The Book I Couldn't Put Down
And everything else I'm loving this week
I spent the 4th of July on the beach with my family reading London Falling, which I couldn’t put down. At one point, my 13-year-old daughter asked, “Mom, are you mad at me?” I was like, “No, honey, I just can’t stop reading this book!”
Isn’t that the best feeling?! When you can’t put down a book? I love getting completely lost in someone else’s story. It’s that thrill I hope for every time I start a new book or manuscript. In London Falling, it was the human story — a mother and father’s quest to really get to know their adolescent son, even after death — that drew me into it more than the facts and figures.
Here are a few books, events, and conversations to help you get that feeling, too.
What I’m Loving
Did you see the movie The Idea of You with Anne Hathaway, based on the book by Robinne Lee? I did — and loved it. Robinne’s new book, Crash into Me, is out now and is GREAT. Listen to Robinne on my podcast Totally Booked this week. Listen here to recent guests like bestselling authors like Jessica Knoll, John Searles, Amanda Eyre Ward, Beatriz Williams, and Ariel Sullivan.
I See You’ve Called in Dead by John Kenney is the Libby Reads selection for the summer — a global e-book club! Library patrons can access it digitally with no holds or waitlists. (Or, of course, you can still buy it.) We’re so excited for John. (We published this book!)
Inside info: Bestselling author Jenny Jackson introduced me to our Zibby Media Publisher and President Anne Messitte five years ago — and I’m forever grateful. Jenny’s latest book, The Shampoo Effect, is taking off! It’s the Read with Jenna and Barnes & Noble Book Club Pick, plus a Book of the Month pick — and now an instant New York Times bestseller. You can hear us chat on my podcast here. Thanks again, Jenny!
From left: Kathleen Harris (Executive Editor), me, Anne Messitte (President and Publisher) On my nightstand: Theo of Golden (yes, I’m just getting to this), Famesick by Lena Dunham (almost done), and The Wound is Where the Light Enters by Chris Young. Summer must-read: Culpability by Bruce Holsinger. Check out Zibby’s Bookshop weekly bestsellers for more ideas.
Call for submissions! Maybe you saw on Instagram, but we’ve launched a new essay platform inspired by my upcoming book Between Chapters! In finalizing my own book, I realized that in addition to my own story (which I hope you’ll pre-order!), I needed to hear yours. We’ve released 26 essays so far. Do you want to write for us? I’ve learned so much from reading and editing these open, authentic essays and know you will, too. Head here.
Gather — and Get Away!
Feel like traveling?! Book Retreats are all the rage. We’ve been hosting them for years. (Just saying.) All retreats here! Next up:
7/25: Chicago-area, IL: Petite Retreat with Matchmaker Bookshop
10/2 - 10/4: Santa Monica, CA: Retreat (and Day Pass available) with Zibby’s Bookshop, including 14 featured authors, luxury meals, private clubs, exclusive movie screenings, and more
1/22 - 1/24/27: Naples, FL: Retreat (and Day Pass available) with Books on Third bookstore featuring bestselling authors Jen Hatmaker, Lisa Barr, Matthew Quick, Sarah Damoff, and Rachel Beanland
Don’t miss these upcoming events at Zibby’s Bookshop (just voted best of Santa Monica)! Join in person or watch the livestream on Substack.
7/17 at 3 pm PT: Book signing with Kathryn Stockett, The Calamity Club. (Listen to my podcast with Kathryn here.)
7/21 at 6 pm PT: Justin Halpern, author of Get Lost and creator of hit TV show Abbott Elementary, speaks with Bill Lawrence
7/29 at 6 pm PT: My August Book Club Pick, Matthew Quick, author of Dad, Love, Me (oh my gosh, the most raw, vulnerable memoir I’ve read in years!) with NYT bestselling author Lori Gottlieb, Maybe You Should Talk to Someone
Bonus: I was recently on a podcast called Mic'd and Medicated, hosted by my old friend Eva Heyman and Caroline Leventhal, where I spilled the tea about my unexpected path from stay-at-home mom to where I am today. If you’re curious, listen here (or watch the YouTube video). I also shared more book recs on The Newsworthy.
Have a great week! Thanks for being part of the Zibby-verse (haha).
Warmly,
Zibby