What I Read in July 2025
My reading pace has slowed way down these past few months, so instead of trying to chase any kind of goal, I leaned into comfort, and picked up books by authors I already know and love. It was exactly what I needed.I picked up two books from authors I always enjoy: Taylor Jenkins Reid and Emily Henry. Spoiler alert: they both delivered. One had me weeping over astronauts (yes, really), and the other pulled me into a slow-burn love story with a side of mystery. Here’s what I read, and why they were exactly what I needed right now.
For more recommendations, don’t forget to check out my Bookshelf page!
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Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
I’m a big fan of anything Taylor Jenkins Reid writes. Daisy and the Six? LOVED. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo? Also LOVED. She just has a way of writing that completely pulls me in. The rest of the world melts away, and I’m fully immersed in whatever world she’s created.
Atmosphere was no different. If you’d told me I’d love a book about astronauts, I would’ve laughed. But this is so much more than that. And spoiler alert… I SOBBED through the last few chapters.
Set in the early ’80s, the story follows Joan Goodwin, a woman who answers NASA’s call for women in science to join their new shuttle program. Joan has always dreamed of the stars, and now she finally has a shot at getting there. She’s accepted into the program and begins training with a small group of men and women from all kinds of backgrounds—pilots, scientists, engineers.
As they train, they form deep bonds, lasting friendships, and even find love—all while holding onto the shared dream of making it to space.
Everything is going well… until one fateful shuttle mission changes everything.
This book is packed with emotion, drama, love, and secrets. You feel like you’re part of the crew.
Solid ten. No notes.
Great Big Beautiful Life By Emily Henry
I’m a big fan of Emily Henry books. They’re always guaranteed to be a fun, feel-good read. And this one might be my favorite yet. It still has her signature wit and charm, but with a twist: there’s a mystery element woven in, and I was so here for it.
The story follows Alice, a writer who might have just landed the interview, and book deal, of a lifetime. The only problem? She’s not the only one up for the job. Enter Hayden Anderson, Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer and Alice’s biggest competition. The subject? Margaret Ives, a reclusive heiress no one has seen in over two decades.
Alice is the one who tracked her down, after years of silence. And just when it seems like her big break is within reach, Hayden strolls in to challenge her for it. Margaret gives them both 30 days to earn her trust. The catch? They’ve each signed an ironclad NDA and can’t compare notes.
As Alice begins her interviews with Margaret, something feels off. She senses Margaret isn’t being entirely truthful—but she has no way to verify that without breaking the rules. And complicating everything? The undeniable chemistry between her and Hayden.
Trying to uncover the truth turns out to be more complicated, and emotional, than she expected.
I loved this one. Emily Henry just nails it every time—the humor, the heart, the characters that feel like people you actually know. This book was exactly what I needed.
