The September Reading Matrix
Embracing cooler days to curl up guilt free - here's what we'd suggest
The summer is ending, and without any stand out hit, book wise. There’s normally a super buzzy one - the book you see everywhere, from the tube to bookclubs, and this year has felt lacking. The Booker longlist, has been my highlight (are you joining us?), but even then the books that made this list have been under the radar. Not even Taylor Jenkins Reid’s latest dominated summer. I think the buzziest book is perhaps last year’s The Safekeep, now out in paperback and winner of the Women’s Prize. Perhaps also notable mention for Jessica Stanley’s Consider Yourself Kissed (at least in the UK).
The excellent McNally Jackson books (the NY based independent bookstore, famed for it’s taste) did a fab play on that classic New York Magazine Approval matrix last month with their summer reading matrix. Such a good round up of books, but still missing that big summer hitter that everyone seems to be reading (note The Safekeep in fast/slim).
And so, we move into Autumn with anticipation of what is to come. Back to school vibes all round - the universal invite for new stationery, a great pen, a few new books, and cooler days to curl up guilt free.
Here’s what we’d recommend…
The September Reading Matrix, by Verse
Short & Buzzy: Foster, Assembly, Perfection, I Who Have Never Known Men
Short & Under the radar: Quantum Listening, Boundless Heart, Cassandra at the Wedding, Background for Love
Epic & Buzzy: Tom Lake, The Wedding People, The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida, The Loneliness of Sonia & Sunny
Epic & Under the radar: Wellness, No Friend to This House, The Luminaries, The Little Stranger
There’s still time to join us
If you’re feeling the fatigue, our books clubs are exactly the kind of structure that helps reset your attention, mood, and mindset.
They are designed to work with your week, not against it. Like a PT for your reading life. Explore the clubs and join us.
Starting next week: Six Weeks to an Open Heart
A meditation-meets-book-club that invites you to practise reading as reflection. Thoughtfully paced, with space to integrate and reconnect. Join in person or online.
It’d be great to see you there. You can find out more about our clubs here, and any questions let us know!
💌 Let’s make reading feel better, together
Books don’t need to be hard. Reading doesn’t have to feel like a chore.
If you’re ready for a deeper reading routine - one that fits your actual life - we’d love to have you in the club.
Or just reply and say hi. I always love hearing what’s on your shelf.
Say goodbye to bad recommendations and hello to a better reading experience 👇