July 11, 2026

On My Nightstand July 11, 2026

July 11, 2026/ Jill Koly

Summer reading season is in full swing. I have been enjoying late nights on the porch and staying up past my bedtime reading mysteries. Looking ahead, I can’t wait for the new Emily St. John Mandel and Stephen King books coming out this fall.

Are you a member of Everand? They’re running a deal right now where new members get two free unlocks (and I would get one for referring you.) I’ve been a member for 3 or 4 years now and I’ve been happy with their selection. Would love if new members get me a few free unlocks, but no pressure! I know expenses are tough right now!

Quote of the week

“I stood looking over my damaged home and tried to forget the sweetness of life on Earth.”

— Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel

On My Nightstand This Week

Paper Book- Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel - she’s all over this post. I’m re-reading a few of her books before her new one, Exit Party, comes out in the fall.

Kindle - Reading Owl’s Well That Ends Well by Donna Andrews at night. I like this series. The family involved makes no sense but they’re fun and easy reads.

Audiobook - I finally am getting to Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles. It’s a little slow getting started, but I’m sure I’ll be into it soon enough.

Hang in there everyone, and happy reading.

Note: links to bookshop.org are affiliate links. Thanks for your support.

This post is linked to The Sunday Post on Caffeinated Reviewer.

June 14, 2026

Show Us Your Books June 2026

June 14, 2026/ Jill Koly

May turned out to be a decent reading month despite the bonkers business of the end of the school year and graduation. I even had my fourth five star read of the year with The Canticle. (It has not been a five star reading year for me- I don’t know if it’s me and the world or if I’m just not picking good books.)

My Four and Five Star Reads from May 2026

(Click on the titles to learn more.)

Canticle by Janet Rich Evans - This book was frightening, empowering, frustrating, and feminist. The mystery of faith. I loved it so much.

The Gift of Rain by Tan Twan Eng - This book was so beautifully written. I don’t know why it’s been sitting unread on my kindle for years. WWII and life is dangerous and complicated for the residents of Malay. Phillip who is half English and half Chinese does what he thinks gives the greatest chance for his family’s survival. No one agrees with him. Years later he still struggles with his choices.

Called Again by Jennifer Pharr Davis - I love books written by endurance athletes, and this was no exception. The description of what it took to set a record on the AT was brutally honest and fascinating.

Bamboo and Blood by James Church - These books are such a nap dream. This is the third one I’ve read in this series and I don’t think I’ve followed a single one. It works when the main character is solving mysteries in North Korea though.

The Trespasser by Tana French - Tana French’s books start off slow then before you know it the 75th twist happens and you’re looking for yard work and laundry to do so you can just listen a little longer. The last installment of the Dublin Murder Squad series was just what you would expect from a Tana French book.

The Astral Library by Kate Quinn - The book about books I’ve been looking for! Libraries save lives! Don‘t ban books! Hooray!

Have a great reading month everyone.

March 31, 2026

My April TBR

March 31, 2026/ Jill Koly

March Beginning TBR: 502
March Ending TBR: 521
(Not a good sign going into summer reading season, but can I help it of people keep writing books?)

My reading has slowed down this year, but I’m hoping with the better weather and the return of porch reading season things will pick up again. Concentration issues are a problem too, but I just need to keep reminding myself that the world is going to keep turning no matter if I’m watching it or not. It’s a rough time. I’m hoping books will keep me sane.

I’m looking forward to my April list. I’m going to try to get through a bunch of books I’ve had on my shelves (physical and virtual) forever. A bit of spring cleaning if you will. We have a trip planned so I’m hopeful I can get my mojo back.