Episode Summary: Summer TBR 2025

Podcast: I'll Read What She's Reading
Hosts: Reggie, Mikayla, Kennedy
Release Date: June 11, 2025
Episode Title: Summer TBR 2025

1. Introduction

The episode kicks off with the hosts—Mikayla, Reggie, and Kennedy—welcoming listeners back to I'll Read What She's Reading. As the summer season approaches, they segue into discussing their upcoming Summer TBR (To Be Read) lists, reflecting on the challenges they faced with their Spring TBR.

2. Reflecting on Spring TBR

The hosts share their experiences with their Spring TBRs, highlighting the overwhelming influx of new releases in April and May.

• Mikayla mentions, “May and April was just so overwhelming with all of the new releases, and I don't think a lot of us put it on our actual TBRs.”

• Kennedy adds, “We should have just made things easy on ourselves” (01:24), emphasizing the complexity they encountered in managing their reading lists.

Reggie concurs, pointing out the difficulty in navigating through numerous book options, which led to a less-than-ideal reading experience for them.

3. Spring TBR Updates

Each host provides a detailed update on their Spring TBR progress and the books they've tackled:

• Mikayla discusses her reading journey with:

  • Beg, Borrow or Steal by Sarah Adams: “Definitely not my favorite of hers, but it was cute. Just classic little cute romance” (02:09).
  • Never Right: Currently halfway through and pleasantly surprised by her enjoyment (02:09).

• Reggie shares insights on:

  • Beartown by Frederick Bachman: Initially struggled but appreciated it after completion (05:22).
  • The Poppy War: Enjoyed the first book but hesitant about continuing the series (05:22).
  • Blighted Stars: A unique blend of sci-fi and romance, highly recommending it despite limited reviews (06:50).

• Kennedy talks about:

  • Beartown: Gave it five stars for its emotional depth and character-driven narrative (09:22).
  • The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros: Rated five stars, calling it her favorite contemporary romance by the author (09:22).
  • Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang: Enjoying it so far but finds the world-building complex (11:14).
  • Sun Eater series by Christopher Ruscio and Bloodmarked by Tracy Dion: Expressing mixed feelings and seeking motivation to continue these series (12:43).

4. Transition to Summer TBR

With the arrival of summer, marked by the equinox on June 18th, the hosts prepare to unveil their Summer TBR lists. They acknowledge the need for more manageable and enjoyable reads to complement the warmer, more relaxed season.

5. Summer TBR Selections

Each host presents their curated Summer TBR, explaining their choices and what excites them about each book:

• Mikayla's Picks:

  1. Wild and Wrangled by Lila Sage: The third installment in the Lawson Lasso series, which she thoroughly enjoyed (15:16).
  2. Other Girls: Selected based on group consensus and interest, though specifics about the plot remain minimally discussed (21:22).
  3. Leave Me Behind by KM Moronova: A dark military romance set to be read in early summer (37:12).

• Reggie's Picks:

  1. Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid: Moving this from her Spring TBR to Summer due to length and her current reading commitments (16:22).
  2. May Luna by Kelly McNeil: Recommended by a listener, it combines elements of music and drama with a captivating storyline (30:50).
  3. The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren: An early favorite she's excited to revisit after organizing her bookshelves (45:07).

• Kennedy's Picks:

  1. The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie: Inspired by a recommendation from Pierce Brown, she anticipates a character-driven fantasy experience (20:14).
  2. Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston: A contemporary romance with magical realism elements, set to release on June 17th (26:40).
  3. My Friends by Fredrik Backman: A move away from fantasy to literary fiction, seeking heartfelt narratives and life lessons (32:01).

Notable Quotes:

• Mikayla on Wild and Wrangled: “Her third book in the Lawson Lasso series. It's not really a series, but Rebel Blue Ranch was my favorite so far” (15:22).
• Reggie on Atmosphere: “I love Taylor Jenkins Reid. I'm intrigued. Give it a whirl” (17:37).
• Kennedy on The Blade Itself: “I figured if Pierce likes Joe Abercrombie and I like Pierce's writing, I'll probably like Joe Abercrombie's writing” (20:07).

6. Reading Challenges and Strategies

The hosts discuss the common struggles of maintaining an extensive TBR, especially with busy personal lives and the temptation to select long or convoluted series. They emphasize the importance of choosing books that fit their summer lifestyle, such as beach reads or engaging standalone novels.

• Reggie expresses her goal to read more indie and lesser-known authors to diversify her reading experience (23:22).

• Kennedy highlights her preference for literary fiction during summer, seeking depth and emotional resonance over action-packed narratives (33:15).

7. Conclusion and Teasers

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the selection process and express excitement for their Summer TBR. They encourage listeners to join them in their reading adventures and hint at a Fall TBR episode coming later in the year.

Closing Remarks:

• Mikayla: “This is gonna be so fun. We're in a silly gif a mood this episode” (48:56).
• Reggie: “I can't wait to hear your summer” (48:59).

Key Takeaways:

• Managing TBR: Balancing a manageable reading list with personal schedules is crucial to maintaining enjoyment and avoiding overwhelm.
• Diverse Selections: The hosts aim to diversify their Summer TBRs with a mix of genres, lengths, and both popular and indie authors.
• Community Engagement: Recommendations from listeners and group consensus play a significant role in their book selections.
• Personal Growth: Each host is consciously choosing books that align with their current interests and reading goals, reflecting personal growth and evolving tastes.

This episode offers a candid glimpse into the hosts' reading habits, preferences, and the dynamics of maintaining a vibrant TBR list amidst the ever-growing sea of new releases. Whether you're a seasoned reader or just diving into your TBR journey, Summer TBR 2025 provides relatable insights and engaging discussions to inspire your reading summer.