Notes from a midlife reader: My April reading recap

5 Books You'll Want to Read in May

Welcome to The Readerista podcast! As someone who has always loved getting lost in books—and talking about them just as much—I wanted to create a podcast that feels like an intimate, cozy conversation over coffee with a friend. I’ll dive into my all-time favorites, explore my ever-growing reading list, and reflect on how certain books surprise, comfort, or challenge me along the way. Beyond my own reading life, I’m especially excited to sit down with authors to talk about their work—discussing upcoming releases, inspirations, and the creative process that brings stories to life. Today I’m sharing the top 5 books on my May TBR. Yes, my to-be-read list is quite long, but these are the top 5 books publishing this month that have been on my radar. Based on their summaries and early reviews, I feel like these titles will be wins for me. Books referenced: The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout The Forgotten Midwife by Laura Anthony The Burning Side by Sarah Damoff The Midnight Train by Matt Haig What book(s) are at the top of your May TBR? Get full access to The Readerista at thereaderista.substack.com/subscribe [https://thereaderista.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Notes from a midlife reader: My April reading recap

Welcome to The Readerista podcast! As someone who has always loved getting lost in books—and talking about them just as much—I wanted to create a podcast that feels like an intimate, cozy conversation over coffee with a friend. I’ll dive into my all-time favorites, explore my ever-growing reading list, and reflect on how certain books surprise, comfort, or challenge me along the way. Beyond my own reading life, I’m especially excited to sit down with authors to talk about their work—discussing upcoming releases, inspirations, and the creative process that brings stories to life. Today I’m sharing my April reading wrap-up. I read 9 amazing books this month, and I’m chatting about them and sharing my thoughts on each. Picking a favorite is tough, but if forced to choose, I’d say Kin by Tayari Jones and Good Joy, Bad Joy by Mikki Brammer were my top reads. Dog Person by Camille Pagan Start At The End by Emma Grey I Felt My Life With Both My Hands by Jessica Treadway We Would Never Tell by Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau Kin by Tayari Jones How The Story Goes by Andrew Forrester Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser Good Joy, Bad Joy by Mikki Brammer The Plunge by Lila Raicek Tell me, what was your most memorable read in April? Get full access to The Readerista at thereaderista.substack.com/subscribe [https://thereaderista.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Notes From A Midlife Reader: Finding Comfort in Books

Lately, I’ve noticed that when I share that I found my way back to reading after my mom passed away, several people say they, too, turned to reading for comfort when they were grieving. So I’m chatting a bit about my own journey back to reading and why I feel reading is a common thread among those of us who experience a loss or a significant change in our lives. Books mentioned in the audio: The Midnight Library by Matt Haig Writers & Lovers by Lily King The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller Still Life by Sarah Winman Get full access to The Readerista at thereaderista.substack.com/subscribe [https://thereaderista.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Notes From A Midlife Reader

Welcome to The Readerista podcast! As someone who has always loved getting lost in books—and talking about them just as much—I wanted to create a podcast that feels like an intimate, cozy conversation over coffee with a friend. I’ll dive into my all-time favorites, explore my ever-growing reading list, and reflect on how certain books surprise, comfort, or challenge me along the way. Beyond my own reading life, I’m especially excited to sit down with authors to talk about their work—discussing upcoming releases, inspirations, and the creative process that brings stories to life. Today, I’m kicking off my 'Notes From A Midlife Reader' series by sharing a recap of what I read and listened to in March. It was an unusual month because many of the books I enjoyed were excellent and received high ratings. Since that isn’t always the case, I encourage you to listen to this episode and consider adding some of these fantastic books to your TBR list. Get full access to The Readerista at thereaderista.substack.com/subscribe [https://thereaderista.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Author Jeanine Boulay joins me to discuss her debut novel, What Keeps Us

Welcome to The Readerista podcast! As someone who has always loved getting lost in books—and talking about them just as much—I wanted to create a podcast that feels like an intimate, cozy conversation over coffee with a friend. I’ll dive into my all-time favorites, explore my ever-growing reading list, and reflect on how certain books surprise, comfort, or challenge me along the way. Beyond my own reading life, I’m especially excited to sit down with authors to talk about their work—discussing upcoming releases, inspirations, and the creative process that brings stories to life. Today I'm joined by author Jeanine Boulay. Jeanine is a writer who has received numerous writing fellowships and currently works in educational leadership. She lived and taught in Brooklyn for twenty years, where Green-Wood Cemetery served as inspiration for her debut novel, What Keeps Us. What Keeps Us explores the unsung stories of women inspired by the rich history of Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn. Each narrative dives deep into the choices these women made, showcasing their struggles and resilience across different eras. Jeanine's debut novel is available now wherever you buy books. Get full access to The Readerista at thereaderista.substack.com/subscribe [https://thereaderista.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]