Happy back to school week to all who celebrate! It’s funny how a little over a week ago I was team “long live summer” and now I’m firmly in the “summer’s over” camp. I think everyone in our household was ready for some semblance of a routine. There is truly no better feeling than dropping your kid off at school as they’re grinning ear to ear. I’m saying that as a parent who still gets a sick feeling in my stomach at the mere mention of back to school. And if you’re a parent reading this thinking, “that’s not what our back to school looks like,” trust me I see you too. It’s gotten a little easier every year…but it’s day one so I’ll keep my mouth shut, lol.

Now on to the books. This summer I really leaned into reading. Not to make it my whole personality or anything but the thought “how could I get paid to read books?” did come to mind the other day. Rekindling my love of reading really took off at the end of last year (thank you Heart the Lover) but this summer it was high on the priority list.

I’ve realized that reading has become a coping mechanism for me. When the world feels so heavy, books are a welcome escape. I love the way books force you to think beyond yourself, to get out of your own head, to imagine people and places and lives so different, and yet in some ways so similar to your own.

For years I spent so much time distracting myself with overconsumption and a mind-numbing addiction to scrolling, both of which left me feeling anxious and hollow. But getting lost in a book is a feeling you just can’t replicate, and it’s one that always leaves me better off in the end.

The truth of the matter is, I’ve read more books because I’ve made the time for it. I bring a book with me anytime I leave the house. I read before bed, and first thing in the morning. I seize any opportunity to crack open a book, and I can’t think of a single time I’ve regretted it. Reading has become one of the best parts of my day, and the nice thing is, there is no shortage of material.

July and August were filled with incredible books. A debut novel, two incredible historical fiction novels I could not put down, two mystery-type stories, and some bestsellers. Read on for more and find out what’s on my TBR list for September. Please let me know what you’re reading and loving right now!