This edition of All Booked was originally emailed to subscribers on July 19, 2022. To receive our literary newsletter in your inbox, sign up at independent.com/newsletters.
Hello, book lovelies!
When I think of summer reading, I think of late July. The weather is hot, the ocean is cool, and the living’s easy. What could be better than sitting under an umbrella, toes in the sand, a cold drink by your side, and cracking open the newest book on your shelf? For me, almost nothing. Now that I’m a mother of an almost 4-month-old, I’m sure I’ll need to adjust my ideal summer reading setup. Perhaps in the backyard and during naptime is a bit more realistic, but that cold drink and new release aren’t going anywhere. Below are a few of this summer’s new releases that I am most excited about. Some of these came out a few months ago, while others are slated for later this summer. I hope one of these inspires you to make a cold drink, sit outside, and enjoy a good ol’ fashioned afternoon of summer reading.
I am a big believer in going into a book knowing as little as possible. I try not to read too much of the synopses or reviews, since most of them over-share. My pitches below are short and sweet just for that reason.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin follows two friends who collaborate on a video game design and become world-famous successes overnight. The novel spans 30 years and follows the friends throughout their relationship delving into themes of identity, failure, and human connection. This dual-POV novel is a perfectly nostalgic read for the summer.
Publication date: July 5, 2022
I don’t always read romance, but when I do, it’s in the summer. In Katherine Center’s The Bodyguard, Hannah Brooks is hired to protect Hollywood star Jack Stapleton from his stalker. This funny, feel-good rom-com is the perfect addition to your summer reading stack.
Publication date: July 19, 2022 (Today!)
Romance is great for the summer, but so are thrillers. And it wouldn’t be an All Booked newsletter without at least one thriller recommendation. The It Girl by Ruth Ware just came out last week, and I’m dying to sink my teeth into it. Ruth Ware is one of my auto-buy authors. I almost never read the synopsis of her books before buying them because it really doesn’t affect if I’m going to pick it up. But for those of you who may need a little bit more convincing, The It Girl follows a woman who is trying to uncover the truth of her friend’s murder that happened 10 years ago.
Publication date: July 12, 2022
No one is surprised to see Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid on this list. Maybe eventually I can write a newsletter without mentioning TJR or one of her books, but today is not that day.
Carrie Soto retires from professional tennis as the best in the game. She has broken numerous records and has sacrificed so much along the way. Six years after retirement, she is watching another tennis star shatter her record. Soto makes the decision to come out of retirement for one year to try to reclaim her record.
Publication date: August 30, 2022
Email me at emily@independent.com and let me know which new releases you’re most excited to read this summer.
Your smitten bookworm, Emily
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