August was busy with swim lessons and back-to-school preparations, but I still made time for eight books. Here is my full reading wrap-up, including one unforgettable five-nerd favorite.
What I Read in August 2026
Tag: books
Review: The Hunted by Steven Max Russo
A fast-paced military and espionage thriller, The Hunted delivers tactical action, cat-and-mouse suspense, and capable protagonists. Steven Max Russo’s lean, cinematic writing kept me hooked early and reading past my bedtime.
Nerd Bytes: Buy Books Instead of Lettuce?
An independent bookstore in Maryland had the internet smiling with a tongue-in-cheek suggestion: skip the lettuce and spend that money on books instead. In this first edition of Nerd Bytes, we're celebrating the wit, charm, and excellent sense of humor that make book people so much fun.
Red Card! These Bookish Offenses Will Get You Sent Off 📚⚽
Bookish offenses are getting red and yellow cards, and naturally, I had to make a few rules of my own. What would earn an immediate red card from you? 🟥📚
Review: The Village Phantom by Astrid Elisabeth Guakker
A murder disguised as an overdose draws a journalist into a Norwegian town where everyone has something to hide. Atmospheric, cinematic, and full of quiet tension, The Village Phantom is a compelling Nordic noir.
Review: Liberty Island by Virginia Hume
A beautifully written historical novel about women challenging expectations, family bonds, and finding freedom on their own terms. While the slow pace won't suit every reader, the rich characterization and immersive early twentieth-century setting make for a rewarding journey.
Wait… Ancient Rome Had Romance Novels?
A fascinating Lit Hub article sent me down a rabbit hole about the surprisingly familiar world of Roman romance novels.
A Digital Book Festival? Count Me In!
Imagine attending a book festival from your favorite reading chair.
A Cool Opportunity for Booksellers Who Love International Literature
I spotted this in Shelf Awareness and immediately wanted to share it. Books Across Borders has extended the deadline for its Fall 2026–Spring 2027 fellowship, offering booksellers a remarkable opportunity to connect with the international literary community through some of the world’s premier book fairs.
Review: Love by the Book by Jessica George
A heartfelt celebration of female friendship and the right to choose your own life in a world of double standards.