In this episode of What to Read Next, Laura shares her personal journey of trying (and slightly failing) to create a Sunday reading retreat—and why a phone detox might be the key to getting back into a satisfying reading groove. From binge-watching Love Island UK to rediscovering how much joy a simple reading day can bring, Laura dives deep into creating your own reading retreat at home. She also dishes on Turkish TV drama, Dramione fanfic controversy, and why it might be time to rethink our relationship with social media.

Highlights:

• Laura’s attempt at a personal reading retreat and why it turned into a TV binge
• The joy of rewatching Love Island UK vs. disappointment with the USA version
• Updates on her Turkish TV Obsessed podcast, plus finishing As The Crow Flies on Netflix
• Latest bookish drama: Dramione fanfics being turned into books and the controversy around them
• Reflections on a past reading binge during a hurricane power outage — and why it was blissful without her phone
• How doomscrolling keeps us from reading (and how trauma can make stress feel "safe")
• Ideas to create your own reading retreat, including:
• Planning meals/snacks ahead
• Setting up a cozy space with candles, blankets, or ambiance music
• Trying a "try-on" session with different books — read first chapters and see what sticks
• Being okay with soft DNFs (“not right now”)
• Putting your phone on Do Not Disturb or out of sight
• Why it’s okay if your retreat means reading anything—from novellas to spicy books to cozy mysteries

Mentioned in This Episode:

📺 TV & Media:

• Love Island UK (and why Unseen Bits is the best)
• As The Crow Flies (Turkish series on Netflix)
• Early Birds Turkish novela fandom story

📚 Books & Bookish Talk:

• Rose in Chains (Dramione-inspired, darker political themes)
• Manacled and Alchemised (Dramione fanfics with heavy themes)
• Brief mention of Fourth Wing (not her favorite)

Favorite hurricane reading binge:

• Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood
• Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood
• Deep End (ARC) by Ali Hazelwood
• Only For One Night by Jessica James

Links & Resources:

👉 Visit whattoreadnextblog.com for daily updated book lists, from cozy mysteries to LGBTQ+ romances to beach reads for summer 2025.

👉 Sign up for the newsletter at whattoreadnextblog.com/newsletter to get even more book recs and updates.

Let’s Connect:

🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe—it helps others find the show!

📩 Have thoughts on reading retreats or your own phone detox? Message Laura at laura@whattoreadnextblog.com, she’d love to hear from you!

Mentioned in this episode:

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If you’ve ever watched Bravo’s Summer House and wished you could join a messy friend group getting sunburnt in the Hamptons, this episode is for you! Laura shares her favorite books that capture the same summer vibes—from Hamptons scandals to Fire Island shares and cozy small-town beach escapes. Whether you’re lounging poolside or dreaming of a sandy getaway, these books will transport you straight into the ultimate summer mood.

• Hotter in the Hamptons by Tinx
• Elizabeth in East Hampton by Audrey Bellezza & Emily Harding
• Serendipity by Becky Chalsen
• Seven Summer Weekends by Jane L. Rosen
• Summer on Sag Harbor by Sunny Hostin
• In Good Company by Kat Singleton

Loved these recs? Sign up for the What to Read Next newsletter for even more book recommendations delivered straight to your inbox. wtrnblog.substack.com

Mentioned in this episode:

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Cook Unity

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In today’s off-the-cuff voice memo episode, I’m checking in with a life and reading update from the front seat of my car—literally. I talk about how my reading habits have shifted post-Kindle streak, what it’s been like to return to borrowing physical books, and how audiobooks are saving my reading life (and sleep schedule). I’m also sharing a few book recommendations, tips for using Audible and Amazon Music for less, and why rediscovering my local library has brought so much joy.

If you’re navigating a reading slump, trying to read more affordably, or just curious about how life changes impact reading, this one's for you.

• When She Unravels by Gabrielle Sands – Mafia romance with a runaway bride twist
• Rose in Chains by Julie Soto – A dark romantasy retelling rooted in Dramione fic
• My Favorite Bad Decision by Eleanor Rorke – A summery, angsty KU romance set on Mount Kilimanjaro

• Cancel and rotate Audible for credit deals
• Use Amazon Music’s included audiobook credit for pricey exclusives.
• Combine Kindle Unlimited with WhisperSync for discounted audiobooks
• Check your library for borrowable gear (cameras, ukuleles, even podcast equipment!)
• Visit your library’s “on order” page to place holds early
• Request book purchases through your local library (and yes, I’ve got a tutorial for that!)

🎧 Snag 4 Months of Audiobooks for FREE!

Amazon Music is offering 4 months FREE of Amazon Music Unlimited—and that includes 1 audiobook credit per month! Perfect for loading up on those pricey Audible exclusives.

👉 Claim Your Deal Here (https://www.tryamazonmusic.com/jeaX7v)

🕒 Offer ends July 11. New subscribers only. Cancel anytime.

• Why I stopped reading ebooks daily after a 2,000-day streak
• How getting a car changed my relationship with audiobooks
• Rediscovering libraries after years of digital-only reading
• Finally getting prescription glasses—and how that led to reading physical books again

Loved this episode? Rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

And if you’re a fellow library lover or audiobook bargain hunter, drop me a comment on Substack —I'd love to hear your hacks!

Substack: whattoreadnextblog.com/newsletter

Mentioned in this episode:

Advertise with Us

Do you have a book or service that you want to share with our engaged audience? Check out our opportunities to sponsor with us

Advertise With Us

Cook Unity

Need fresh, chef-made meals ready in just two minutes? CookUnity delivers high-quality, fresh—not frozen—meals with flexible plans you can pause or skip anytime. Get $50 off your first week with my link in the shownotes and code LYA5453649 at checkout!

Cook Unity `