Hey Reader,

Memorial Day weekend always sneaks up on me. Suddenly everyone’s posting their “summer reading lists,” full of trending titles and perfect poolside pics.

I’ve read a lot of books in the past 18 months. Some were quick escapes. Others left a weird aftertaste.

The ones I still think about? They weren’t optimized for speed or aesthetics. They were the ones that kept circling back—through conversations, memories, and moments of unexpected emotion.

So if you’re building a summer reading stack, I’ve got a different suggestion: Start with the books that won’t let go.

Recency biases

Currently reading The Undercover Secretary. And finished The Busy Body a few weeks ago. Will these books still be on my brain come autumn? We'll see.

​The Undercover Secretary – Ellie Midwood (Kindle Unlimited)

Vibe: Fast, focused, and full of secrets Still in progress—but even halfway through, the tone, pacing, and character work feel memorable. Sometimes it’s the “pretty good” books that end up sticking.

Not on Kindle Unlimited? Test-drive it for 30 days.

​The Busy Body – Kemper Donovan

Vibe: Smart, playful, well-paced A ghostwriter gets pulled into a high-society murder mystery. Clever without trying too hard. If you like mysteries that keep you company without exhausting you, this one holds up. 👉 Read on Amazon​

OMG! These still own a piece of my brain!

Except for Read Yourself Happy, these aren’t new releases. None of them are flashy. But they’re the ones that echo. This summer, I'll be looking for more from these authors, historical fiction works from similar eras, titles available on Kindle Unlimited or Libby, or some of the ebooks I haven't read in a long time.

​The Count of Monte Cristo – Alexandre Dumas

Vibe: Big, bold, worth the effort.

This book changed how I read. It took months, multiple chat threads, and help from my favorite AI sidekick. But it’s layered, wild, and unexpectedly grounding.

It also sparked a new project: a guide to reading big, intimidating books—with a little help from AI. Putting the finishing touches on the ebook right now. Will let you know when it's ready!

Meantime, here's a free resource I built for readers who want to dig into a classic—with help from AI.

​Winter Garden – Kristin Hannah

Vibe: Slow build, emotional payoff.

A story of silence, survival, and family in wartime Russia. The second half delivers the emotional weight. If you don’t mind a quiet start, this one will linger.

​The Murder of Roger Ackroyd – Agatha Christie

Vibe: Short, clever, twisty.

Known for the twist—but what made it stick was Christie’s control. Taut and satisfying.

​Jubilee – Margaret Walker

Vibe: Quiet strength, generational depth.

Vyry’s story—based on the author’s great-grandmother—reads like memory. Steady, devastating, and enduring.

​The Violin Conspiracy – Brendan Slocumb

Vibe: Driven, layered, emotionally charged.

Part mystery, part coming-of-age, part cultural reckoning. Fast-moving, but the emotional layers hit hard.

​Read Yourself Happy – Daisy Buchanan

Vibe: Gentle, honest, reassuring A book about how reading helps, without turning it into homework. Reflective, but never heavy. Worth keeping nearby.

Got a book that won’t let go of your brain?

Hit reply. I’d love to hear what's sticking with you—and what's on your summer reading list.

— Tracy

P. S. If you’re using Kindle Unlimited this summer, here’s my affiliate link. Thanks for supporting Unhustled when you use it.

🫶 Leave a tip if you’re feeling it​

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