Amanda’s Recent Reads

One of my favorite things about reading is that no two months ever look the same.

As a longtime children's librarian, many of my reading months have been filled with picture books, toddler books, and middle grade nonfiction. Some months I don't read a single “adult” book—and historically, that's been much more typical than the exception.

Recently, though, my reading stack shifted toward adult fiction in just about every genre imaginable. From quiet literary fiction and psychological thrillers to memoirs, family dramas, and laugh-out-loud comedies, there wasn't one common thread connecting these books. What they did have in common was that each one stayed with me for a different reason.

Here are my latest six reads that I've been thinking about long after turning the final page.

Phoebe Berman's Gonna Lose It by Brooke Averick

This was one of the most enjoyable books I read this month.

Phoebe is approaching her 30th birthday and becomes determined to fulfill a promise she made to herself before time runs out. It's funny, awkward (I definitely found myself covering my face while reading parts of it in a coffee shop), and incredibly relatable.

What surprised me most was the heart behind the humor. The story doesn't shy away from difficult topics, and the friendships feel authentic, compassionate, and wonderfully messy. I genuinely loved spending time with Phoebe and her friends.

Read this if you enjoy: contemporary fiction that's equal parts funny, heartfelt, and relatable.

Strangers by Belle Burden

Memoirs aren't usually my first choice, but Strangers kept appearing on my radar, and I'm so glad I picked it up.

Belle Burden tells the story of rebuilding her life after her husband of twenty-five years suddenly leaves her and their children. While every story has multiple perspectives, this memoir is her story, told with honesty, vulnerability, and grace.

As I read, I found myself thinking about friends who have experienced similar losses. It gave me a deeper appreciation for the grief, confusion, and resilience that can follow such an unexpected life change.

Read this if you enjoy: thoughtful memoirs about resilience, healing, and finding your way forward.

Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke

This may have been the book that challenged me the most.

I'm honestly still not sure exactly how I feel about it—and I think that's why I've found myself talking about it with so many people.

There were moments when I genuinely disliked the main character. Other times, I found her incredibly relatable and deeply sad. My feelings shifted constantly as I read, and this wasn't a book I could simply coast through. It demanded attention, reflection, and conversation.

Sometimes the books that leave us the most conflicted are the ones we remember the longest.

Read this if you enjoy: character-driven stories that spark discussion long after you've finished them.

Whistler by Ann Patchett

This was my very first Ann Patchett novel, and I finally understand why so many readers love her work.

I chose Whistler because it became one of our spotlight titles at Layfette, and it completely lived up to my expectations.

Patchett has a remarkable way of making ordinary moments and memories feel deeply meaningful. This quiet novel follows two family members as they reconnect, uncover long-forgotten memories, and rediscover the love and belonging that has always connected them.

It's a gentle, beautifully written reminder of the power of family and the stories we carry with us.

Read this if you enjoy: literary fiction centered on family, memory, and meaningful relationships.

The Burning Side by Sarah Damoff

This wasn't a book I would have naturally picked up, which makes it one of my favorite surprises of the month.

At its heart, it's a story about love, loss, forgiveness, and discovering what "home" truly means. I quickly became invested in the characters and found myself racing through the pages.

Heartbreaking and heartwarming all at once, this novel reminded me that sometimes the books outside our comfort zone become the ones we remember most.

Read this if you enjoy: emotional family stories that balance heartbreak with hope.

Five by Ilona Bannister

If you're looking for a psychological thriller, Five is an engaging, fast-paced read.

The novel follows five interconnected lives whose choices gradually collide. The story builds toward an ending that had me questioning what really happened, and I enjoyed seeing how differently I reacted to each character as their stories unfolded.

While it wasn't my favorite book of the month, it's probably the one I've discussed the most with other readers. Everyone seems to have a different opinion about which character stood out—and why.

Read this if you enjoy: psychological thrillers with morally complex characters and endings that leave plenty to discuss.

Final Thoughts

One of the joys of reading widely is discovering that every book has something different to offer. Some make us laugh. Some keep us up far too late because we have to know what happens next. Others quietly break our hearts or invite us to see the world through someone else's eyes.

I'd love to hear what you've been reading lately. Have you discovered a book this summer that you can't stop recommending? Let us know the next time you see us at a pop-up or leave us a comment below. I'm always looking for another great title to add to my ever-growing TBR pile.