The Read Report: September
The Read Report: September
And a Special Guest's Dream Reading Spots 📚
reading month, it just wasn’t the lightning bolt of incredible reads I thought it would it be?
In September, I read seven books. None of which I despised, but also none of which I’d say lived up to my imagination.
I did really enjoy listening to Andy Cohen’s Daddy Diaries for instance on my commutes, I’d listen to him narrate commercials for five hours and likely be satisfied, but it isn’t a new all-time fave.
And the books I was waiting on pins + needles for — Scaffolding, Entitlement — fell short for me.
I loved returning to Bunny Mellon’s biography after a long day, and I recommend it if you’re into the American Royalty trope of stories + her personal style.
Blue Sisters was, by and large, the best read — the characterization of the eldest daughter especially cut deep (ow) — but I don’t know if I’d recommend it full-heartedly unless you have sisters, or as
noted, really are curious about the complex ties that wind up into the delightful beast that is sisterhood.Let the following guide you on when + if to dive into one of the seven, and make sure to keep strolling as the lovely
of lifestyle Substack, After Hours, is sharing her dream spots to curl up with a good book.To a cozy upcoming month of reading ahead,
Kayli
The Cafe at The Gritti Palace // On the Shore at Baia Cannone in Portofino // In This Beautiful Tub in France // On a Lounger at Forestis // In the Tub at Elfin Cottage in Clare, Ireland // Curled Up by a Fire at the Wolf Wood Spa Treehouse
Read This When: You want someone’s lavish life to peer into. Craving a Jackie O. adjacent tale. Dreaming of your countryside garden. You don’t feel intimidated by a chunky addition to your bedside pile.
Read This When: Missing your sisters so much it hurts. Needing a reminder that everyone is going through their own shit. You feel like it’s too late to change your circumstances or relationships.
Read This When: You want to end up calling your bestie crying over how much you love them after a half glass of merlot. Wanting to take a trip down memory lane back to the days of adolescence. Not minding a more melancholy take on how friendship binds us.
Read This When: Curious what happened to the woman who sings Why Can’t I? Seeking inspiration for your own shame-fueled essays. On the hunt for a memoir by a Gen X female of rock.
Read This When: Totally and truly going through it + need a reminder you are from alone. Need a deterrent for hooking up with your ex. You don’t mind immersing yourself in the world of psychology — or, indeed want to!
Read This When: Pondering if wealth really is everything. Cringing for 5-hours straight doesn’t scare you off. Hungry for a novel that examines privilege, race, and money in an unpredictable format. Thinking of how you devoured Alam’s book from 2020, Leave the World Behind.
Read This When: Needing a go-to audiobook for commutes, household chores, or online shopping. Longing for an easy read that name-drops people like Cher, John Mayer, and Anderson Cooper constantly. Curious what the King of Bravo’s day-to-day looks like.
Note: I got into a conversation with a seatmate at a recent event about Daddy Diaries + she said she could listen to Cohen talk about Doritos and love it. I concur.
I’m currently reading Intermezzo which isn’t what I expected? And also have a stack of witchy library books on my shelf for October! What are you reading alongside PSL’s and or in moody wine bars this month?
Things Mentioned: Keihl’s UV Serum // Rag & Bone Featherweight Jeans // Reed Oil Diffuser // The Paradise Problem // The Great Alone // The Women
Kayli and I met on Substack and immediately bonded over what we were currently reading and the nooks in our homes where we get lost in our books. I know we can all think of a place off the top of our head that screams vision-board-worthy reading spot, whether it’s a bucket list location or a library nook in our dream one-day homes. We thought it would be fun if I shared my bucket list reading spots with y’all to wrap up this read report. I could go on and on (and on) with saved locations, but these were my latest and greatest, teleport me right now and I’d be ecstatic spots. A really wide range lol. I’m honored to be featured on The Intentional Muse and would love to know what your top reading spot is!
Thanks for having me, Kayli.
Side Note: My top book of September was Listen For The Lie by Amy Tintera - I was immediately hooked by the story and witty writing (found myself laughing at certain lines), and I didn’t see the end coming! You must check it out.
Inness Resort, NY - This has been on my list since I visited the Hudson Valley in early summer. It looks like a painting has come to life, this area is simply stunning. Stick me by the fire pit or pool with a good book and I’d be the happiest at this tranquil getaway.
Casa Newton, Tuscany - This save comes from
who just took the dreamiest-looking trip here. The interior design of the spaces alone is enough to make me want to visit (and never leave) - every nook looks like the ultimate spot to snap a pic and settle into a book.Lille Bakery, Copenhagen - Copenhagen is on my bucket list overall, its a designer's dream, and this bakery would be stop number one. Not only do the pastries look absolutely insane, but the beautiful interior and overall vibe definitely helps seal its spot on my list. Preferably,, I’d be sitting on the upper floor so I can both read, people watch and take in the scenes at once.
Gem Wine, NYC - I stumbled upon Gem Wine on Instagram, and between the yellow facade, the cozy interior, and the stunning rooftop (and wine! duh) I’d love to spend a little evening here. | Note from Kayli: I’ve been and agree — the perfect reading spot.
Verns, Charleston SC - Charleston is one of my favorite places to get away in the US. Full of charm and good food, I could wander this city endlessly. Vern's opened since I last visited and something about its charm calls my name. It looks like a picturesque neighborhood spot where reading at the bar would be ideal.
Botánico, Mexico - I believe that Mexico City is stuffed full of gems, from a design and cuisine POV I can’t wait to visit and this save is no exception. I’d take any seat because they are all bound to be beautiful, thank you!
Bagno Marino Archi, Italy - Puglia is another area on my bucket list as we almost went to Italy for our honeymoon. I’ve had this beautiful spot saved since then and can’t wait to have an aperol spritz in one hand and a book in another in one of their glorious beach chairs.
Nimmo Bay Resort, Canada - This place looks truly unreal? A… floating sauna? Surrounded by mountains? I must be dreaming. Onto the one-day list it goes, no more questions needed.
Aman, Kyoto Japan - Aman resorts are simply on another level, located around the world, oozing pure luxury. Who knows how I stumbled across their Kyoto location, but I don’t think I’ve seen a resort that looks as zen and peaceful as this. I could probably read ten books here and leave the most refreshed I’ve ever been in my life.
Thanks for sharing, Emily! I hope you get to visit each of these with a book that leaves you mesmerized.
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thanks for having me! 🫶🏼 hope I can check some of those reading spots off one day soon!
Such a lovely read Kayli 🤍