What We’re Reading: July ‘26
The joy of nonstop reading
July 8, 2026
*Pauses audiobook*
A few weeks back, I had my first free day in over a month. When I realized my Saturday consisted of zero plans, I made sure everyone knew (whether they asked or not) that I was unavailable. There would be no phone catch ups, no last minute invites, and not even plans with my husband. Nope, my day was now booked (pun absolutely intended).
There’s something glorious about devoting a day to reading. The weather was uncharacteristically sunny for June in San Francisco, so I went for a long audiobook walk in Golden Gate Park (The Missed Connection by Tia Williams playing at 1.2x) and ended up in one of my favorite bakeries. Over a matcha latte and a slice of basque cheesecake, I read Empire of AI. When I returned home that afternoon, I sat on my couch and read some more until it was time to get ready for bed (where I proceeded to read for another hour).
For some of us, reading may be our main hobby; for others, it might be an activity we enjoy, but not the one we turn to on our “free” days. Whatever our preference, I think it’s safe to say that a great book makes us count down the hours until we can pick it up again.
Our bookselling partners have a lot to say about great reads, of course—and I hope that this newsletter includes something for every reader. But if you’re not seeing a book for you, let me know in the comments what you’re looking for. I know we can find the right recommendation!
A quick note: Please know that we will never monetize this newsletter. We are aware of and in opposition to Substack’s content moderation policies, and will actively monitor for alternative options.
Hot bookseller recs
Who better to suggest your next read than our partners? Here are a few of our booksellers’ most recommended audiobooks over the past month. Browse all Bookseller Picks.
🎧 Bromantasy by Máire Roche, narrated by Mark Sanderlin
“A true delight of a story about two sweet best friends who are totally *not* in love with each other…they just live together, farm together, knit together, brawl together, and sometimes snuggle. What happens when they are forced to go on a quest together?” —Cameron, Finney’s Books
🎧 The Reverse Centaur’s Guide to Life After AI by Cory Doctorow, narrated by Cory Doctorow
“Cory Doctorow reframes the current conversations around AI into looking at the economic and civic consequences when this tech bubble inevitably pops. It was a fascinating read (and listen, as the author narrates the audiobook), and helped me see the fuller picture. No matter your feelings on AI implementation, it’s worth questioning which people benefit and which people are taken advantage of.” —Becca, Bookmarks
And if you’re wanting more…we just updated our most recommended audiobooks of all time!
Upcoming reads for your radar
Here are some forthcoming releases our bookselling partners are raving about. Consider pre-ordering them! Pre-orders benefit the author and booksellers, and will show up in your library on release day.
🎧 Ship Happens by Mason Deaver, narrated by Jason June
“This is a wildly funny book, full of cackle-inducing queer humor. Author Mason Deaver excels at writing banter, dialogue and interesting characters…There’s something so deeply human about seeing characters go through the uncertainty of life.” —Victoria, Underdog Bookstore
🎧 Plant Lady by Minyoung Kang, narrated by Jennifer J. Kim
“This is a MUST MUST MUST read if you like plants and a woman who kills terrible men! The Plant Lady is tense, bloodily and surprisingly heartfelt.” —Sarah, Cavalier House Books
Backlist buzz
These reads may have been out for a while, but are definitely still worth your attention. Not only do our bookselling partners love them, but they’re also on our bestselling list!
🎧 Martyr! By Kaveh Akbar, narrated by Arian Moayed
“There are a lot of threads to pull in this novel, but Kaveh Akbar weaves them together with skill and heart to create a rich tapestry of family, immigration, sobriety, and finding purpose and meaning in art. Arian Moayed is a dynamic narrator.” —Caroline, The Bookshelf
🎧 All About Love by bell hooks, narrated by January LaVoy
“This book is excellent and did cause me to think about love in a different way. It’s beautifully written and philosophically brilliant.” —Molly, Blacksburg Books
Playlists to explore
🌞 The Ultimate Summer TBR: We asked readers what they recommend for summer reading, and here’s what they said.
🕵🏽 A Little Bit of Murder??? Curated by Cavalier House Books in Denham Springs, LA, this playlist highlights murder mysteries, “especially where things are not as they seem…”
📚 Bookseller Recs by Disabled Authors: July is Disability Pride Month! Here are audiobooks by disabled authors that our bookselling partners love.
What we’re reading on audio
Every few weeks, the Libro.fm team checks in on what we’re reading and what we can’t stop recommending to others. Recently, our staff shouted out everything from translated fiction to the latest read by a Pulitzer Prize-winning author to a dark comedy. Take a look through!
See all of our team’s favorites.
You don’t need headphones for these…
Things around the internet our team is sharing.
🪶 Have you heard of Theo of Golden? Our bookselling partners sure have—and they, just like countless other readers, love the story. But many people don’t realize that the book was originally self published.
‼️ Lois Lowry, author of The Giver, has a new book coming this September! The American Library Association spoke with Lowry about the middle grade read, “where a repressive regime has criminalized books and people equate storytelling with dishonesty.” Welp, that’s an automatic preorder.
🖼️ Speaking of the American Library Association: the organization is auctioning off a batch of old READ posters to celebrate 150 years—including ones featuring Miss Piggy, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Spike Lee, and plenty more. You could soon be the proud owner of a Nicolas Cage poster.
Have you read an unputdownable book lately? Let us know in the comments.
And if you have a friend that would like this newsletter, why not send it their way?
Thanks again for reading! Feel free to now return to your audiobook.
*Presses play*
Coming to you from San Francisco, this newsletter is written by me, Olivia Butze—hi! As the Associate Director of Marketing and Communications, you’ll find me running our social media accounts, creating brand campaigns, and working on all things email related. I’m passionate about storytelling as a catalyst for societal change, and my favorite activities include long audiobook walks, drinking matcha lattes, and reading in Golden Gate Park.
Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross