The 2026 Paperback Summer Reading Guide
52 books across genres to keep you reading all summer long
Hey, readers!
I am so excited to be sharing the 2026 Paperback Summer Reading Guide today! Truth be told, there was a moment when I thought the guide just couldn’t happen this year, which makes me particularly proud of what I’m putting out today. I went about this year’s guide differently, deciding in advance to seek out literary genre fiction and organize the guide by familiar genres. This self-imposed criteria led me to find fantastic books I never would have tried before, and now I get to share them with you!
The complete PSRG—52 books!—is available to all paid newsletter subscribers and Patreon members. Patreon members, you should already have the PSRG in your inboxes now. If you don’t see it in your email, please visit the FictionMatters Patreon page to access the guide. Paid newsletter subscribers, keep scrolling to find the link to access a PDF of the complete 2026 Paperback Summer Reading Guide.
As you know, this year’s guide is particularly special to me because I am donating the proceeds to I AM ALS in honor of my dad who passed away from ALS in March. In addition to contributing the price of new monthly subscriptions and stand alone purchases to this cause, I will be matching the total we arrive at. That means if you subscribe today, you’re paying $5 for the PSRG, but contributing $10 to I AM ALS!
And don’t forget that my book pal Traci Thomas is releasing her Nonfiction Reading Guide today! She is joining me in donating the price of new subscriptions to I AM ALS, and I will also be matching her donation. So make sure to go get her NRG as well, which means more books for you and an additional $10 to I AM ALS.
Speaking of Traci, we’re going live on Substack at 10am PT. Make sure to tune in if you want to hear us gab about books and all things summer reading!
Alright, if you want to access the 2026 PSRG, there are three ways to get it this year:
Upgrade to the paid version of this newsletter. You can get the PSRG for as little as $5 by subscribing this month or by upgrading to an annual plan for only $50. By sticking around for the year, you’ll get year round book recommendations and exclusive podcasts from me! By joining now with either a monthly or yearly subscription, you can also attend our PSRG Roundtable on Zoom today, Friday, May 22nd at 1:30pm MT / 3:30pm ET (a recording will be available after the fact if you can’t make it live).
Join the FictionMatters Literary Society through Patreon. Joining now means access to the complete PSRG as well as invitations to events and access to exclusive content for as long as you remain a member. You can become part of the Literary Society for just $10/month. By joining now, you can also attend our PSRG Roundtable on Zoom today, Friday, May 22nd at 1:30pm MT / 3:30pm ET (a recording will be available after the fact if you can’t make it live).
Purchase the PSRG as a standalone item through my Buy Me a Coffee Page. If a subscription or membership isn’t right for you, you can buy the standalone PSRG for $10 through my Buy Me a Coffee Page. In your purchase confirmation page, you’ll also get a link to attend attend our PSRG Roundtable on Zoom today, Friday, May 22nd at 1:30pm MT / 3:30pm ET. Unfortunately, we are unable to send standalone purchasers the recording after the event. Sending the Zoom link to standalone purchasers is new for us and we are prepared for glitches! If you do not receive your Zoom link, please email fictionmattersbooks@gmail.com with a screenshot of your PSRG purchase and we will send you the link! Unfortunately, we are not able to offer a recording of the Roundtable to those who purchase the guide as a standalone.
Whatever option you choose, I hope I’m able to put something wonderful on your summer reading list this year! If you have questions, please respond directly to this newsletter or email me at fictionmattersbooks@gmail.com.
