The books on my summer reading list and an escape to the South of France

This is Weekly Recs #51. Plus, the bag that broke my DMs, a reader tip about a cozy bookstore upstate, and a promo to celebrate ONE YEAR of Downtime!

This post is long and might cut off - click the title above to see the web version.

Hi! I'm writing to you with a glass of sparkling rosé in hand (too basic?) and blasting Chappell Roan (I know, I know, I’m late) because I’ve had a week (of solo parent duties), and I’m ready for some weekend fun. I hope you’re able to unwind soon, too.

The one-year anniversary of this newsletter is coming up in just a few days. !! Time has flown by, and I feel like last June was a lifetime ago. I'm deeply grateful to each and every one of you who opens this newsletter weekly. It’s mind-blowing in the best way when I meet a reader in the wild or when I receive a nice note from one of you. So thank you, thank you, thank you. I hope to share a deeper reflection on my first year soon…

To mark the anniversary, I’m excited to offer a special promo: 20% off for an annual paid subscription, which makes the paid tier just $4/month. This is the largest discount I’ll share this year!

As a reminder, paid subscribers gain access to exclusive content, the full archives, and our subscriber chat. Most importantly though, you’ll have the knowledge that your support is (literally) what keeps the newsletter going. Thanks for reading, either way.

Three FUN plugs:

• I’m on the latest episode of Bad on Paper, sharing two summer reading picks. Thanks to

  Becca Freeman
  and
  Olivia Muenter
  for having me!

• D.C. friends, I’m interviewing Katherine Lewin of Big Night at Bold Fork Books next Tuesday about her fun new book. There will be snacks and a spritz bar. 🫒

• I mentioned the celeb-loved haircare brand ROZ here a few months ago, and so many of you bought it. I tested out their products and can attest that they are fantastic. Everything smells incredible—very luxe. I’m doing a giveaway of their *entire* collection for 5 of my paid subs—scroll down to the bottom for more. Ok - now on with it!

x Alisha

Things I noted this week…