What's your summer reading mood?

All the vibes in the 2023 Paperback Summer Reading Guide

Hey, readers!

Between a week out of town and non-stop work on the Paperback Summer Reading Guide, I don’t have a regular Sunday newsletter for you today. But I did want to pop into your inbox to officially announce the twelve (yes, you read that right…TWELVE) summer reading moods I’m highlighting in this year’s PSRG.

I’ve featured my love for inventive stories, inspired prose, and introspective characters in my previous summer reading guides (check out my 2021 PSRG and 2022 PSRG), but this year I’m really leaning into the literary. In the past 6 months or so, I feel like I’ve finally gotten my reading brain back after the infant stage complete wrecked my concentration and emotional bandwidth. I’ve been savoring long books, intricately structured novels, and devastatingly sad plots. I know that doesn’t sound like every reader’s idea of the perfect beach bag book, but I can’t help but celebrate what’s feeling good in my reading life these days!

With that in mind, here are the twelve summer reading moods I’m featuring in this year’s PSRG. Each mood will come with four incredible books that I love—that’s 48 books because I just couldn’t help myself once I got started!

1. Literary Page-Turners. These books are unputdownable without sacrificing spectacular prose and thoughtful themes.

2. No Plot, All Vibes. Who needs a plot when a book is moody, atmospheric, and well-crafted enough to hold your attention?

3. Bite-Sized Reading. Stories and novellas perfect for fitting into busy summer days.

4. Long and Leisurely. Lose yourself in a deliciously lengthy tome with that perfect paperback flop.

5. Lounge Chair Travel. Books to help you travel the world without leaving your beach chair.

6. High Drama Reads. Fill your relaxing days with the heightened drama of fictional characters.

7. Feels Like Summer. Books that perfectly capture those nostalgic summer vibes of anticipation and escape.

8. A Touch of Magic. Stories with real-world stakes and just a drop of the fantastical.

9. Witty and Wise. These books have humor and heart and a whole lot to say about the world.

10. Devastating and Beautiful. Books that will destroy you in the very best way.

11. A Does of Comfort. Books that will put you back together.

12. The Ones that Got Away. The books that fell off, but deserve to be back on, your TBR.

In Wednesday’s special edition of the newsletter, all subscribers will get the Paperback Summer Shortlist—one exceptional book from each summer reading mood to satiate your reading taste this summer. Paid newsletter subscribers and Patreon members will get access to a PDF with all 48 titles and descriptions—a virtual smorgasbord of literary goodness to fill your beach bag and last you all year long.

You can check out this post to learn the difference between a paid Substack subscription and Patreon membership. If you’re ready to fill your summer TBR list, you can now upgrade to a paid for 20% off an annual membership (available to new paid subscribers only).

If you want the complete PSRG, but prefer not to sign up for a subscription, stay tuned. I am working on a way to fulfill a standalone purchase and hope to have more information on that in Wednesday’s email.

I cannot wait to get these books onto your summer reading list! I have been pouring through the pages to find you the best backlist books for an eclectic and adventurous summer, and I think you are going to love what’s in store for you!

HAPPY SUMMER READING! For questions, comments, or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to reach out by emailing fictionmattersbooks@gmail.com or responding directly to this newsletter. I love hearing from you!

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Happy reading!

Sara