The Readerly Report

Gayle and Nicole are back after a long absence and are excited to be talking about books again! We look back on the first half of the year and select our favorite reads through the end of June.Books mentioned:Yesteryear by Caro Claire BurkeGreek Lessons by Han KangGood People by Patmeena SabitThe Compound by Aisling RawleThe Blue Hour by Paula HawkinsStrangers by Belle BurdenBangkok Wakes to Rain by Pitchaya SubdanthadThe Rachel Incident by Caroline O’DonoghueThe Bright Years by Sarah DamoffIt Ends With Us by Colleen HooverDominion by Addie CitchensAmerican Hagwon by Min Jin LeeLife Out Of Order by Audrey NiffeneggerSophie Standing There by Meg Mason This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit therestperpective.substack.com

Welcome to another edition of the Readerly Report, where Nicole and Gayle are back to talk all things books. From a historical fiction hangover to a deep dive into an author’s backlist, this episode is a cozy conversation about the books that are currently captivating them.This episode is a book lover’s feast. From character-driven novels that feel like a warm blanket to a sneak peek at some of the most anticipated new releases, they explore the stories that are making them think, feel, and escape.And of course, there are plenty of book recommendations to add to your to-be-read pile.🪞 In This Episode•A deep dive into Buckeye by Patrick Ryan and why it’s the perfect character-driven, multi-generational read.•A discussion of Jennifer Haig’s work, including Rabbit Moon and a magical bookstore encounter.•Nicole shares her thoughts on Audition by Katie Kitamura, a novel that plays with perception and relationship dynamics.•Gayle introduces Some Bright Nowhere by Ann Packer, a beautifully written and heart-wrenching story of love and loss.•A look inside the box of books Gayle sent Nicole, including new releases and intriguing backlist titles.•The joy of discovering new authors and the comfort of returning to old favorites.✨ Quotable Moments•“It was sort of like putting on a like a warm blanket at the end of the day reading that book it just felt a little soothing.” — Gayle•“Sometimes you just love problems that are not your own.” — Nicole•“I am your biggest fan.” — Gayle📚 Books Mentioned•Buckeye – Patrick Ryan (2024)•Rabbit Moon – Jennifer Haig (2024)•Baker Towers – Jennifer Haig•News from Heaven – Jennifer Haig•The Condition – Jennifer Haig•Heat and Light – Jennifer Haig•Audition – Katie Kitamura (2025)•A Separation – Katie Kitamura•Intimacies – Katie Kitamura•The Dive from Clausen’s Pier – Ann Packer•Some Bright Nowhere – Ann Packer (2025)•Cursed Daughters – Oyinkan Braithwaite (2025)•My Sister, the Serial Killer – Oyinkan Braithwaite•What We Can Know – Ian McEwan (2025)•Palaver – Bryan Washington (2025)•Number One Chinese Restaurant – Lillian Li•Bad Asians – Lillian Li (2025) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit therestperpective.substack.com

After eight months away (Nicole went back and checked), Nicole and Gayle are back behind the mic — finding their microphones, rediscovering rhythm, and catching up on everything that’s changed. It’s the sound of reconnection: two creative women re-entering conversation after a long pause, weaving together books, business, and being.This episode is part reunion, part reflection, and part fall book feast. From Human Design and career pivots to running an independent bookstore and curating events, they explore what it means to return to what you love — even when you’re out of practice.And of course, there are plenty of book recommendations to fall into.🪞 In This Episode* Returning to the mic after eight months — finding rhythm again* What changes when you rebuild creative practice after a pause* Nicole’s first year outside corporate life and launching Navigating Career Transitions with Human Design* Gayle’s behind-the-scenes look at bookstore life at Wonderland Books: events, inventory, and reader psychology* The intimacy of buying books — and why no one should feel watched* Our favorite fall reads and why certain stories mirror reinvention* The joy of doing something simply because it’s fun — even if no one listens✨ Quotable Moments“It’s like putting on an old coat — comfortable, but it’s been a long time.” — Gayle“Sometimes the hardest part isn’t leaving who you were; it’s living in the space before the next self arrives.” — Nicole“This is too much fun not to do. Even if nobody listens, I don’t care.” — Nicole📚 Books Mentioned(all publication dates 2025 unless noted otherwise)* Heart the Lover – Lily King* All the Way to the River – Elizabeth Gilbert* What We Can Know – Ian McEwan* The Ten-Year Affair – Erin Summers* Cursed Daughters – Oyinkan Braithwaite* Wreck – Catherine Newman (sequel to Sandwich)* Second Chance Cinema – Thea Weiss* Truly – Lionel Richie This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit therestperpective.substack.com

After a three-month hiatus, Nicole and Gayle are back! Life has been busy—Gayle has been putting the finishing touches on her bookstore, while Nicole has been building her Human Design reading business. Now, they’re ready to dive back into all things books, with a refreshed schedule of bi-monthly episodes. Tune in as they catch up, share what they've been reading, and get back into the rhythm of lively book discussions and recommendations.A Forty Year Kiss by Nickolas Butler | Amazon | BookshopBe Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten | Amazon | BookshopShow Don't Tell by Curtis Sittenfeld | Amazon | BookshopRental House by Weike Wang | Amazon | BookshopLoose Girl by Kerry Cohen | Amazon | BookshopOnyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros | Amazon | BookshopA Gorgeous Excitement by Cynthia Weiner | Amazon | Bookshop This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit therestperpective.substack.com

Welcome back, listeners! After a short hiatus, Nicole and Gayle reunite to share their recent updates, including exciting progress on Gayle's latest project. They also dive into the books they've been reading over the past few weeks. If you're looking for inspiration for your fall reading list, this episode has you covered as they reveal their top picks for the season!Sandwich by Catherine Newman | Amazon | BookshopThe Wedding People by Alison Espach | Amazon | BookshopA Forty-Year Kiss by Nickolas Butler | Amazon | BookshopDon't Be A Stranger by Susan Minot | Amazon | BookshopThe God of The Woods by Liz Moore | Amazon | BookshopMidnight Feast by Lucy Foley | Amazon | BookshopHidden Potential by Adam Grant | Amazon | BookshopMadwoman by Chelsea Bieker | Amazon | BookshopDear Dickhead by Virgine Despentes | Amazon | BookshopThe Sequel by Jean Hanff Korelitz | Amazon | BookshopThe Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz | Amazon | BookshopEvening by Susan Minot | Amazon | BookshopLike Mother Like Mother by Susan Rieger | Amazon | BookshopConnie by Connie Chung | Amazon | BookshopLovely One by Ketanji Brown Jackson | Amazon | BookshopThe Rich People Have Gone Away by Regina Porter | Amazon | Bookshop This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit therestperpective.substack.com

Welcome back, listeners! Nicole and Gayle catch up on their recent reads in this episode and share their summer reading picks. Join them for an engaging discussion filled with literary insights and exciting book recommendations for the sunny season ahead.Shark Heart by Emily Habeck | Amazon | BookshopSummer Fridays by Suzanne Rindell | Amazon | BookshopSociopath by Patric Gagne | Amazon | BookshopGreen Dot by Madeleine Grey | Amazon | BookshopThe Caretaker by Ron Rash | Amazon | BookshopLong Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner | Amazon | BookshopMargo's Got Money Problems by Rufi Thorpe | Amazon | BookshopThe Memo by Rachel Dodes and Lauren Mechling | Amazon | BookshopHusbands and Lovers by Beatriz Williams | Amazon | BookshopThe Wives by Simone Gorrindo | Amazon | BookshopThe Twelve Tribes of Hattie by Ayana Mathis | Amazon | BookshopAll The Colors of The Dark by Chris Whitaker | Amazon | BookshopThe Latecomer by Jean Hanff Korelitz | Amazon | Bookshop This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit therestperpective.substack.com

Welcome back, listeners! Nicole and Gayle are finally catching up after a brief hiatus due to illness and travel. In this episode, they share the books they've read or listened to over the past month. Join them for an engaging discussion as they reflect on their recent literary adventures.One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware | Amazon | BookshopZero Days by Ruth Ware | Amazon | BookshopThe Hunter by Tana French | Amazon | BookshopGenerations by Jean Twenge | Amazon | BookshopTroubled by Rob Henderson | Amazon | BookshopThe Husbands by Holly Gramazio | Amazon | BookshopVictim by Andrew Boryga | Amazon | BookshopMercury by Amy Jo Burns | Amazon | BookshopShiner by Amy Jo Burns | Amazon | BookshopSociopath by Patric Gagne | Amazon | Bookshop This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit therestperpective.substack.com

In this episode, Nicole and Gayle are buzzing with excitement as they dive into the latest releases hitting shelves this spring. From captivating novels to gripping memoirs, they share their top picks and discuss which ones they're eager to dive into next. Plus, stick around as they share their thoughts on how well book-to-screen adaptations fared at the Oscars this year. Get ready for a lively chat filled with bookish delights and cinematic insights!Here After by Amy Lin | Amazon | BookshopCrying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner | Amazon | BookshopLeaving by Roxana Robinson | Amazon | BookshopAfter Annie by Anna Quindlen | Amazon | BookshopShould We Stay Or Should We Go by Lionel Shriver by Amazon | BookshopThe Husbands by Holly Gramazio | Amazon | BookshopThe Wives by Simone Gorrindo | Amazon | BookshopThe Blueprint by Rae Giana Rashad | Amazon | BookshopDays of Wonder by Caroline Leavitt | Amazon | BookshopOne Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware | Amazon | BookshopJames by Percival Everett | Amazon | BookshopWomen and Children First by Alina Grabowski | Amazon | BookshopThe Familiar by Leigh Bardugo | Amazon | BookshopGreat Expectations by Vinson Cunningham | Amazon | BookshopThe New Couple in 5B by Lisa Unger | Amazon | This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit therestperpective.substack.com

In this episode, Gayle and Nicole dive into the world of spring paperbacks, exploring the titles that have caught their eye. Join us as Nicole shares her vacation reading list, offering tantalizing glimpses into the stories that will accompany her getaway. But that's not all – Gayle has an electrifying announcement to make: the long-awaited reveal of the name for her upcoming bookstore opening later this year. Stay tuned for all this and more in our lively discussion ahead!Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelley Van Pelt | Amazon | BookshopGood Material by Dolly Alderton | Amazon | BookshopRomantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld | Amazon | BookshopGames and Rituals by Katherine Heiny | Amazon | BookshopMaame by Jessica GeorgeAmazonBookshopGenerations by Jean Twenge | Amazon | BookshopRoman Stories by Jhumpa Lahiri | Amazon | BookshopThe Alchemist by Paul Coelho | Amazon | BookshopZero Days by Ruth Ware | Amazon | BookshopPineapple Street by Jenny Jackson | Amazon | BookshopThe House in the Pines by Ana Reyes | Amazon | BookshopI Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai | Amazon | BookshopGood Material by Dolly Alderton | Amazon | BookshopPiglet by Lottie Hazell | Amazon | Bookshop This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit therestperpective.substack.com

In this week's episode, Nicole and Gayle discuss their current reads and share brief insights into recent celebrity book club picks. Join them for a lively conversation about the books capturing their attention and their thoughts on the latest literary trends. Tune in for engaging discussions and fresh recommendations that promise to inspire your next reading adventure.Absolution by Ann McDermott | Amazon | BookshopThe Last Love Note by Emma Grey | Amazon | BookshopThe Art Thief by Michael Finkel | Amazon | BookshopSam by Allegra Goodman | Amazon | BookshopGood Material by Dolly Alderton | Amazon | BookshopCome And Get It by Kiley Reid | Amazon | BookshopA Court of Thorn and Roses by Sarah J. Maas | Amazon | BookshopA Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas | Amazon | BookshopFourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros | Amazon | BookshopIron Flame by Rebecca Yarros | Amazon | Bookshop This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit therestperpective.substack.com