Hi Friend!
This week’s newsletter is packed with bookish goodness.
For this week’s Substack podcast, I invited my friend Becky to talk all things books, reality TV shows, and much more!
On the podcast, I’m sharing two new episodes—including what to read after finishing Great Big Beautiful Lie and my favorite tips to help you read more books (even during a slump).
I’m also putting together future Kindle Unlimited recommendation lists—and I’d love your input. Scroll down to fill out a quick reader survey and let me know what tropes, genres, or KU authors you want featured next.
Let’s find your next favorite read 📖
From Meme Love Languages to Bravo Lore: An Hour with Becky from Too Stupid to Live
Meet Becky
Becky Feldman is the hilarious and insightful host of Too Stupid to Live, a podcast dedicated to reviewing romance novels that are $5 and under. But Becky isn’t just serving hot takes on budget-friendly romance—she’s also the creator of Claimed by… TBD, a fictional audio series about a romance podcaster abducted by aliens and forced to continue her podcast from another planet.
She blends humor with heart, drawing attention to the underappreciated brilliance— and chaos —of romance fiction. On this episode, she shares the inspiration behind her stories, her adventures in Substack, and why she’s totally fine if her only listeners are her parents and me.
Check out Becky’s podcast and Substack: Too Stupid to Live
“Being single in your 40s doesn’t mean you’re missing something—it means you’re building exactly what you want.”
Highlights from the Conversation
Meme = Love Language
Laura and Becky kick things off with a chat about how meme-sharing is their version of emotional intimacy. If you're on the receiving end of Laura’s curated meme drops, consider yourself chosen.Receipts & Scam Culture
Laura talks about her dream to one day be a talking head on a BookTok scam documentary. She’s got the screenshots, the site visits, and the group chat intel ready.The Bookish Friend Group Chat Universe
Meet the characters in this shared Substack ecosystem—from monster romance experts to historical fiction fans. It’s basically a literary version of The Golden Girls.Life, Love & Being Single in Your 40s
Both hosts reflect on aging without kids, societal pressure, and the freedom of creating your own family and fulfillment. Turns out, being childfree and still living your best life is revolutionary.Pop Culture Is Modern Mythology
Reality TV isn't just entertainment—it's the Greek tragedy of our times. Andy Cohen as Zeus? Absolutely. And Bravo shows like The Valley and Southern Charm serve as our generation’s epic sagas.
“Books can be as dumb or as smart as you want them to be—that’s the freedom of it all.” —Becky Feldman
Books + Media Mentioned
Here’s a quick look at the books and shows that came up during our chat:
Books & Podcasts:
Claimed by TBD by Becky Feldman – A fictional podcast series featuring alien abduction and podcasting hijinks.
Hotter in the Hamptons by Tinx – An influencer rom-com that’s “terrible, but addictive.”
Chelsea Handler’s latest memoir, I’ll Have What She’s Having– Meditation, mushrooms, and childfree clarity.
Martha Stewart – The ultimate reinvention arc post-prison.
Sunny Side Up by Katie Sturino and other influencer-authored novels.
Alexa Martin’s upcoming MLM-themed novel, How to Sell a Romance
Reality TV + Pop Culture:
The Valley, Southern Charm, Below Deck, Real Housewives
The Traitors and The Goat (Peacock’s reality show with Wiggate drama)
Bethenny Frankel, the downfall of the Girl Boss era
The VH1 era of reality TV and its role in shaping Bravo content
Want to Read More Books?
What to Read After Great Big Beautiful Lie by Emily Henry
Finished Emily Henry’s latest and don’t know what to read next? Check out our spoiler-free review of Great Big Beautiful Lie and our recommendations on what to read next:
Recommended Books:
Passion Project by London Sperry
Summer in the City by Alex Aster
Any Trope But You by Victoria Lavine
Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone
Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan
Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan
Reader Survey: What Kindle Unlimited Book Recommendations Should I Feature Next?
I'm always working on new Kindle Unlimited lists for the blog, podcast, and newsletter—and I want to hear from YOU.
Tell me what you'd love to see in an upcoming feature! Feel free to check as many as you like or add your own idea.
What Kindle Unlimited content do you want more of?
✅ Dark romance (e.g. captor/captive, mafia, morally gray heroes)
✅ Small town romance
✅ Romantic comedies
✅ Spicy novellas (quick reads, high heat!)
✅ Completed series to binge
✅ Cozy mysteries
✅ Paranormal romance (shifters, vampires, ghosts)
✅ Closed-door / fade-to-black romance
✅ Fantasy romance
✅ Books like (Fourth Wing / ACOTAR / Zodiac Academy/or any other popular book or series)
✅ Suspense / romantic thrillers/ unputdownable thrillers
✅ Books under 300 pages
✅ LGBTQ+ romance
✅ Kindle Unlimited audiobooks (Read & Listen)
✅ Hidden gems you’ve never heard of
✅ Monthly new releases round-ups
✅ Author deep dives (e.g. Ana Huang, Elsie Silver, etc.)
📝 Other suggestions? Drop your favorite trope, niche, or KU author here
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