Friends, I really wish I could say I am highly immersed in a book. That’s just not the case. I find myself unable to sit down and read. It happens, the dreaded reading slump. My only advice if you find yourself in a similar boat, don’t force it. The want to read will come back and the right book will make it worth it. When I’m ready here’s what I’m choosing from.

Listen, if you ask me my favorite restaurants in the city it’s usually Bavette’s and Le Colonial. Crying Tiger could take Le Colonial’s spot if it was actually possible to get a reservation there. Highlights: Cabbage and Shredded Chicken salad, Glass noodles, Crispy eggplant, Duck curry, Vietnamese coffee ice cream.

Other spots I’ve recently tried -

Jomon (Sushi, Bucktown): Perfect neighborhood sushi spot. Infatuation review has them very busy but their fish is very fresh and kitchen was moving. I would do more nigiri than maki for when I go back.

Holey Dough (Bagels, Little Italy): Fak me these are so good! Limited drops on Saturday and Sundays, sent out via text.

Cafe Gimi (All Day Cafe, Bucktown): If you like the Milk Bar cereal milk soft serve, I highly recommend the Cornflake Latte. The cafe is definitely aesthetic and there is a lot on the menu to choose from. Exciting add to the neighborhood.

Sterling Point started to feel a bit too CW and young for me. That said, I’m super excited to see Ella Rubin in God of the Woods. I am about 3 episodes into Furious and I am locked in, wow.

Additionally, I’m playing a lot of Mahjong. I’ve taught some friends and my sister which actually has helped my confidence playing. It’s been really fun to continue to invest time in a new hobby. If you want to learn, I highly recommend The Mahjong Society 101 classes.

Wine, not my first choice. This summer I’ve been stocking up on this wine we had in Ischia last summer. Which I’ve now seen at Garfield’s and Binny’s. Summer also means chilled red. We tried this one in Michigan and I’m already trying to buy more.

So, not a great practice to follow skincare advice from a stranger on the internet…yet, here I am recommending these pads. Perfect for travel or post-workout or when it’s a full glam kinda day.

I’m also happy to share these drugstore makeup brushes. I love dual ended brushes. Eyes, Cream Brush, Powder Brush.

OK, that’s enough GRWM 🫶

Maybe because I’m a cusp birthday with Leo, or maybe because my mom has never not made my birthday a big special day, I don’t shy away from my birthday. Sometimes the attention is a lot but I’ll get over it to get all the people I love in the same room.

I absolutely get introspective surrounding the day and I found myself thinking “maybe the other shoe drops (my biggest fear) but in the meantime it’s ok to really take these moments in, you are deserving of this.” I know, a little deep for a R.E.P.O.R.T. but birthday feels are meant to be shared.

One of our members, Danielle, asked me, “What do you want for yourself this year,” I said, “I want to trust myself” so cheers to that.

The substack subscribers 💕 here are some extra thoughts and musings from me to you.

• How many kindle cases does one need? asking for a friend. If you are that friend, check out https://shopbibliophile.com/

• I’ve been highly encouraged (hi Legs) to listen to this podcast, Love Trapped. If you’ve listened please lmk so we can talk about it. Bachelor fans I’m looking at you.

• If the Good Good ad made you equally furious and you are looking to support a golf brands owned by women may I recommend, Fore All and Cherry Golf Club

• I am a tinned fish girl, I love a tuna salad. Want to know a game changer? A couple of dashes of sesame oil, so good.

Kthanksloveyoubye!

RO

hiiiiii, ICYMI we launched Editors back in June and this month is exactly why. Three meetups, all different, all worth it. Here's the rundown.

Who are the Editors?
The Editors are the women in our community who want more. More well read, more connection, more of the conversation that started at an event and didn’t want to end. Whether you’ve been to every single one or you’re just now dipping a toe in, this is for you.

When and how can I join?
Anytime you want. Head to Substack, upgrade to the paid membership, and you’re in. No waitlist, no application, welcome!

What can I expect as an Editor?
At minimum, one official meetup every month we’re not hosting a full event. You’ll also get early access to event registration before anyone else, a look behind the curtain at what we’re planning and why through the subscriber chat, a permanent name tag that’s yours to keep, and a little something special during the holidays.

What are Editors meetups actually like?
Think of it like hanging out with your bookish bestie, no agenda required. We handle the coordination so you don’t have to. Our meetup will align with the virtual book pick, but there are no discussion questions. Just a designated activity and good people. That could mean a rooftop movie night, a patio hang, Chicago summer Fest, a workout class, whatever. If a member wants to host or suggest something, we’re all ears. Nothing is off the table.

How much does it cost?
$10 a month or $84 for the year.

Below the paywall is everything we have planned for September…

Read more

Last Sunday, 33 of you walked into Claremont Stitch ready to craft, meet new faces, re-connect with familiar ones and share your take on The Shampoo Effect. I am wildly impressed with everyone’s creative side and you can expect more crafting at future Events.

We read The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson, following Caroline Lash as she finds herself integrated into a very tight-knit high school friend group in Greenhead, Massachusetts. A story of late-night parties, early mornings with small children, and a group of old friends finally growing up despite all their best efforts to the contrary. So naturally, we discussed Caroline’s choices, how healthy is never leaving home, who’s at fault for keeping some big secrets and Fran’s Hawaii friendship. For the record, the room landed on the following for our fan cast.

Ned Clark: Penn Badgley, Gwendolyn Lash: Laura Linney, RJ: Chris Lowell, Fran: Ashley Greene, Bailey: Michelle Randolph, Colin: Jake Lacy, Augusta: Meghann Fahy, Van: Froy Gutierrez, Caroline: Maude Apatow

Here’s what’s still ahead in 2026.

September 13 (Sunday), Editors Meetup at Printers Row Lit Fest

October 15 (Thursday), Event, a thriller pick, book TBA

Now, let’s talk about what we’re reading next.

Between now and September 17th, we’re reading Lady Tremaine By Rachel Hochhauser.

Everyone said she was wicked.
Now Cinderella's stepmother tells her own story...

After the death of her second husband, Lady Etheldreda Verity Isolde Tremaine Bramley is solely responsible for her two daughters, Rosamund and Mathilde, her simpering stepdaughter Elin, a razor-taloned peregrine falcon, and a crumbling manor buried in the woods.

When a royal ball offers the chance to change their fortunes, Ethel risks her pride in pursuit of an invitation for all three of girls— only for her hopes to be fulfilled by the wrong Elin.

Yet as her stepdaughter's engagement to the future king unfolds, Ethel discovers a sordid secret hidden in the depths of the royal family, forcing her to choose between the security she craves and the feckless stepdaughter who has rebuffed her at every turn...

We’ll be reading together on Fable, at a casual pace, so no pressure, with discussion as we go.

One more thing

If you’re looking for more Well Read check out our website to order any merch (just dropped sweatshirts) straight to your door or local pickup in Chicago.

Plus, consider joining The Editors, our paid membership. Our next members meetup will be September 13. Editors get our members only chat right here on Substack, exclusive meetups, early event registration, permanent name tags, and more.

Ooof, it’s hard for me to look at this picture. Not because I remember what I was working on in this exact moment. But it reminds me of all the times I spent in school feeling different, isolated, needing personal attention. I didn’t learn at the same pace as my peers. It wouldn’t be until my early 30s that I would consider myself smart.

As an adult, I’ve had to get a lot more comfortable with saying, “I’m sorry, I don’t know how to pronounce that word.” I have watched in real time my inability to spell or pronounce something stop me in my tracks in front of a friend. The heat of embarrassment fills my entire body. I must have done something right though, because instead of calling it out, they’ve met me where I am, and just filled in the blank.

Erin who has seen it the most at work and Maddy in everyday life—in those moments, it’s the greatest act of kindness and friendship you could show me.

My dad is dyslexic, too. Throughout my childhood, I knew he sympathized, and while my parents set high expectations for me as a person, they were much more reasonable about me as a student. Corporate America brought up similar anxieties from the classroom. Every fear or complaint I’ve made about how this learning disability affected me, my dad has his own stories, too. Please don’t ask us to read off a slide I’m seeing for the first time. The funny thing about being dyslexic, though, is that it’s not your whole personality. My father, who is one of the most universally liked people I know, connects very easily with anyone and lives most of his life unbothered by other people’s opinions of him. I would happily take every day of this learning disability because I know I got some of those traits from him, too.

The question is, having learned all this about me, how in the world did I end up running a book club?

Spoiler alert: NO ONE TOLD ME READING IS FUN. I heard all about Day to Night outfits and weed being a gateway drug, but whoever was pushing reading didn’t make it to my classroom that day.

In reality, so much of school was a struggle, and the idea of reading when it was no longer required actually felt like setting myself up for failure. As I got older, and everyone was on these paths of self improvement, I asked myself, “Was reading even worth it if it was fiction?”

Enter BookTok. It feels so silly to say an app changed the way I looked at reading, but it’s the truth. These girls were foaming at the mouth about fiction books. They looked like me, talked like me, and I wanted to be like them.

Today, when I roll over, I grab for my kindle or the kindle app on my phone when I wake up. Morning reading is a game changer for me. Now, I’m a girl on TikTok sharing my thoughts about books. 🥹

Funny thing about your inner child, she’s always there.…

I read romance, and I love it. Romance books are frequently called trashy, or “not real books,” or dumb.

I truly do not care, and I am not fazed if you hated a book I gave 5 stars, but I beg you to please not say “that book was dumb.”

Because what I hear when you say that is, “You have to be dumb to enjoy this book.” And in that moment, I’m the little Rachel in that picture. She’s ashamed to ask for help again in 6th grade reading. She’s being told by a summer school teacher she has dyslexia. She’s never going to be someone that reads.

I know your intentions, and they are so not that. You are essentially saying, “The plot isn’t complex, I saw everything coming, I wasn’t entertained or didn’t even care about the plot.” And girl, life is short, I get you.

I’m just asking you to consider your language. The why behind Well Read is to make reading as accessible as possible. To encourage you to read more, to consider reading for joy and fun, and to encourage others to do the same. Always remember this: no matter what, when you read, if you read, how often you read, you are well read.

love you, mean it,

RO

Before we get into the goods, just a quick hey, hi, hello from me. This kicks off our second monthly newsletter on Substack. Thanks for joining us here, I really freakin appreciate it. I’ve always thought of August as the Sunday of summer. Trying to squeeze everything in. It’s also my birthday month so I get a bit introspective and the Sunday scaries hit extra hard. I hope you spend your August exactly how you want to because let’s be for reals, it’s still gonna be 80° in September too. Most importantly, I hope it includes reading.

Big Little Truths by Liane Moriarty
A decade after the events of Big Little Lies, Madeline, Celeste, Jane, Renata, and Bonnie are navigating teenagers instead of playdates when a strange man starts lurking around the school and the principal receives a severed finger in the mail.

Take What You Can by Naima Coster
Val and Milly became inseparable as the only Black students on a study abroad trip in France, and now in their thirties, each expecting a daughter, Milly asks Val to move to New York so they can raise their girls together, testing a friendship built on secrets neither has said out loud.

A Tender Age by Chang-rae Lee
Ten year old Jeon Gi is the cherished son of Korean immigrants in a 1970s New York suburb, navigating a rough patch of friends and bullies until a single summer pulls him into a series of events that reverberate far beyond his own childhood.

Sunrise by Téa Obreht
Three lives separated by a century converge on a strangely preserved ghost town in the Wyoming wilderness, where a plane crash survivor, a small town golden boy, and a legendary gunslinger each hold a piece of a buried story.

The Secrets We Hide by Karin Slaughter
Sheriff Emmy Clifton and her sister, ex federal agent Jude Archer, are called to a quiet street in North Falls where a woman has been murdered and her teenage daughter left for dead, only to find that everyone’s version of what happened hides something more.

You’ll Love It Here by Natalie Sue
After a promotion falls through and leaves her jobless and stuck in her crumbling apartment building, Mona reluctantly takes over as the building’s super, and prepping the place for sale means getting tangled up in the lives of every neighbor she’s spent years trying to avoid.

Honorable Mentions

Heart of Glass by Jennifer Hillier
Twenty five years after a carnival worker confessed to killing five teenage girls, he recants, forcing the two women who survived that summer to face what actually happened.

Freyja by Margrét Ann Thors
A single mother in Reykjavik has spent twenty years burying the memory of the night her childhood friend disappeared from a black sand beach, and a reopened cold case is dragging it all back up.

Fruit Fly by Josh Silver
A washed up author with years of writer’s block latches onto a young unhoused addict as material for her comeback book, and the line between his story and hers starts to disappear.

Rachel’s Reads (personal picks for my ever growing TBR)

Lost and Found by Tarah DeWitt
Let’s Kiss and Tell by Joss Richard

The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson
I’ll save my thoughts for our event. A funny crossover though, that I didn’t know, is Jenny Jackson is the editorial director at Knopf who published Yesteryear.

Dissection of a Murder by Jo Murray
Our previous book pick and a favorite amongst our readers. This is going to make for excellent TV. Witness X was an excellent way to keep the plot moving and I really enjoyed the back and forth in timelines. Audiobook was great too.

Games: a Love Story by Anna Maria Volkova
Reading this felt like getting a degree in econ while using sex as a subplot. This is not for everyone, but I can tell you I have not read anything like it and have not stopped thinking about it since.

The Romance Revival by Christina Lauren
See that cover? That cute, summery, looks like a vacation cover? Guess what, absolutely nothing to do with the book. This needed to be released in September with a completely different cover and marketing. Why? Because our main girl is a genius scientist who uses her invention to bring her husband back to life after being hit by a car! I rest my case. That said, I truly enjoyed it, very unique plot. Just be warned.

In Stormy Weather by Chelsea Curto
This is what we wanted Twister to be. They do a lot more than kiss. It was always what I wanted from BK Borison’s And Now, Back to You, which was a major disappointment. Fun, good banter, good side characters, stormy romance.

Helpless by Jessica Knoll
If you took the setting from God of the Woods, the power dynamic and trauma from 50 Shades, and the publishing world slash who can I trust from Yellowface, you have this book. Definitely a departure for me, but if you love a thriller that’s a bit f*cked up, in a good way, this is for you. I would agree with my bestie Maddy that Ryan Murphy would produce this as a mini series.

Serena Wolf “You Do You” Cookbook Chat and Signing
Thursday, August 6, 6-8 PM
The Book Cellar, 4736 N. Lincoln Ave.
Serena Wolf discusses and signs her new cookbook, ticket includes a signed copy.

Get Lit: Summer Book Fair
Tuesday, August 11, 5:30-7:30 PM
American Writers Museum, 180 N. Michigan Ave.
A pop-up book fair with drinks and after-hours museum access, featuring local indie booksellers.

FYI Bookstore Romance Day is on August 15! Find participating bookstores here.

Romancing Roscoe
Saturday, August 15, 10-6 PM
The Last Chapter Book Shop, 2013 W. Roscoe St.
A sidewalk block party in Roscoe Village celebrating romance, books, and community.

Reese’s Book Club: The Fine Art of Lying
Tuesday, August 25, 6:30-7:30 PM
Lilliput Books, 2150 N. Halsted St.
An in person Reese’s Book Club discussion, BYOB.

Two dates to get on your calendar, Readers.

Sunday, August 16th is our next TWRBC event. RSVP link is here ✨ password is shampoo

Thursday, August 20th our next book pick will be announced.

Sunday, September 13, is our next Editors meetup at Printers Row Lit Fest.

*Some links included are affiliate links. This commission directly supports TWRBC's growth. Thanks babe.

Join us August 16th 1-3:30pm at Claremont Stitch for our next Event. Our book pick is The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson.

RSVP link is here ✨ password is shampoo

Grab your spot before it fills up!

Here’s what to expect:

One craft option is to bedazzle a hair clip or book. You bring a book or clip and we'll have all the gems and glue. Not for you? you can also paint a watercolor postcard (supplies provided).

We’ll spend the first half of our afternoon sipping on Luna Bay hard kombucha, crafting and catching up. Then we’re diving into The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson, complete with fan casting and full character discussion.

Check out IG stories closer to the Event to submit your fan cast choices. Can’t wait to see everyone.

Kthanksloveyoubye

Rachel

There is a moment from the TV show Insecure that made something click for me. My man, I mean Jay Ellis’ character, says from S4, E8 while talking about his career, “I used to think I had to be the leader or the ideas guy. But I’m starting to realize that I’m happy executing someone else’s vision.” The Virgo eldest daughter in me shook her head, but my mind cleared and said ABSOFUCKINGLUTELY THAT. I realize this feels in direct contradiction to how many of you know me. But it’s entirely my MO at work, my nickname is Glitter Glue, which tracks. In my career I’ve become more honest with myself that my skill set isn’t dreaming, it’s execution. It’s bringing dreams to reality and I truly enjoy it.

Then I decided to run this book club. HA! Now, on a walk with my dog, in the shower, in the middle of a social scroll, I get hit with an idea. Some are way better than others and I’m starting to see that the ones I believe in the most, I start to move on immediately.

So today, I’m sharing a few with you. If what you love about this club is blindly following my dictator decisions, walk away, now. Those that want to stay and get a peek, welcome.

Read more

Games: A Love Story by Anna Maria Volkova I finished this book last week and haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. This book is absolutely not for everyone. I haven’t read anything like it before. This is not a cute summer romance, this is like getting a doctorate in Econ and an MBA in smut. You do you boo.

Romance Revival by Christina Lauren I mostly go into books blind. Me, 20% into this book 👀 This concept is wild and I can’t put it down. I will say, I’m very unclear why this is the cover. This is a STEM with a side of second chance romance. If you read their book, Something Wilder, it’s giving a very similar vibe.

Local Style Potato Chips Hot Giardiniera Woman owned, family run. They are incredible! It’s not your average chip. They are doing a run at Costco, check them out.

Clearly on a Chicago theme, I caught up on The Bear from season 4. Tbh I had to stop watching because this show used to give me major anxiety. Season 4 and 5 absolutely took an SSRI and it was a delight to watch.

I feel strongly that if you were a Dashboard Confessional, Bon Iver, Death Cab for Cutie stan, you likely have now found yourself at a Noah Kahan concert. My second time seeing him and he did not disappoint. I was so impressed with the stage production and how he’s elevated the experience. Wrigley, could you please take the nets down….otherwise 10/10.

I actually wish this wasn’t true, but Another 13 from Le Labo is my most complimented perfume. I put on my quarter zip after a full day of meetings to go to the airport, got off the plane and the woman behind me asked what that scent was. It’s that good. Ughhhhh because the price is heinous. I’m sorry in advance.

No one freak out, but the ‘burbs, well, I get it. I had the most lovely day outside the city. Spent the morning with my friend Victoria, if you don’t already follow, check out her Substack, Collected! by V. Had a solo lunch at Space519. Ventured down the road to Pink Couch Books. Lora is a gem of a human and her enthusiasm for books is so easy to see. Her selection of romance book is excellent plus the assortment of stickers, notebooks, cards, and bookmarks was a dream. I will absolutely be back.

collected! by v

things i love, things i’m learning, & things i think you’ll love too !!!

By Victoria Glass

My friends, my sassy smart soul sisters, here’s my thoughts this week -

1. I read, “most of life is just figuring out how to be in a good mood.” I can’t stop thinking about it.

2. Hear me out, backyard Hibachi. Have you seen this? Done this? Please let me know.

3. Really wish I didn’t love that Bear Hug Latte at Canyon Coffee so much.

4. I’m starting to plan crafts for our Event (Aug 16). Right now, top options are watercolor post cards and bedazzling hair clips and/or book covers. Full inspo below.

   thehanniediaries

   The Hobby House: Nantucket

   There’s something about the summertime that makes me want to play. I always find myself having nostalgic memories of drawing with chalk on my driveway, putting on performances to beg my parents to let me sleepover my friend’s and spending all day outside imagining up worlds. Where did that go…

   Read more

   2 months ago · 11 likes · 1 comment · hannie <3

Every month brings a new Well Read Book Pick. Fable will always be our virtual home to yap about it together. Chapter by chapter, no spoilers and you can jump in from anywhere.

Six times a year, those picks become an Event. Our ticketed Events are held at Claremont Stitch in Bucktown, decked out in theme, a craft, a character based discussion, and the fan casting our community has come to love. Open to anyone who wants to be there, new faces and old friends alike.

For the readers who want more Well Read in their life, there's our Editors membership (via Substack). Editors get invited to exclusive meetups. These are low key hangs, think an audiobook walk, a patio afternoon, a day at Printer Row Lit Fest, the kind of stuff that makes reading feel like a whole social life instead of a solo hobby. Membership is open anytime, $9 a month or $84 a year, whenever you’re ready to go all in.

Here’s what’s still ahead in 2026.

August 16 (Sunday), Event, book…..below ;)

October 15 (Thursday), Event, a thriller pick

December 17 (Thursday), Event, a holiday romance pick

Now, let’s talk about what we’re reading next.

“Do you want to hear some gossip about a friend of mine you don’t know?”

That’s how I would pitch you The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson, our next Well Read Book Pick for the August 16th Event.

We follow Caroline Lash as she finds herself integrated into a very tight-knit high school friend group in Greenhead, Massachusetts. Through the multi pov chapters of the novel, we watch long-held secrets come to light, and the reality of what life in your 30s looks like. This is a story of late-night parties, early mornings with small children, and a group of old friends finally growing up despite all their best efforts to the contrary.

RSVP opens for our August 16th Event on August 1st (Editors get early access on July 30th).

Helpless by Jessica Knoll
A woman reunites with the man she loved obsessively in college after years apart, only to find their connection is just as consuming and dangerous as it was the first time. Knoll digs into desire, control, and the lines people cross when they want something badly enough.

Country People by Daniel Mason
From the author of North Woods, a novel that follows a family through one year on their rural Vermont farm, tracing how the land and its history shape who they become. Quiet, sweeping, and deeply rooted in place.

The Parisian Heist by Jo Piazza
A dual-timeline mystery that moves between a notorious unsolved art heist and the present-day woman determined to uncover the truth behind it. Paris, stolen art, and decades of secrets collide.

Lady X by Molly Fader
A woman investigating her mother’s past in 1970s New York uncovers a vigilante known only as Lady X, who targeted men who got away with hurting women. A dual-timeline story about rage, justice, and what women do when no one else will protect them.

The Good Parts by Evann Normandin
In a near future where people can have painful memories erased, a woman has to decide whether forgetting heartbreak is worth losing the parts of herself that came with it. A speculative romance about love, loss, and what’s worth keeping.

The Romance Revival by Christina Lauren
After a tragic accident kills her husband, a scientist uses the classified technology she’s been developing to bring him back to life, only he has no memory of her or their marriage. A rom-com with a sci-fi twist about rebuilding love from scratch.

Honorable mention: Hot Girl Murder Club by Ashley Winstead

Rachel’s Reads (personal picks for my ever growing TBR)

Die for Me by Shirlene Obuobi
Crash Into Me by Robinne Lee
The MASH Up by Laura Marie Meyers

Sooo…I read a lot less when I travel and TV/movies get my full attention. I shared my reviews for 3 of the 4 books on this week’s R.E.P.O.R.T. Nest of Thieves was from a subscription box. It makes Love Island look prude. That’s my review. Moving right along.

July 11, 3 PM
Kathleen Rooney discusses Man Overboard! in conversation with Deborah Shapiro at Seminary Co-op Bookstores.

July 22, 6:15 PM
Architectural historian Carla Bruni discusses Chicago Homes at the Bucktown-Wicker Park Branch of the Chicago Public Library.

July 25, 11 AM – 6 PM
The 5th Annual Words of Wonder Literary Festival at Dr. Conrad Worrill Track and Field Center on the South Side. A free, all-ages celebration of books, storytelling, and community featuring Black authors and illustrators, writing workshops, live music, and more. Details at wowlitfest.com.

Every Tuesday, 7 – 9 PM
Billy Sunday in Logan Square hosts a weekly silent reading party, a standing option if you want a low-key, recurring spot to bring a book and grab a drink. (They have a great patio!)

Two dates to get on your calendar, Readers.

Sunday, July 12th, 2 to 4pm is our first ever Editors only meetup, more details in our chat.

Sunday, August 16th is our next TWRBC event, open to everyone. [Book and details coming soon].

*Some links included are affiliate links. This commission directly supports TWRBC's growth. Thanks babe.

The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson I’m about 30% in. I’m loving the POV changes, the close-knit friend group drama and the beach town setting.

Because I Killed Him by Edith Birdie She’s thiccc (650+ pages). I’m about 11% in which is around 100 pages. I’ve never read a book like this before so while I’m loving the unique premise I’m having a hard time staying interested.

Here I was thinking that all of Chicago had left for their lake houses and no one would be in line for Bad Butter Friday at 8:30am, WRONG. That said, I truly had nowhere else to be and I was committed to this activity. About an hour later, with 2 boxes in hand I left starving and ready to taste test. I can confidently say Dan knows what he’s doing and that hot dog and monkey bread were everything I wanted and more.

Golf pros and cons:

Pros: Being outside, fully acceptable to drink at any hour if that’s your vibe, who doesn’t love a golf cart, I love an activity that requires an outfit.

Cons: I would much prefer just 9 holes. In the past I’ve gotten away with just being there for the vibes, but I’m playing with a customer this week and I’m kind of embarrassed I’m not a better golfer. Which is also really annoying because you have to practice, wtf.

Tbh I didn’t think I was a halter gal and took a chance on this top (Gap Halter Top). Pairs very well with this strapless bra. Delusional confidence not included but a likely after effect.

I was nervous to say this too soon, but I experienced very minimal jet lag both in Bali and when I returned. My piece of advice, the app Timeshifter. With the time difference (13 hrs) and a 2-stop flight, I was going to take all the help I could get. Paired with this melatonin. (psst, half a gummy is enough)

I absolutely leaned into this 3-day weekend. I have a big work week ahead and just know summer is about to kick into high gear. I always find during summer I say yes to everything and end up a bit burned out. This was exactly the introvert time I needed.

Sexy scholar sisters, I present you my thoughts:

1. My bestie and I made these Gooey Butter Cake Ice Cream Sandwiches. Buy store-bought ice cream, give yourself enough time to let them freeze and then I want a thank you text. They are UNREAL.

2. If you go to Labriola Fulton Market, and get the tiramisu to-go (pro move). You will eat the whole thing in the privacy of your own home.

3. My husband took this lovely photo of me, his words. I only see one thing.

   

*some links included are affiliate links. these continue to support TWRBC's growth. thanks babe.

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Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan, 10/10. Needs to be a movie immediately

Exit Lane by Erika Veurink, 8/10. I loved, but a lot of you are going to hate the 3rd act breakup.

The Missed Connection by Tia Williams, 7.5/10. Original plot, hot emotionally intelligent man, trauma, wild side plot. Why not.

My current hyper fixation is a snack plate. formally known as girl dinner but for me it’s lunch I didn’t have to meal prep and can throw together between calls. For those reasons in my house, I call this a lunchable.

I am watching so much TV. Hence my lack luster reading month. Here are my takes -

Voicemails for Isabelle, immediately yes, with tissues. great soundtrack. Zoey Deutch was made for romcoms.

Not Suitable for Work, maybeeee. It’s definitely Mindy Kaling’s writing. It feels modern day Friends but not as funny. I am enjoying all the relationship crossovers and cameos. Jay Ellis is a major celeb crush, so there’s that.

Hacks, that’s how you end a series people. This episode had me highly in my feels. Hacks is up there with Veep for me. I am already rewatching the series.

Your Fault London, HA! you are only watching this if you watched the first. Still toxic, not nearly enough tension or drama as the first. meh.

Love Island USA, eye roll. I’ve never seen an episode, then got sucked in through episode 8 but I couldn’t watch in Bali and now I feel too far behind. I’ve seen the drama on tiktok but unclear if I’ll actually catch up.

Your Friends & Neighbors, why not. People really ride for this show. I’m liking season 2 more than 1, it feels like a more fun Ozark.

A&F Crochet-Style Scoopneck Mini Dress Coverup. My best purchase for my trip. Even though it’s brown, it goes with every suit.

Listen, maybe someone else wouldn’t put this on the internet…couldn’t be me. I have thighs, they chafe in the summer. IT IS MY LIVING HELL. Until, this product. Nothing works as good as this. Did my sister see it in my purse and think I had a UTI? Yes. Are my thighs sliding and gliding all summer long? Also yes.

In the words of my coworker, “Rachel thinks she gets summers off." There has been a lot of vacationing. Lots of core memories made. Very happy I didn’t marry a loser and you know what, that I’m not one either.

Does this need a better name? Scholars? Studious Sisters? Not totally sure what this section will entail. So, for today’s edition here’s some musings.

1. Sweetgreen Cali Chicken wrap is excellent and a great addition to their menu

2. If you aren’t using Uber courier you are missing out. It’s almost always under $10.

3. How the f is it almost July?

4. ICYMI, one of Colin’s coworkers asked for book recs. Here’s the list I made for him because for the love of gd you don’t need to read another fiction history book. (Jen is his wife)

*some links included are affiliate links. these continue to support TWRBC's growth. thanks babe.

Now, the important stuff.

Thank you, thank you, thank you

Last Sunday, thirty of you walked into Claremont Stitch carrying homemade goodies and walked out with a bag full of everyone else’s. How freakin’ cool. The Sunday Spread felt like the right idea on paper. In person, it was even better. Watching you enjoy treats from other members of this community is exactly what this club is about.

We read Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke, the story of a tradwife influencer who fakes a pioneer life online and then wakes up in 1855 and has to actually live it. So naturally, we discussed that ending, Natalie’s mental state, and all the ways Caleb is useless. For the record, the room landed on the following for our fan cast.

Mary: Eloise Webb, Clementine: Saoirse Ronan, Reena: Ana de Armas, Young Natalie: Daisy Edgar-Jones, Older Natalie: Rosamund Pike, Caleb: Lewis Pullman, Shannon: Milly Alcock, Doug: Josh Brolin, Amelia: Uma Thurman

To everyone who came with the book read, an opinion ready, and a homemade something in hand—thank you. You are why I do this. And if you couldn’t make it, you were missed. There’s a seat for you in August.

What we’re reading next

Between now and July 12th, we’re reading Dissection of a Murder by Jo Murray.

It’s a courtroom thriller about a young barrister named Leila who gets handed the most high profile murder case in the country: the killing of a respected judge. The defendant refuses to speak to anyone but her, she has no idea why he chose her, and the lawyer on the other side of the courtroom is her own husband.

It’s a debut and set to be the inspiration for season 2 of Presumed Innocent.

We’ll be reading together on Fable, at a casual pace, so no pressure, with discussion as we go.

One more thing

If you’re looking for more Well Read consider joining The Editors, our paid membership. Our first members meetup will be July 12th. Editors get our members only chat right here on Substack, exclusive meetups, early event registration, and more.

Subscribe now

Plus, save the date for our next public event on August 16th at Claremont Stitch.