to see this bookish fervor with my own eyes!

People of all ages and backgrounds read pages on paperbacks, hardcovers, kindles, and phones.

I looked in my own bag for my book. It wasn’t there. And I began to question my own devotion. Can I even introduce myself as a reader tonight? I came to a silent book club and forgot to bring a book to read.

I found my way to Alyssa. She looked around the room packed with readers and commented on the size of the crowd. To her it looked smaller than usual. “It’s probably because of the weather,” she said.

This post isn’t sponsored content to promote a place of business, so you know. The only person paying me to write it is my one and only paid subscriber here on Substack (I see you and thank you so much for supporting my writing!).

It’s not about performative reading or shallow displays of literary devotion. Although I do have a tendency to romanticize. I’m forever looking for writing assignments that feed my desire to become the rom-com version of a journalist.

Apparently, I’m not the only one. In the New York Post’s Move Over Dating app, Gen Z is now having meet-cutes at book clubs, reported last year that nearly 2,000 Americans who attended a book club found that 23% met someone they’re romantically interested in.

But this isn’t about people falling in love with each other. It’s about people falling in love with reading. Or at least, that’s what I believed going into the the interviews. What I discovered, though, something else, perhaps more profound than love itself, was happening here at the silent read.

Surely every reader knows when they fell in love with reading. Or so I thought. When I asked a few people that question during a social break, I watched them fidget and their eyes search the room nervously.

“Sorry, I’m, like, struggling to find the words,” one reader confessed.

I needed to pivot.

A reader holding a romantasy novel in her hand reminded me of the romance plot sheet I recently read for my own work-in-process. Immediately, the meet-cute moment came to mind. The meet-cute! Typically placed near the beginning of a romance novel, it’s the moment when the couple first encounters one another. Sparks may fly or they may trip over awkwardness (sometimes called the meet-ugly) depending on the author’s approach.

The meet-cute felt like something you could wrap a lasso around. A smaller ask.

And that’s all that took to crack open the box. After readers shared their meet-cute moments with books, the love story began to unravel.

“My first obsession series was Click by Kayla Miller. It had our whole middle school in a chokehold,” reader Robin shared with me during a social break.

Like Robin, Helen’s meet-cute happened in high school in English Literature class.

“It was such an amazing introduction to international authors. We read Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Haruki Murakami, and Khaled Hosseini. As a high school student, you know, 16 years old, it really broke down barriers and introduced me to things way across the world. That was beautiful, ” she shared with me.

“I fell in love with reading when my mom would read to me. She started with The Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. When I got a little older, we had reading challenges. It was a way to connect and spend time with her,” said Hannah.

Unlike early readers, Sarina shared that her love literature didn’t happen until she was an adult.

“After college, I had a service year. I joined a little book club and read 17 books that year. Wow— it was just so much fun. And since then, it has been this really sweet and kind thing to do for myself,” Sarina shared.

I nearly cried when Aurora opened up to me about what reading means to her.

“Literacy is a gift. My grandma was the only one of her siblings who learned how to read. They didn’t have a choice. She could explore worlds and lose herself in a book. But her siblings never had the chance to,” Aurora said.

Aurora explained that her grandma was the youngest in a family of sharecroppers. She was sent to school while her siblings stayed back to work.

“I just want people to know that being able to absorb knowledge on your own time is power. Regardless what you read, it is power.” Aurora continued.

Speaking of reading for yourself, reader Belinda shares the benefits outside of your own self-filling desires.

“Reading really opens you up. You become more understanding of other people and how they think.” Belinda said.

For local author Jen, it’s all about escape.

“It’s a chance to go into fantasy worlds, we all need a break from responsibilities. Whether it’s a world I’m creating on paper and sharing with readers, or a story somebody else wrote,” Jen shared.

After the event and getting into the car, I noticed something between the seat and the console. It was the book I meant to bring to the silent read! The reader in me failed to show up tonight. But the aspiring novelist in me heard the message from readers loud and clear. People still love books. And maybe, there’s a reason even grander than love to share reading with a group. Maybe, it’s a sense of belonging.

Until next page,

P.S. I’m leaving you with more meet-cute moments from online readers here on Substack.

A secret room full of books? Say no more, !

A doll with a book was all it took to hook .

This first chapter book was everything to .

Sometimes, a good book finds you. This book recommendation set the course for .

It wasn’t Captain Underpants that made fall in love with reading. It was the biography of Abraham Lincoln, of course!

When you find an irresistible book, you go all in. For , it was 121+ books in!

It’s me. Hi. I’m the reader who picked the book. It’s me.

And normally it’s me who interviews the reader who picked the book. So, what am I to do? You guessed it! I’m interviewing myself.

Maybe you think I’m a little strange. Or maybe, like me, you like to think of it as a tiny tribute to the late Catherine O’Hara and the bold characters she played. In that case, let’s call it avant-garde.

And maybe what this all really means— is that you need to read the book with me and join the discussion. Please, for the love of G-O-D, so I don’t continue asking myself my own questions and answering them!

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

This month we’re reading Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid. It’s a historical novel centered around a secret romance between two female astronauts in the 1980s space shuttle program. Here’s how you can read the book with us:

1. Register FREE for the February online book discussion (or email me directly for information about the in-person meetup)

2. Get the book! You can borrow at no cost from your local library. If you’re looking to buy, I made it easy for you to add to cart here. Purchases you make from my affiliate links will support hello reader <3 katie or an indie bookstore of your choice

3. Read the book, or at the very least give it a fair chance

4. Come join us for a lively discussion

Register FREE for the book discussion

Meet Katie, the reader who picked the book

Hi Katie and welcome to hello reader! Please start by introducing yourself.

This is so silly, interviewing myself. Hi, I’m Katie. We likely met already. I’m a lifelong reader and writer at work on many bookish projects. You can read plenty more about me here on Substack.

How did you come across Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid?

I follow author Taylor Jenkins Reid because I adore her books Daisy Jones and the Six and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. And when I saw the teaser for Atmosphere, her latest release, I added it to my TBR right away.

What stood out about the book? And what led you to pick Atmosphere?

One thing I love about Reid’s writing is the atmosphere. For me, her stories are intensely emotional yet grounded in a strong sense of time and place. So when I saw the title of her latest release I was in awe. In my opinion, she does such a good job pulling you into whichever era her books are set in. I’m really interested to see how she does the 1980s and space!

What about Atmosphere made you want to read it with the group?

The last two books I picked for book club were Taylor Jenkins Reid. So why not continue the trend? Plus, it’s part love story, part woman-in-a-man’s world. And, it’s February. We can all use a tug on the heartstrings while cheering for an underdog in the dead of winter.

Based on what you know now, if the book was a drink, what would it be?

A cosmo, of course! Specifically, the abbreviated name for the cocktail because of the word play. But also because it’s feminine yet deceptively strong and edgy like many of Reid’s main characters. It’s Sex in the City. It’s boss lady millennial. And served best in nostalgia. Because I certainly couldn’t finish a cosmopolitan these days without immediately falling asleep afterward.

Will you listen to the audio or read it?

Read it 100%. If the book is anything like her others, it will be a page turner for me. And, the best thing about that? The gentle brush of paper on your fingertips. It really adds to the experience.

Can’t join us this time? No worries. Browse the full list of books we’re reading this year. We’ll decide which one to read next during the group discussion. This keeps things flexible should we find ourselves reading too much of the same thing.

Until next page,

P.S. I’ll leave you with a few more thoughts from writers about interviewing that I enjoyed reading here on Substack this week.

This ponderous question from sounds like something Moira of Schitt’s Creek would say!

made me laugh out loud.

And of course, the constant dilemma on any writer’s hand — time, from :

Credits from the gallery:

1. Cosmopolitan cocktail from loveandlemons.com, a recipe website I frequent.

2. The book cover of Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid from bookshop.org. Isn’t it so cool?

3. I don’t need this shirt. I’m not buying this shirt. And, I don’t get commission on Etsy links. I’m sharing because the names on this shirt are characters from four of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s books— it’s a vibe!

4. Catherine O’Hara as Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek (the last television series that actually sustained my attention to the end). If you’re a big fan of Catherine O’Hara, like me, maybe you found yourself in tears last week on hearing the news of her passing. And maybe, you found yourself wondering why you can’t stop weeping? And, maybe, your friend, Erin, found a few words to help you process the loss of this icon.

5. By the way, did you notice the Taylor Swift song references in this post? Make my day by guessing which ones in the comments!