Welcome to Quick Lit, where I share short and sweet reviews of what I’ve been reading lately on (or around) the 15th of the month, and invite you to do the same.
It’s feeling like summer in my reading life right now. For me, that means gobs of backlist at the beginning of summer, as the pendulum swings hard in the direction of old after reading scores of brand new titles to weigh for potential inclusion in the MMD 2026 Summer Reading Guide. (Now available!)
(At the same time, after my initial burst of all backlist, all the time, I start reading forthcoming fall releases for our Fall Book Preview. This past week I finished three excellent September releases right in a row and am deep in the middle of a fourth—but that’s not what we’re talking about today.)
Today’s early summer edition of Quick Lit is a backlist bonanza, with titles from 1931 (The Fortnight in September), 2002 (Road Ends), 2005 (The English Teacher), and several from 2025.
I listened to several of these titles on audio, but if you’re on the hunt for more audiobook selections, check out my Quick Lit-style roundup featuring the 8 audiobooks I’ve read this year (so far) that I published last week.
I hope you enjoy this month’s selections, and that you find something that looks intriguing for your TBR here. And, as always, I can’t wait to hear what you’ve been reading lately!
Thanks in advance for sharing your short and sweet book reviews with us!
Welcome to June Quick Lit
Bring the House Down
My friend Mel mentioned she was enjoying this at the very minute I found myself in need of a good story on audio (picture me racking my brain at an interstate rest stop) and I thought, why not? I'm not sure there's a single likable character in this meta tale of criticism and the arts, but I enjoyed reading about them. The story unfolds over the course of just a few weeks during Edinburgh's Fringe Festival, where two British theater critics have been sent by their paper to review the shows. Alex Lyons has held his post for ages: he's respected and well-known for his extreme reviews; he gives one-stars and five-stars but little in between. On the festival's opening night, he eviscerates a one woman show, and its performer, and justifies his vicious take by saying he didn't make the show bad, he just told the truth. AND YET. Between penning the review and it running in the paper the next morning, he picks up the performer in a bar and sleeps with her in his rented apartment. She discovers her show has been maligned when she sees the paper—with Alex's scathing review—on his kitchen table the next morning. Having been publicly maligned, the performer plots a similarly public revenge that quickly becomes the talk of the festival. The story is narrated by Alex's junior colleague Sophie, and I was kept guessing throughout the book as to her intentions: I didn't know where it was going but enjoyed the ride. This was excellent on audio, as read by Isabelle Farah. More info →
The Boy from the Sea
I've long been intrigued by contemporary novels that feel old-fashioned, and this Irish novel is certainly one of them. It's been on my list since Virginia Evans recommended it in MMD Book Club during our The Correspondent author chat. Because of the other novelists Evans recommended at the time, I assumed it was an older work. WOW was I wrong: it was only upon putting together Quick Lit that I realized this is journalist Carr's debut novel, just published in 2025. I didn't hear about it upon its release, though it was named An Observer Best Debut of 2025, a Sunday Times Best Book of 2025, and was shortlisted for a slew of British prizes. (I listened to the audio narrated by Stanley Townsend; otherwise context clues on a print edition would have clued me in much faster!) The story begins in 1973 in a small Irish village. When a baby boy is found abandoned on the beach, a local fisherman with a son about the same age adopts him and raises him as his own. Because of his mystical-feeling origins, villagers always considered the boy to have a touch of the magical about him—a blessing and curse that dogs him his whole life. I loved the narrative style in this story, it felt like a yarn, unspooled by an elder villager who knows everything about everyone. More info →
The English Teacher
I'm continuing to slowly make my way through Lily King's backlist—maybe she'll become a completist author for me?—and picked up her second novel, published in 2005, on impulse. It's a campus novel, with huge chunks set at a New England prep school. The titular English teacher is Vida, who talked herself into a job at the school fifteen years ago, when she was hugely pregnant and in desperate financial straits that she implied were due to her husband's death, except there never was a husband. She is beloved by her students and coworkers, and has built a quiet but happy enough life there with her son. But when she impulsively accepts a handsome young widower's proposal, she is forced to finally confront everything she fled from long ago. I enjoyed the story, but what really stood out to me was the way Lily King can show a character thinking about and wrestling with a book on the page and make it feel not only utterly fascinating but deeply essential to the plot. (The book that appears most often in these pages is Thomas Hardy's Tess of the d'Urbervilles.) I loved this. More info →
The Fortnight in September
British playwright R.C. Sherriff's first novel was originally published in 1931 and subsequently reissued by Persephone (which may give you a strong feel for the tone) and Scribner, who published the gorgeous edition I impulse bought because of the cover. (Can you blame me?) It's been consistently described as lovely and life-affirming, a quiet book that is absorbing despite the fact that not much happens. Those descriptors all sounded great to me! I'm sorry to say I was underwhelmed. In it, a middle-class British family of five travels by train from London to the seaside for their annual two-week holiday. From the day before departure ("Going Away Eve") to the return trip home, we get the points of view of each family member—father, mother, and kids aged 19, 17, and 10—and while much that unfolded was interesting, I just did not enjoy spending time inside these characters' minds. More info →
The Trouble Up North
My introduction to Mulhauser's work came via his April 2026 release Fair Chase, which I loved and included in the 2026 MMD Summer Reading Guide. That book left me longing to read more from the author. I knew Fair Chase to be a standalone sequel to Mulhauser's 2025 sophomore novel The Trouble Up North, so I queued it up for a recent road trip: at 6 hrs 28 mins it was the perfect length for a round trip to Nashville. Here we meet the notorious Sawbrook family, respected and feared bootleggers who've lived in their part of Michigan for generations. When the story begins, the family is in a bad way: various members are ill, addicted, and desperate for cash. When one well-meaning adult child embarks on a dangerous scheme to save them, it goes awry—and the family's escalating attempts to deal with the fallout feel almost Shakespearean in nature. This was riveting on audio, as read by by Lauren Ezzo and Petrea Burchard: I couldn't stop listening. More info →
Road Ends
I've been slowly making my way through Canadian novelist Mary Lawson's backlist for years; in my experience her books are often emotionally brutal but reliably end on a note of redemption. It's been long enough since I read Lawson's 2002 debut Crow Lake that I didn't immediately recognize that Road Ends, published in 2013, takes place in the same story world. Here we meet the dysfunctional Cartwright family—father, mother, and eight children who live in the tiny town of Struan, Ontario. The father grew up in an abusive home and is terrified of terrorizing his own children; the mother dotes on her infants but neglects them once they move on from the baby stage. When the story opens, twenty-one-year-old Megan is about to leave home for London. As the second eldest and firstborn daughter, she's been functionally running the house since she was six years old and has had enough. When an opportunity presents itself for her to travel to London, she takes it. The household falls apart in her absence. The Struan portions are crammed with myriad tragedies, which makes for heart-wrenching reading. But I rooted so hard for Megan as, after a terrifically rocky start, she slowly made her way in London. Lawson is an obvious choice for lovers of a certain kind of literary fiction (me!) but I was delighted to discover this was a hotel story as well. More info →
What have YOU been reading lately? Tell us about your recent reads—or share the link to a blog or instagram post about them—in comments.
28 comments
I love the description of a contemporary work that feels old-fashioned. I know exactly what you mean!
My “reading rainbow” project has continued to offer up an amazing variety of reads, with an interesting 10 this past month: https://cocoonofbooks.blogspot.com/2026/06/what-ive-been-reading-lately-quick-lit.html
I had a strong reading month, with FOUR books that were 4.5 or 5 stars! My books this month included insightful nonfiction, a hilarious memoir, a book that has been hugely beneficial as I homeschool my children, two FASCINATING historical novels, a thriller that had me flying through the pages, and a compelling sci-fi story. There was also a romance set in a bookstore that others seem to love but that got a rare 2 stars from me.
https://kendranicole.substack.com/p/quick-lit-june-2026
I loved the premise of The Bookstore Diaries, but reading it was so tedious-I should have just quit. And I agree with you, that it had almost nothing to do with the missing diaries themselves!
My June reading was full of books that are perfect for summer, including 2 that feature bookstores! Check them out here:
https://neverenoughnovels.com/2026/06/14/june-2026-book-reviews/
It was quite the mix of books for me this month – a couple of powerful, heavy reads with some lighter reading in between. A good balance.
https://avikinginla.com/2026/06/what-ive-been-reading-lately-may-2026/
I love all the backlist books on your list this month! I am adding Mary Lawson to my list of authors to read after reading your review. I recently read two nonfiction books that I really enjoyed. Like, Follow, Subscribe was a five-star nonfiction read for me. It is about influencers, social media, and the cost of childhood online. It was a fascinating yet sad look at the current world of social media and how it is impacting us. https://fromourbookshelf.com/may-reading-2026/
In this month’s LITERARY CHATTER –
A lively conversation featuring 5 historical fiction reads that take place in a library.
https://lindastoll.substack.com/p/library-books-porch-220
I am so glad to hear someone else was underwhelmed by The Fortnight in September! I kept seeing recommendations for it, but I stopped reading it halfway through because I was so underwhelmed.
I love Crow Lake, so I have added Road Ends to my TBR. Thanks for mentioning that it is about the Cartwright family.
I just read and enjoyed two new releases Summer’s Never Over and Whistler. Now I am turning to my backlist and I am currently reading Properties of Thirst by Marianne Wiggins.
Properties of Thirst is still one of the very best books I’ve ever read! Enjoy
I have had a slow start to my summer reading. I have lost the reading mojo but I did find a few gems. Of course, once again, I find more books to add to my ever-growing TBR. Check out what I read and what I quit
https://myviewofthehoneypot.blogspot.com/2026/06/what-i-read-and-what-i-have-dnf-in-june.html
I haven’t read any Lily King yet, but your description of The English Teacher makes me want to pick it up!
My reading this past month includes a recently published romance, a YA fantasy that I unexpectedly loved, and a non-fiction book about child influencers.
https://booksandpickles.substack.com/p/recent-reads-may-jun-26
The Boy from the Sea sounds interesting, and the plot sounds similar to The Light Between Oceans. I will have to check this one out.
My recent reads are:
* Last One Out by Jane Harper (rounded up to 4 stars for the excellent writing) – this is the gloomiest book I have read in years featuring a dying town, a broken marriage, a missing son, neighbors and friends with growing distrust for each other, and hovering over all of this is the endless thumping noise of the evil coal mine machinery and the pervasive coal dust. I do not think there is a single happy person in this story, which made the tidied-up ending feel a bit artificial to me.
* Tilda is Visible by Jane Tara (4 stars) – I enjoyed this story, which uses a “disability,” becoming physically invisible, as a metaphor for the way women and their accomplishments, talents, and dreams often seem invisible to others. Tilda is a heroine worth cheering!
* The Ending Writes Itself by Evelyn Clarke (3.5 stars) – A whodunit featuring a disparate group of authors all chasing after the prize of writing the ending to a reclusive novelist’s last book. I enjoyed this one.
* The Lumber Baron’s Wife by Lynn Austin (4 stars) – Historical fiction set in the lumber boom of western Michigan in the late 1800s. Fast paced and an enjoyable read. Lynn Austin writes Christian fiction that avoids being saccharine or overly preachy, which I appreciate.
Currently reading the Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett (loving this on audio), and What You are Looking for is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama, which is a charming story translated from Japanese. Happy Reading!
I’ve been reading some fun and interesting books this spring, and if they are any indication, my summer reading is right on track. The Bookstore Diaries – Susan Mallery; The Memory Gardener – Meg Donohue; The Lido – Libby Page; The Peach Keeper – Sarah Addison Allen; and Ms. Mebel Goes Back to the Chopping Block – Jesse Q. Sutanto. Happy reading everyone!
I keep hearing about Mary Lawson…
And I read this month a book of George Herbert’s poetry that I actually understood. In All Things Thee to See is annotated with explanations of archaic terms and is followed by brief comments on the content and the imagery that overflow in Herbert’s writing.
More here: https://michelemorin.net/2026/06/03/the-one-view-that-changes-everything-you-see-and-do/
The Boy from the Sea sounds so good. I felt the same way about The Fortnight in September! Unmet expectations (but it does have a great cover!)
I’ve been enjoying some short stories and collections. My favorite was Nothing But the Rain by Naomi Salman. It was creepy and flirted into the horror genre without being too much for me. I also enjoyed My Favorite Popsicle, an essay collection about food memories edited by Zosia Mamet that includes celebrities like Rosie Perez as well as chefs like Ina Garten. The last short story collection was Upward Bound by Woody Brown. There’s some hype and controversy about the author, but I enjoyed the stories for what they are, windows into a difficult medical billing reality for adults with disabilities with a humorous and humanizing lens.
AND I finally got to some books that have been on my TBR a LONG time.
The Inheritance Game by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Lovely War by Julie Berry (audio a must)
84 Charing Cross Road by Helen Hanff
The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
The Boy from the Sea sounds really good! I love a good mystery child.
Here’s what I’ve been reading: https://readeatrepeat.net/2026/06/books-in-progress-june-2026/
I’ve gone back through my posts over the last few years and pulled out five middle grade novels I especially enjoyed. Check it out here.
https://carolinestarrrose.com/quick-lit-middle-grade-you-might-have-missed/
I’ve been reading:
– Daniel Mendelsohn’s translation of Homer’s “Odyssey” as an audiobook;
– Hala Buck’s memoir “Bridge Between Worlds;”
– and for light summer reading, Catherine Newman’s novel “Sandwich.”
I’m having a tremendous reading summer – a real standout. You are just firing on all cylinders, Anne! I’ve picked several off this list, and I’m finishing Finding Grace (which I swear was recommended by someone on the team). I’ve already started Five, which is riveting. Then will come Land and Whistler, so I know I’m in for two treats there. I don’t see this incredible streak breaking any time soon, so I’m enjoying the wave as long as it lasts.
“The English Teacher” sounds interesting to me. Thanks, Anne!
One of the most fascinating books I read this month: “100 Things We’ve Lost to the Internet”
Fun trip down memory lane!
All 8 of my eclectic books this month are here:
https://lisanotes.com/book-recommendations-across-genres/
Everything I ordered from the library came in at once: More than Enough by Anna Quindlen (not my favorite of hers, too many things going on, but still, she’s good), What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown (more of a thriller page-turner than I expected! Good! And interesting bit about the onset of the computer age and all the excitement that generated among the computer nerds!) Kin by Tayari Jones (very excellent writing, a little slow, but still very good.), The Other Side of Now by Paige Harbison (sliding doors alternate universe, good premise, but sometimes tedious in the execution) Awake, by Jen Hatmaker (she’s fun to read, and for me the best part was her amazement and enjoyment of Bar Harbor, Maine, since I’m a Mainer) and The One Day You Were My Husband by Rosie Walsh. Rosie Walsh is 3 for 3 with me, I LOVE her style of thrillers, esp. because they have happy endings. This was no different!! So many twists and surprises.
Anne, your The Boy From the Sea looks excellent. And the Lily King. I’m waiting for WHISTLER!!!!
Just finished The Five Wishes of Mr. Murray McBride by Joe Siple, which is a lovely story about a friendship between a 100 year old widower and a 10 year old boy in need of a heart transplant. A lovely, poignant story that seems to be off the radar. Also read Finding Dorothy by Elizabeth Letts that is about Maud Baum and then her marriage to L. Frank Baum, author of The Wizard of Oz. It also imagines her involvement in the production of the movie and possible mentoring of a young Judy Garland. A very good read! I think Letts is one of my favorite American writers who writes fascinating American stories pulled from history. She also wrote at The Ride of Her Life, about a Maine woman who rode her horse from Maine to California in the 1950s. It is a fabulous read!
I also recently read The Fortnight in September and loved it. I felt that the author perfectly captured all the feelings around a beach vacation. The anticipation the night before travel, the excitement of knowing that you have two whole weeks of beach time ahead of you, the weird feeling that home is so very far away, the marking of time through the vacation, and the melancholy you feel before you leave. I thought it was so well done.
Wow! I haven’t heard of any of these titles, but I am familiar with some of the authors. I am sharing 8 books today, some hits and some misses. They include memoir, fiction, nonfiction, romance, and historical fiction.
Baylie – miss
Family Treasures: Lost and Found – miss
Heart Life Music – Hit
The Collected Regrets of Clover – LOVED
The Unselected Journals of Emma M Lion, Vol 2 – Hit
We All Want Impossible Things – Hit
This Dead Romantics – Hit
Survivor: Forged by Fire – Hit
You can check out more of my thoughts at the link:
https://www.sincerelystacie.com/2026/06/quick-lit-june-2026-edition/
Here’s some of my recent reading:
Books 39 – 48 of the year: https://thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com/2026/05/reading-update.html
Books 49 – 60: https://thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com/2026/06/reading-update.html
I love these quick lit posts because they remind me that I am not the only one with a towering to-read pile that I will probably never finish. It is nice to see what normal people are reading when they are not trying to impress anyone. Did you finish any of these in one sitting or did they all take forever?
Mary Lawson has been one of my favourite authors ever since she wrote “Crow Lake”.I’m so glad you discovered her. I am currently 15 pages away from finishing Kin by Tayari Jones and knew this was a 5 star rating within the first chapter. Another 5 star read for me this month was The Foursome by Christina Baker Kline. Wow, this packs a punch based on true life events.
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