a breath of fresh air + new book recs

I've been busy with life-things and enjoying the (hopefully) end of summer. It's been a mixture of staying-inside-not-to-melt and being outdoors with the puppy as much as possible. All while still juggling other adult responsibilities and endless problems. So, I have to apologize for lacking on the writing, but you know, life happens. 

I have a question for those avid readers out there: Do you also feel like a "breath of fresh air" comes through you, sometimes within the first 5 pages of a new book? When the book is so good that you feel joy, peace and excitement all at once? Since the beginning of 2026, I've had this feeling twice. First, when I started My Friends by Fredrik Backman in February, and again recently when I picked up The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett. 

When I opened The Calamity Club, I had no idea what I was in for. I had heard about it on social media and knew I absolutely had to read it; I love historical novels and was really in need of a good one. I only had to wait a week from my local library (miracle considering how popular this book is right now) and it was honestly so much more than I expected it to be. I hadn't read The Help, but now I absolutely need to. Stockett's writing blew my mind. And I feel like that is still an understatement. 

If you haven't heard of this book yet, I assure you, it is the best historical fiction released in 2026 so far. I truly had so much fun reading it. The character development was spectacular; the plot was so entertaining. If you can read only one book for the rest of the year, let it be this one! 

New book recommendations:  
1. The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett
2. Heart the Lover by Lily King 
3. Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance by Alison Espach