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
and 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…
Using this tip that’s so basic and small but has been life-changing to me: Wash your strawberries as soon as you come home from the store or market with them. That’s it, that’s the rec. This removes dirt and bacteria and magically stops them from quickly becoming moldy. My method: I dunk the berries in a big bowl (usually just the bowl of my salad spinner) of water, shake some baking powder and a splash of vinegar in, and allow them to happily soak in their bath for a minute or two. I give them a whirl in the salad spinner, pat dry with a paper towel, and they go straight into the fridge. I don’t even bother dumping them into another container. If I’m feeling ambitious, I’ll slice off the stems so they’re fully ready to snack on later. I swear mine have stayed fresh for a whole week this way. Your future self will thank your past self for this gift. 🍓
Putting this buzzy book on my list: Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors is out September 3rd (and is out now in the UK), but it somehow slipped under the radar for me. It’s about four sisters, told between Paris, London, New York & LA, and deals with topics of grief and family complexities. I’ve heard it’s quite sad, so be warned!
A stunning new cookbook worth buying or gifting:
’s gorgeous new book, le SUD: Recipes from Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. The writing is transportive, the recipes look incredible, and the breathtaking photographs would make this a great addition to your collection and a solid coffee table book or gift, IMO. Rebekah has generously shared a sneak peek and two recipes from the book here, and I’m giving away a copy to one of my paid subscribers - leave a comment on that post to enter. x
Simply stunnin’ — get the recipe for this strawberry gâteau below. (Photo by Joann Pai) Watching a few things: Fall Guy, Hit Man, Summer House (!!), and, of course, Bridgerton. I wanted to love, but I’m not so sure about Colin…
Just ordered this candle inspired by summer in the Hamptons. Not that I’ve been, but one reviewer says it’s a good dupe for Loewe’s Tomato Leaves. Sold.
An everyday bag that broke my DMs this week: It costs $19, comes in good colors, and surprisingly holds a lot of stuff. I had no idea it had such a big fan club! It's especially perfect for any mom (or really, anyone) living that hands-free life like me.
Training myself to look for secondhand alternatives: I saw a nice shell-shaped platter from H&M and stopped myself from purchasing it as I’m trying to wean myself off fast-fashion brands. After a quick search, I found this vintage alt. Can you imagine serving butter at your next summer dinner party out of this?! Chic.
Looking for more recs? There are 50 other issues to flip through in the archives. You can also give and receive recommendations in our subscriber chat. 💬
The Books On My Summer Reading List (That Aren’t All Beach Reads)
I have nothing against the classic “beach read” and rather embrace them, but so many great books are coming out across genres this season. My Kindle is going to be quite full. What’s on your list? Here’s mine…
The rest of today’s newsletter is for my dear paid subscribers who make this newsletter possible. You can subscribe here for access to all content (20% off for a limited time). Below, I share the literary thriller I can’t put down, buzzy books to know about, and the books getting adapted into A24 shows.
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Downtime to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.