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If Every Taylor Swift Album Had a 12-Book Reading List
If Every Taylor Swift Album Had a 12-Book Reading List Your favorite Taylor Swift album probably reveals more about your reading taste than any personality quiz ever could. Are you a Fearless reader who wants sparkling romance and a guaranteed happily ever after? A folklore reader searching for atmospheric family secrets? Or are you firmly inside your reputation era, looking for morally gray characters, calculated revenge and enemies who are dangerously close to becoming lovers? To help you find your next read, we created a 12-book reading list for every Taylor Swift album. That means 12 albums, 12 distinct reading moods and 144 books for every possible Taylor Swift era. This post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you purchase through them (at no extra cost to you!) Taylor Swift Small Towns, First Love and Growing Up Taylor Swift’s debut album feels like driving down a country road with the windows open, writing someone’s name in the margin of your notebook and dreaming about a life beyond your hometown. These books are filled with childhood friendships, family ties, summer memories and the first relationships that teach us who we are. Every Summer After by Carley Fortune A childhood friendship becomes an unforgettable first love—and an equally unforgettable heartbreak. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han A nostalgic coming-of-age story filled with beach-house summers and complicated first love. Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross Two rival journalists form an intimate connection through magical letters. Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren Former childhood sweethearts reunite after years apart and confront what ended their relationship. Archer’s Voice by Mia Sheridan A woman looking for a fresh start connects with a quiet, isolated man in a small Maine town. The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker A city girl returns to rural Alaska and discovers love, family and a life she never expected. In the Weeds by B.K. Borison A social media influencer returns to a small town and the farmer she left behind. The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore A cozy small-town romance featuring a café, a new beginning and an adorably grumpy farmer. Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage A woman returns to her Wyoming hometown and falls for her brother’s best friend. The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks A teenage girl spends the summer reconnecting with her father and experiencing first love. The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks A Marine searches for the woman in a photograph he believes saved his life. The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen A girl begins questioning her future during one final summer in her small beach town. The reading mood: Front porches, worn-in boots, old journals and remembering every detail about your first crush. Fearless Fairytale Romance, First Dates and Grand Gestures Fearless is for readers who still believe someone might appear in the rain at exactly the right moment. These books contain sparkling romance, enchanted kingdoms, movie-worthy moments and characters brave enough to risk everything for love. Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter A hopeless romantic recruits her irritating neighbor to help her win over her dream guy. Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber A girl makes a dangerous bargain with the Prince of Hearts to secure her happily ever after. The Selection by Kiera Cass A young woman enters a royal competition to win the heart of a prince. The Princess Bride by William Goldman A witty fairytale adventure filled with true love, sword fights and impossible rescues. The Bodyguard by Katherine Center A professional bodyguard pretends to be a famous actor’s girlfriend. The American Roommate Experiment by Elena Armas A romance writer tests out experimental dates with her temporary roommate. The Do-Over by Lynn Painter A teenager repeatedly relives Valentine’s Day until she begins rewriting her perfect plan. The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang A prince and a talented dressmaker secretly pursue their dreams together. The Siren by Kiera Cass A girl bound to the ocean falls for a human she is forbidden to love. The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams Two best friends fake a relationship while privately wishing it were real. Rules for the Summer by Meghan Quinn Renley Gossage has one shot to prove she's more than Cape Meril's favorite cautionary tale: restore her favorite candy shop before the town writes her off like they did her father. The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan An American college student falls in love with the future king of England. The reading mood: Sparkling dresses, handwritten notes, castle staircases and dancing in the rain. Speak Now Enchanted Meetings, Missed Timing and Things Left Unsaid Speak Now belongs to everyone who has replayed a conversation because they thought of the perfect response three days too late. These stories explore magical encounters, complicated timing, second chances and the courage to finally say what has been sitting quietly in your heart. The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston A magical apartment connects a woman with a man living seven years in the past. Funny Story by Emily Henry Two people abandoned by their partners become roommates and unexpectedly rewrite their futures. The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young A woman follows a mysterious door into the past to uncover her family’s secrets. One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston A woman falls for a girl trapped on a New York subway train since the 1970s. The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston A ghostwriter who can see spirits encounters the ghost of her recently deceased editor. The Ex Vows by Jessica Joyce Former partners reunite to save their best friend’s wedding. The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center An aspiring screenwriter moves in with a famous writer to help repair his romantic-comedy script. Twice in a Lifetime by Melissa Baron A woman receives text messages from a man claiming to be her future husband. In Five Years by Rebecca Serle A woman wakes up five years in the future beside a man who is not her fiancé. The Good Part by Sophie Cousens A woman wishes to skip ahead to the good part of her life—and wakes up years later. This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens Two people born minutes apart keep crossing paths throughout their lives. Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle A woman receives mysterious notes revealing exactly how long each relationship will last. The reading mood: Purple flowers, candlelight, magical clocks and finally saying the words you were afraid to say. Red Consuming Love, Autumn Nostalgia and Emotional Devastation Reading for the Red era means willingly choosing emotional damage. These stories capture relationships that are exhilarating, complicated, all-consuming and occasionally terrible for everyone involved. One Day by David Nicholls Two people reunite on the same date every year across two decades. Talking at Night by Claire Daverley Two people remain connected throughout years of separation, loss and missed timing. The Idea of You by Robinne Lee A woman begins a passionate relationship with a much younger global pop star. Normal People by Sally Rooney Two young people repeatedly fall together and drift apart as they grow into adulthood. Before We Were Strangers by Renée Carlino Former college sweethearts reconnect after fifteen years apart. November 9 by Colleen Hoover Two people meet on the same date every year while living separate lives. People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry Two former best friends take one final vacation in hopes of repairing their relationship. One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid A woman must choose between the husband she believed was dead and the man who helped her rebuild. The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo Two people share an intense connection that follows them across years and continents. The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller One decision forces a woman to reconsider her marriage and her first love. Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan A divorced couple running a business together considers whether their love deserves another chance. Magnolia Parks by Jessa Hastings A glamorous, destructive couple repeatedly breaks each other’s hearts. The reading mood: Autumn leaves, tear-stained pages, a meaningful scarf and resisting the urge to text someone you absolutely should not text. 1989 Reinvention, City Lights and Main-Character Energy 1989 is the soundtrack to starting over. These books are about moving somewhere new, becoming someone new, making bold choices and learning that reinvention can be both exhilarating and terrifying. The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren A fake-married couple reunites for an extravagant island wedding. Happy Place by Emily Henry A recently separated couple pretends to still be together during their annual friend vacation. The Husbands by Holly Gramazio A woman discovers that her attic can produce an endless rotation of husbands. One Night on the Island by Josie Silver Two strangers are accidentally booked into the same remote Irish cottage. In A New York Minute by Kate Spencer An embarrassing subway encounter leads to an unexpected New York romance. The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger A young assistant enters the glamorous and brutal world of fashion publishing. Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson Three women navigate privilege, family expectations and life in New York. The Comeback by Ella Berman A former child star returns to Hollywood to confront the powerful man who controlled her career. Writers & Lovers by Lily King A struggling writer attempts to build a creative life while grieving her mother. The Magnolia Palace by Fiona Davis Two timelines reveal secrets hidden inside a famous New York mansion. Ghosts by Dolly Alderton A woman navigates dating, friendship and adulthood in her thirties. The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue A woman looks back on the chaotic friendship that defined her early twenties. The reading mood: Rooftop drinks, bold lipstick, late-night taxis and walking through the city as though the opening credits are rolling. Reputation Revenge, Power, Betrayal and Secret Romance Reputation is for readers who are no longer interested in explaining themselves. These books feature calculated revenge, dangerous courts, powerful women, hidden identities and romances that develop behind closed doors. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black A mortal girl becomes entangled in the deadly politics of the faerie court. The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes A teenager unexpectedly inherits a billionaire’s fortune and moves into his puzzle-filled mansion. The Mindf*ck Series by S.T. Abby - can only get on amazon that i can find! A female serial killer seeks revenge while dating the FBI agent investigating her crimes. The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller A woman plans to marry the Shadow King, kill him and steal his kingdom. The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen A warrior princess enters an arranged marriage intending to destroy her new husband’s kingdom. Never Saw Me Coming by Vera Kurian College students participating in a psychopathy study are targeted by a killer. The Lies I Tell by Julie Clark A con artist meticulously targets the people she believes deserve punishment. They Never Learn by Layne Fargo A professor secretly eliminates dangerous men on her college campus. The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo A servant with magical abilities becomes caught in a dangerous political competition. The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent A human raised by vampires enters a deadly competition to gain power. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas A mortal woman enters a dangerous faerie realm and discovers that nothing is as it seems. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas An imprisoned assassin competes to become the king’s champion. The reading mood: Black clothing, locked doors, strategic alliances and falling in love with the one person who knows the real you. Lover Colorful Romance, Vulnerability and Choosing Your Person Lover celebrates romance in all its forms, but it also understands that lasting love requires vulnerability. These books pair playful premises with emotionally mature relationships, found family and the quiet beauty of choosing someone every day. Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez Two people attempt to break their relationship curses by dating each other temporarily. The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren A romance novelist joins a reality-dating show produced by a skeptical filmmaker. The Bodyguard by Katherine Center A bodyguard poses as her famous client’s girlfriend during a family visit. Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez A doctor from a wealthy family falls for a younger carpenter in a small town. The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez A lost dog brings a grieving woman and a musician into each other’s lives. The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren Two enemies take a free honeymoon together after the entire wedding party becomes sick. Out on a Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young A Halloween connection and unexpected pregnancy lead to friendship and love. Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez Two doctors form a tender friendship through handwritten letters. The Fiancée Farce by Alexandria Bellefleur A bookstore owner and a wealthy publishing heir enter a fake engagement. The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun The producer of a reality-dating show falls for its anxious leading man. The Wedding Menu by Letizia Lorini A wedding planner and a chef reconnect while working on the same event. The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary Two strangers share an apartment and a bed without initially meeting. The reading mood: Pink skies, colorful cocktails, paper rings and making an ordinary Sunday feel romantic. Folklore Wooded Mysteries, Family Secrets and Quiet Longing Folklore feels like discovering an old story hidden inside an abandoned cabin. These atmospheric books explore memory, isolation, family legends, missing people and the stories we tell about one another. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab A woman is cursed to live forever while being forgotten by everyone she meets. The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah A family moves to the Alaskan wilderness, where isolation intensifies an already dangerous home life. The God of the Woods by Liz Moore A girl disappears from summer camp years after her brother vanished from the same property. The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow Three estranged sisters reconnect with one another and with forbidden magic. The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield A reclusive author asks a young biographer to document her mysterious life. The Secret History by Donna Tartt A group of elite college students becomes involved in murder. The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey A childless couple living in Alaska encounters a mysterious girl in the woods. The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden A young woman in medieval Russia discovers that the spirits from old stories are real. The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner A present-day discovery reveals the history of a secret apothecary that helped women poison men. The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert A teenager enters the dark fairytale world created by her grandmother. Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy A scientist reintroducing wolves to Scotland becomes entangled in a local murder. Spells for Forgetting by Adrienne Young A woman’s former love returns to their isolated island and reopens an unsolved murder. The reading mood: Moss-covered paths, cold lakes, oversized cardigans and a secret that has haunted a family for generations. Evermore Winter Reflection, Grief and Bittersweet Endings If folklore leads you into the woods, evermore leaves you there as winter begins. These novels explore grief, family, memory, resilience and the realization that surviving something does not mean it left you unchanged. The Wedding People by Alison Espach A woman experiencing a personal crisis becomes entangled in a week-long wedding celebration. Tom Lake by Ann Patchett A mother tells her daughters about the summer she dated a famous actor. Go as a River by Shelley Read A young woman experiences love, loss and survival in rural Colorado. The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai Two timelines explore friendship, loss and the lasting effects of the AIDS crisis. The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey A couple’s lonely Alaskan life changes after they build a child out of snow. Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan A man makes a difficult moral choice during a cold Irish winter. The Dutch House by Ann Patchett Two siblings remain emotionally tied to the house from which they were expelled. The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer A death doula begins reconsidering whether she has truly been living. Maame by Jessica George A young woman begins building her own identity after years of caring for her family. The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo Four adult daughters confront the complicated legacy of their parents’ marriage. Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano A close family is transformed by love, betrayal and long-held resentment. The Berry Pickers by Amanda PetersThe disappearance of a young girl reverberates across two families for decades. The reading mood: Snow against the windows, cold coffee, old photographs and finally accepting that some endings cannot be rewritten. Midnights Overthinking, Alternate Lives and 2 A.M. Revelations Midnights is for readers who are physically exhausted but mentally reviewing an embarrassing conversation from seven years ago. These books examine alternate lives, ambition, regret, identity and the questions that become impossible to avoid when the rest of the world is asleep. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig A woman explores the lives she might have lived after making different choices. The Measure by Nikki Erlick Everyone on Earth receives a box revealing the length of their life. Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid One small decision divides a woman’s future into two alternate timelines. Oona Out of Order by Margarita Montimore A woman begins living each year of her adult life in a random order. The Good Part by Sophie Cousens A woman skips ahead to the seemingly perfect future she once wished for. The Versions of Us by Laura Barnett Three timelines reveal how one encounter could shape two people’s lives. Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister A mother travels backward through time to prevent her son from committing murder. The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown A mysterious book gives its owner the ability to travel through space and time. The Other Valley by Scott Alexander Howard A town sits between identical towns located twenty years in the past and future. The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley A civil servant works with historical figures brought into the present. The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August by Claire North A man repeatedly lives the same life while retaining memories from previous versions. The Two Lives of Lydia Bird by Josie Silver A grieving woman discovers that sleep transports her into a life where her fiancé is still alive. The reading mood: Blue light, unanswered messages, intrusive memories and accepting that you will not be sleeping anytime soon. The Tortured Poets Department Obsession, Grief and Beautifully Bad Decisions This era is for readers who want yearning, emotional destruction, literary references and at least one character making a decision everyone warned them against. These books explore complicated relationships, grief, obsession, art and the uncomfortable space between love and self-destruction. Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors Three estranged sisters return home after the death of their fourth sister. Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors A whirlwind marriage becomes the center of a messy story about love, loneliness and addiction. Alone with You in the Ether by Olivie Blake Two emotionally complicated people become intensely fascinated with one another. Writers & Lovers by Lily King A grieving writer struggles to complete her novel while navigating two possible relationships. The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue A woman reflects on the friendship, affair and secrets that defined her twenties. Acts of Desperation by Megan Nolan A woman becomes consumed by an emotionally damaging relationship. All This Could Be Different by Sarah Thankam Mathews A young woman builds a life through friendship, work, desire and chosen family. The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides Three college graduates become entangled in love, literature and intellectual ambition. Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar A poet becomes obsessed with death, art and the mysteries surrounding his mother. Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney Two college students become involved with an older married couple. Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton A memoir exploring friendship, romance, heartbreak and growing into adulthood. The Days I Loved You Most by Amy Neff An elderly couple recounts a lifelong love shaped by sacrifice, separation and reunion. The reading mood: Annotated pages, dramatic prose, an empty coffee cup and claiming the heartbreak was worth it because it produced excellent material. The Life of a Showgirl Fame, Ambition, Performance and Life Behind the Curtain The Life of a Showgirl calls for stories about what happens underneath the sparkle. These books feature ambitious women, public personas, performance, glamour and the tension between being admired by an audience and being truly known by another person. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid A Hollywood icon reveals the truth about her career, marriages and greatest love. City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert A young woman enters the glamorous theater world of 1940s New York. The Favorites by Layne Fargo Two ambitious figure skaters become legends while their destructive relationship unfolds publicly. Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid A fictional rock band recounts the fame, conflict and attraction that fueled its rise. The Final Revival of Opal & Nev by Dawnie Walton A music journalist investigates the legacy of a groundbreaking rock duo. The Spectacular by Fiona Davis A young dancer joins the Radio City Rockettes during a dangerous period in New York history. The Comeback by Ella Berman A former child star returns to Hollywood to confront the man who controlled her career. Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter A decades-spanning Hollywood story begins when an actress arrives in an Italian village. Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? by Crystal Smith Paul The death of a legendary actress reveals secrets about race, identity and old Hollywood. The Singer Sisters by Sarah Seltzer The women of a musical family struggle with ambition, motherhood and inherited secrets. Songs in Ursa Major by Emma Brodie A young musician’s career and relationship unfold inside the 1960s folk scene. Honey by Isabel Banta A young pop star comes of age inside the highly manufactured music industry of the 1990s. The reading mood: Dressing-room mirrors, champagne after midnight, rhinestones, thunderous applause and one person backstage who knows the whole story. Which Taylor Swift Album Matches Your Reading Era? Maybe you are currently craving the fairytale optimism of Fearless. Perhaps you want to disappear into the misty woods of folklore, make a dramatic comeback with reputation or experience enough fictional heartbreak to fill the entire Red vault. You may even find that your reading era changes from week to week. There is no rule saying you must choose only one. Read the romantic comedy. Enter the haunted forest. Investigate the family secret. Reinvent yourself in the city. Plot fictional revenge. Fall in love. Get your heart broken. Then find the book that helps you put it back together. Every era deserves its own bookshelf. Which Taylor Swift album are you currently reading? How many of these have you read? Save this list for your next bookstore visit, share it with the Swiftie in your book club and choose an album for your next group reading challenge. We have made collections to make shopping in each era and tracking your reading if you want to hit them all a bit easier! Click the link by era below to see all the books from each album in one collection: Taylor Swift Fearless Speak Now Red 1989 Reputation Lover Folklore Evermore Midnights TTPD The Life of a Showgirl Thank you all for supporting us and shopping bookshop.org!!! Let us know, what is your favorite album!? How many books have you read from that album book list??
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Little Habits That Help You Scroll Less (and Read More Without Forcing It)
Little Habits That Help You Scroll Less (and Read More Without Forcing It) Have you ever picked up your phone to check one thing… and suddenly it’s 30 minutes later? I have. Most of us don’t spend hours scrolling because we planned to. We do it because our phones are incredibly good at making the easiest choice feel automatic. I’ve realized something over the last few months: if I want to read more books, I don’t actually need more motivation. I need fewer distractions. Instead of trying to “have more discipline,” I’ve started making tiny changes that make reading easier and scrolling just a little harder. None of these habits are dramatic, but together they’ve helped me reach for a book more often than my phone. Here are the habits I’m trying this season. 1. Make Your Phone Slightly More Annoying to Use One of the best changes I’ve made is installing the One Sec app. Instead of opening Instagram (or another app) instantly, One Sec adds a short pause before it launches. It sounds almost too simple to matter, but that tiny interruption is often enough to make me ask: “Do I actually want to open this… or am I just bored?” Many times I close the app before it even loads. Not because scrolling is bad—but because I didn’t actually choose it. 2. Put Your Phone Somewhere That Requires Standing Up Your environment shapes your habits more than your willpower. When I get home, I try to leave my phone: in a kitchen drawer on the charger across the room in another room entirely even inside a basket by the door If my phone is next to me on the couch, I’ll reach for it without thinking. If it’s twenty feet away? Suddenly grabbing my current book sounds much easier. 3. Keep Your Current Book Visible Books hidden on a shelf don’t get read. Leave one: beside your favorite chair on your coffee table in your purse by your bed in your car while waiting for pickup The easier it is to grab, the more likely you are to read a page or two. Those pages add up. 4. Replace One Scroll With Ten Pages You don’t have to stop using social media. Just trade one scrolling session for ten pages. That’s it. Ten pages usually takes around 15–20 minutes, and it’s amazing how often ten pages turns into thirty. 5. Create a Cozy Reading Ritual Reading becomes easier when it feels like something you look forward to. Maybe that’s: making a cup of tea or coffee lighting a candle wrapping up in your favorite blanket turning on a reading light sitting outside for fifteen minutes You’re not just reading. You’re creating a moment you’ll want to return to. 6. Give Yourself Permission to Quit Books One reason people stop reading is because they feel guilty quitting a book they’re not enjoying. Life is too short. If a book isn’t working after a fair chance, set it down. The best reading habit is continuing to read—not forcing yourself through books you dread picking up. 7. Listen Instead of Scroll Not every reading session has to involve sitting still. Audiobooks count. Listen while you: walk fold laundry drive cook dinner clean the house Those ordinary moments can easily become extra reading time. If you are interested in supporting our independent bookstore and listen to audiobooks, the app Libro.fm works just like audible, but when you sign up online and select Paper & Vine Book Bar and use code SWITCH, we will get a portion of the proceeds from your listens and you will get two free audios. Win win! I've been personally using the app over a year, and I love it. Libro.fm here to learn more if you are interested in supporting local. 8. Protect the First and Last 15 Minutes of Your Day Many of us begin and end the day looking at our phones. Try replacing just one of those windows with reading. Fifteen minutes before bed. Fifteen minutes with your morning coffee. You might be surprised how quickly that becomes your favorite part of the day. Small Changes Add Up Reading more isn’t usually about finding huge blocks of free time. It’s about making tiny decisions that gently point you toward the life you want. One less scroll. One more chapter. One more quiet evening. That’s enough. If you’re looking for a simple place to start, I created a free “Read More, Scroll Less” weekly printable to help you build these habits one week at a time. Print it out, keep it somewhere you’ll see it, and check off the little wins. They may seem small, but over time they can completely change your reading life. Here’s to filling our days with more stories, and a little less scrolling.
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Read More. Scroll Less.
Read More. Scroll Less. A gentle reminder that your attention is one of the most valuable things you own. We keep this blog add free for your enjoyment! Please consider shopping our links if you love these blogs! It helps support our little bookstore and helps me keep writing to you guys! Y'all are the best. Every season of life asks for something different. Right now, mine asks for a lot & I'm sure all of you can relate. I’m a one-third owner of an independent bookstore and wine bar, a full-time engineer in the oil and gas industry, a wife, and a mom to a five-year-old and an almost four-year-old. We live on five acres in West Texas with two dogs, a flock of chickens, and what often feels like a never-ending list of projects. Between youth sports, work deadlines, grocery runs, helping run Paper & Vine, writing this blog, creating discussion guides, Pinterest, emails, and simply trying to keep up with life, there is always something asking for my attention. For years, whenever I found five quiet minutes, I’d instinctively reach for my phone. Not because I truly wanted to. Just because it had become automatic. Sometimes I’d open Instagram looking for a dinner recipe. Other times I’d check Pinterest for home decor inspiration or a fun craft with the kids. Before I knew it, twenty minutes had disappeared, I’d watched dozens of videos and funny reels, and I couldn’t even remember what I’d originally picked up my phone to find. I don’t think social media is the enemy. I still use it almost every day. It’s how many of us discover recipes, find our next favorite book, learn new skills, and honestly, it’s how many of you found Paper & Vine. But somewhere along the way I realized something. I don’t actually want to spend my life watching everyone else live theirs. I’d rather build my own. I’d rather throw the baseball in the backyard. Read one more chapter before bed. Walk outside to check on the chickens. Cook dinner without checking notifications every few minutes. Write something that encourages someone. Create instead of consume. Books have quietly become the thing that brings me back to myself. Unlike social media, a book asks for my full attention and somehow gives it back to me. When I close a book after twenty or thirty minutes, I don’t feel mentally cluttered. I feel calmer. More creative. More patient. More present. I’m a better mom. A better wife. A better friend. And honestly, I just enjoy my own life more. Please don’t hear me saying I’ve figured this out. I haven’t. There are still evenings when I catch myself reaching for my phone without even realizing it. In fact, it’s a little sad how automatic it became. Sometimes I pick it up simply because there’s a spare thirty seconds and the overstimulation can be INSANE. One of the simplest changes I’ve made has also been one of the most effective. When I get home, I put my phone away. At first, it was in a kitchen drawer. Sometimes it was in a basket. Sometimes it was literally inside a Ziplock bag in the pantry because I know I’ll absentmindedly reach for it if it’s nearby. (Now I have a pretty white box that charges stuff that I put it in). It sounds silly. But making my phone just a little harder to grab has made me realize how often I was picking it up out of habit, not because I actually needed it. And every evening I choose a book instead feels…better. Not more productive. Better. Because life feels richer when I’m participating in it instead of watching it happen through a screen. That’s the heart behind Read More. Scroll Less. Not deleting every app. Not pretending technology is bad. Just becoming more intentional with one of the few things we truly own: Our attention. Start with a Book You Can’t Wait to Pick Back Up One of the biggest mistakes people make when they’re trying to read more is choosing a book they feel like they should read. Instead, choose a book that makes you excited to come back. Busy lives need books that fit into busy schedules. Books with short chapters. Books that pull you in immediately. Books you can read for ten minutes while dinner is in the oven or lose yourself in for two hours on a rainy Saturday. Here are a few I’d recommend. If you’re wondering why your phone is so hard to put down… The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt This is the book that made me think differently about attention, technology, and the world we’re raising our kids in. It’s thoughtful, practical, and easy to read in small sections. If you want something completely binge-worthy… Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman Ridiculous. Hilarious. Impossible to put down. The chapters fly by, making it the perfect replacement for an evening of doomscrolling. If you’re craving something cozy… The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna Warm, comforting, hopeful, and exactly the kind of book that makes you want another cup of coffee and one more chapter. If you only have ten minutes… Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt Short sections and multiple perspectives make this incredibly easy to pick up whenever you have a few spare minutes. If you love romance… Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune. Carley does no wrong. Her books are immersive, sweet and just literally THE BEST when you want to get back into loving reading again. If you’re in the mood for an amazing story… Theo of Golden by Allen Levi One of those books that stays with you long after you’ve finished it. Reading more isn’t about discipline. It’s about making books more inviting than your phone. And once you find the right story, that becomes surprisingly easy. Free Printable: Read More. Scroll Less. Weekly Reset One thing I’ve learned is that if I don’t intentionally make space for reading, something else will gladly fill that time. Usually… It’s my phone. So instead of making another complicated planner, I created something much simpler. A gentle weekly reset. Not a productivity tracker. Not another list of things to accomplish. Just a reminder to choose presence a little more often. Weekly Reset Checklist Download the Free Printable Checklist Here Read More. Scroll Less. I’m not trying to read 100 books this year. I’m not trying to become someone who never checks Instagram. I’m simply trying to spend a little less time consuming and a little more time living. To notice the sunset. To laugh with my kids. To read another chapter. To create something instead of endlessly watching someone else create. If you’re feeling that pull too, I’d love for you to join me. Download the free Read More. Scroll Less. Weekly Reset, pick up a book you can’t wait to return to, and let’s reclaim a little of our attention—one chapter at a time. Looking for your next read? Browse our curated Read More. Scroll Less. collection on Bookshop.org to support independent bookstores like Paper & Vine, or listen through Libro.fm, where every audiobook purchase also supports a local bookstore.
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The Monthly Business Dashboard We Use to Grow Our Bookstore (And How You Can Build One for Your Business)
The Monthly Business Dashboard We Use to Grow Our Bookstore (And How You Can Build One for Your Business) Every month, before we start planning the next one, our family sits down with a single dashboard. It isn’t flashy. It isn’t complicated. It’s simply a page filled with numbers, progress bars, goals, notes, and reminders. And honestly, it’s become one of the most valuable tools we have. When people ask how Paper & Vine is doing, they usually expect us to talk about sales. Sales matter. But after opening our bookstore, we realized something pretty quickly: One number can never tell the whole story. A month with record sales might also include higher labor costs. A slower month might be the one where our email list grows the fastest. Pinterest might double while event attendance drops. One department can struggle while another quietly reaches a milestone. Businesses are living, changing things. Trying to judge them by one metric is like trying to judge a book after reading only one chapter. That’s why we built our monthly dashboard. Not to create more work. To help us make better decisions. Our Goal Isn’t a Perfect Month If you look closely at our dashboard, you’ll notice something. Not every progress bar is full. Not every goal was reached. Some sections are ahead. Some are behind. We leave them exactly that way. Because our goal isn’t perfection. It’s progress. Every month we ask ourselves one question: “Is Paper & Vine healthier than it was last month?” That’s it. If the answer is yes, even by a little, we’re moving in the right direction. Why We Track More Than Revenue Revenue is important. But it doesn’t tell us: Are we buying inventory wisely? Are customers coming back? Are we building an online community? Are we consistently creating content? Are we spending our time on the right things? Are we preparing for the future instead of reacting to it? Those questions require different numbers. And together, those numbers tell a much richer story than revenue ever could. The Five Categories We Review Every Month When we designed our dashboard, we didn’t start by asking, “What numbers should we track?” Instead, we asked: “What kind of business are we trying to build?” The answer shaped everything. 1. Store Health This section tells us whether the bookstore itself is operating well. We review things like: Book sales Bar sales Labor percentage of sales Inventory spending Merchandise budgets These metrics help us stay disciplined and ensure P&L stays in the black. Growing sales doesn’t mean much if expenses grow even faster. 2. Growth Beyond Our Store One of our biggest goals is making Paper & Vine more than just a local bookstore. We want someone across the country to discover one of our blog posts. Download a printable. Join our newsletter. Order a book through Bookshop. Listen through Libro.fm. That’s why we also measure things like: Pinterest impressions Website traffic Email subscribers Social media growth Online partnerships These aren’t vanity metrics to us. They’re signs that our community is growing. 3. The Work That Creates Future Results This section might be the most important one on the page. Because it focuses on the things we actually control. How many blog posts did we publish? How many Pinterest pins did we create? How many emails did we send? Did we launch new products? Did we create discussion guides? Those activities don’t always produce immediate results. But they’re planting seeds. Every blog post becomes another door people can walk through. Every Pinterest pin has the potential to bring readers months from now. Every email strengthens a relationship with someone who already believes in what we’re building. Results usually lag behind consistent effort. That’s why we measure the effort too. 4. Reflection One of our favorite sections doesn’t contain numbers at all. Every month we write down: What worked. What didn’t. What surprised us. What we’ll change next month. Sometimes one sentence written in June saves us from making the same mistake in October. Improvement starts with paying attention. News isn't always good, but not knowing leads to red months, no direction and no clear path to success. Financial and growth success for us really means we get to serve more people, get more books in more hands and ensure everyone feels like we are in their community. 5. Looking Ahead Finally, we make notes about the future. Large inventory orders. Upcoming events. Marketing campaigns. Seasonal products. Ideas that aren’t ready yet. Planning ahead gives us margin. Instead of constantly putting out fires, we can spend more time building something intentional. A Small Peek Inside Our June Dashboard We don’t share every financial detail publicly, but here are a few milestones we celebrated this month. Pinterest impressions passed 30,000. Our email community grew to over 2,100 subscribers. Instagram grew past 4,100 followers. We published seven blog posts. We created 100 fresh Pinterest pins. Some goals were met. Some weren’t. That’s okay. The unfinished progress bars are just as valuable because they show us exactly where to focus next, and how big to set next months targets to gain meaningful growth in areas we care about. Build Your Own Dashboard If there’s one idea, we’d encourage every business owner to borrow, it’s this: Don’t copy someone else’s metrics. Build your own. A photographer probably doesn’t need to track inventory spending. A bakery may never care about Pinterest impressions. A blogger isn’t measuring bar sales. Your dashboard should reflect the business you’re trying to build. Start by asking yourself: What are the five most important areas of my business? What numbers actually help me make better decisions? Which metrics show future growth, not just today’s results? What work should I celebrate even before it pays off? If I reviewed this dashboard every month for five years, would it help me build a healthier business? Those answers become your scorecard. Not because someone on the internet said you should track them. Because they’re the numbers that matter to your mission. Small Improvements Compound One extra blog post. A few more email subscribers. Better inventory decisions. One additional five-star review. A stronger profit margin. None of those feel life-changing on their own. But month after month, they begin stacking on top of each other. That’s how we’re trying to build Paper & Vine. Not by chasing perfect months. By making hundreds of thoughtful, intentional improvements over time. And every month, this dashboard reminds us exactly where to make the next one. Download Our Blank Monthly Dashboard If you’d like to create your own version, we’ve included a blank copy of the dashboard we use each month. Whether you own a bookstore, boutique, coffee shop, blog, Etsy shop, or you’re just beginning your entrepreneurial journey, we hope it helps you focus on the numbers that matter most to your business. Downloadable Canva Link Here Because the best dashboard isn’t the one with the prettiest charts. It’s the one that helps you build a business you love.
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25 Books That Feel Like the Fourth of July
25 Books That Feel Like the Fourth of July Beach Days, Small Towns, Fireworks & Summer Romance There’s something magical about the Fourth of July. It’s porch swings and popsicles. Lake days and beach towels. Backyard barbecues. Fireworks reflected on the water. Staying outside until it’s almost too dark to read one more chapter. Whether you’re headed to the beach, relaxing by the pool, or spending the holiday weekend curled up in a hammock, these books capture the carefree, nostalgic feeling of an American summer. P.S. Don’t forget to grab our free Red, White & Booked printable cocktail recipe while you’re here. This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase through them (at no extra cost to you!) Beach Romances 1. It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey The ultimate Fourth of July read. Pacific Northwest beach town, sunshine, boats, flirty banter, and one of romance’s favorite grumpy fishermen. Perfect if you love: Schitt’s Creek vibes, coastal towns, and spicy romance. 2. Hook, Line, and Sinker by Tessa Bailey More Westport. More boats. More summer nights. 3. Every Summer After by Carley Fortune Nostalgic lake summers, first love, and coming home. 4. This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune Prince Edward Island, lobster rolls, beaches, and forbidden romance. 5. Beach Read by Emily Henry Books, banter, and an unforgettable lakeside summer. 6. Happy Place by Emily Henry Friends reunite at their annual Maine vacation house one last time. Lake & Cabin Escapes 7. The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker Adventure, wilderness, and unforgettable scenery. 8. Same Time Next Summer by Annabel Monaghan Returning to your childhood beach house—and your first love. 9. Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan A cozy, heartwarming romance that feels like a slow summer evening. 10. Swan Song by Elin Hilderbrand Luxury, beaches, family drama, and Nantucket summer. Small Town Summer 11. Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams Sweet romance with all the small-town charm. 12. Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams Sunshine, community, and adorable chemistry. 13. The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams Friends-to-lovers with cozy summer energy. 14. The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther Family vacation, games, fireworks, and romance. 15. The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren Vacation romance with tropical summer vibes. Books That Feel Like Americana 16. The Correspondent by Virginia Evans Letters, nostalgia, and timeless charm. 17. The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters Beautiful literary fiction with family and summer landscapes. 18. Tom Lake by Ann Patchett Cherry orchards, family stories, and warm evenings. 19. Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt Coastal charm with heart. 20. The God of the Woods by Liz Moore A literary mystery set at a summer camp. Cozy Summer Reads 21. The Love of My Afterlife by Kirsty Greenwood Funny, quirky, and impossible not to smile through. 22. Funny Story by Emily Henry Roommates, fresh starts, and Michigan summers. 23. The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center Feel-good romance that belongs in your beach bag. 24. One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle Escape, sunshine, and self-discovery (I know its has Italian in the name... just go with me here on the self discovery piece)! 25. People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry Road trips, friendship, and endless summer memories. Build the Ultimate Fourth of July Reading Weekend📚 Want to romanticize your holiday weekend? Here’s everything you need for the perfect bookish Fourth of July. 📚 Browse our Fourth of July book collection featuring all 25 patriotic, beachy, and nostalgic reads from this list. 👗 Shop our It Happened One Summer-inspired outfit with all the Amazon pieces linked so you can recreate the look for your own beach day, backyard BBQ, or fireworks night. 🍷 Mix up our signature Red, White & Booked cocktail—a light, sparkling rosé drink made for readers. 📝 Download the free printable recipe card so you’ll always have the recipe ready for book club, girls’ night, or next year’s celebration. ☀️ Then grab your favorite chair, head outside, and spend the afternoon getting lost in a great story. Because the best Fourth of July weekends always include good books, good drinks, and a little extra magic.
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Red, White & Booked: The Perfect Fourth of July Reading Drink (+ Free Printable Recipe Card)
Red, White & Booked: The Perfect Fourth of July Reading Drink (+ Free Printable Recipe Card) There are few things better than a long holiday weekend with a great book, something bubbly to sip, and nowhere you have to be. Whether you’re spending the Fourth by the pool, at the lake, waiting for fireworks, or curled up on the porch after everyone else has gone to bed, we wanted to create a drink made for readers. Meet Paper & Vine’s Red, White & Booked: a light, refreshing sparkling rosé cocktail that’s just as pretty as it is easy to make. Even better? We’ve created a free printable recipe card you can download so you can keep it in your recipe binder, gift it to a fellow book lover, or use it for your own Fourth of July celebration. This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase through them (at no extra cost to you!) Red, White & Booked Recipe Ingredients 2 oz cranberry juice ½ oz fresh lemon juice ½ oz simple syrup 3 oz sparkling Brut Rosé Fresh blueberries & raspberries for garnish Directions Fill a coupe glass with ice while you prepare the drink (optional if serving chilled). In a shaker, combine the cranberry juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, and ice. Shake well. Strain into a chilled coupe glass. Top with sparkling Brut Rosé. Garnish with fresh blueberries and raspberries. Cheers to another chapter. Download the Free Printable Recipe Card Want to keep this recipe for future book clubs, girls’ nights, or next year’s Fourth of July celebration? Download your free printable recipe card here The Coupe Glasses We Used These vintage-inspired coupe glasses instantly made this drink feel extra festive. They’re perfect for summer entertaining, book club nights, and holiday gatherings all year long. Shop the coupe glasses here → AMAZON AFFILIATE (Supports Paper & Vine Blog) Pair It With a Great Summer Read Need something to read while you sip? A few books we’d reach for with a Red, White & Booked in hand: Beach Read by Emily Henry Every Summer After by Carley Fortune It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey Happy Place by Emily Henry Or browse our favorite books that capture all the patriotic, nostalgic summer vibes. “Books That Feel Like the Fourth of July” blog Hosting a Fourth of July Book Club? This recipe is perfect for: Book club gatherings Backyard BBQs Pool days Fireworks parties Summer girls’ nights Reading on the porch after sunset Print a recipe card for the table, set out a bowl of berries, and all necessary measuring cups, mixers and drinks, then let everyone build their own drink! More Bookish Summer Ideas If you’re romanticizing your reading life this summer, you might also love: Paper & Vine Summer Reading Challenge Books Perfect for Summer Reading Our favorite book club discussion guides Free printable reading resources Happy Reading! ❤️🤍💙 From all of us at Paper & Vine, we hope your holiday weekend is filled with good books, great conversations, and a little something bubbly. If you make a Red, White & Booked, tag us!! We’d love to see your version!
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The Reading Challenge That Made Me Read More Books (+ Free Printable)
The Reading Challenge That Made Me Read More Books (+ Free Printable) Have you ever looked at your towering TBR pile and thought, I really want to read more, but I never know what to pick next? I’ve been there. For years, I set reading goals at the beginning of the year. I’d promise myself I was finally going to make a dent in my TBR, read more widely, and discover new favorite authors. Then life would happen. I’d get busy, fall into the same reading habits, and spend more time deciding what to read than actually reading. What finally helped wasn’t setting a bigger reading goal. It was starting a reading challenge. Instead of focusing on the number of books I finished, I focused on finding books that fit fun prompts. Reading immediately felt less like a task and more like an adventure. If you’re looking for a simple way to read more books, discover new authors, and finally tackle those books collecting dust on your shelves, this challenge is for you. Free Printable Reading Challenge Want to save this challenge for later? Download and print the free Reading Challenge checklist below, then keep it in your reading journal, planner, book cart, or favorite reading nook. Free Printable Download Here 25 Reading Prompts for a More Fun Reading Year Read a book with flowers on the cover Read a book that has been on your TBR for over a year Read a book in a single weekend Read a book recommended by a friend Read a book with a one-word title Read a book set somewhere you’ve never visited Read a book by an author new to you Read a book with a color in the title Read a book over 400 pages long Read a book under 250 pages long Read a book that made you cry Read a book that made you laugh out loud Read a book with a beautiful cover you couldn’t resist Read a book outside your usual genre Read a book featuring a strong female lead Read a book that became a movie or TV show Read a book published this year Read a backlist book everyone seems to love Read a book set during summer Read a book set during winter Read a book from your local bookstore’s staff picks Read a book with a map inside Read a book you can finish in one day Read a five-star recommendation from someone you follow Read a book that reminds you why you love reading Why Reading Challenges Work One of the biggest obstacles readers face isn’t a lack of books, it’s choosing what to read next. With thousands of incredible books available, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and end up reading nothing at all. Reading challenges remove that pressure. Instead of endlessly scrolling through recommendations, you simply choose a prompt and find a book that fits. Reading challenges can help you: Read more consistently Explore new genres Discover new authors Clear out your TBR pile Make reading feel exciting again Find unexpected favorites The best part? There’s no deadline. Complete this challenge in a month, a season, or over the course of a year. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s enjoying your reading life. Tips for Completing the Challenge 1. Keep a Running TBR List Whenever you hear about a book that sounds interesting, save it somewhere. Having a list ready makes it much easier to match books to prompts. 2. Don’t Be Afraid to DNF Life is too short to spend weeks reading a book you’re not enjoying. If a book isn’t working for you, move on and find one that does. 3. Visit Your Local Bookstore Browsing shelves in person is one of the best ways to discover books you might never find online. Ask booksellers for recommendations that fit challenge prompts. 4. Read What Sounds Fun The goal isn’t to complete the challenge perfectly. The goal is to enjoy reading more than you did before. 5. Share Your Progress Invite a friend, your book club, or your online reading community to complete the challenge with you. Everything is more fun with fellow readers cheering you on. Looking for Your Next Great Read? At Paper & Vine Books, we believe reading should be cozy, joyful, and a little bit magical. Join our newsletter for: 📚 Book recommendations 📚 Discussion guides 📚 Reading challenges 📚 Free printables 📚 Book club resources 📚 Seasonal reading lists Sign up below at the bottom of this page to join us in our fun bookish updates, printables, blogs and more! Happy Reading, Paper & Vine Books
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The Best Audiobooks to Listen to While Cleaning
The Best Audiobooks to Listen to While Cleaning I don’t know who needs to hear this, but the secret to enjoying chores isn’t a better vacuum, it’s a better audiobook. As a bookstore owner, busy mom, and someone who is constantly trying to squeeze more reading into everyday life, I’ve discovered that the right audiobook can completely change how I feel about dishes, laundry, and tidying up. Suddenly, cleaning isn’t something standing between me and my next chapter—it becomes part of the reading experience. If you’ve been looking for audiobooks that make chores fly by, these are some of my favorites. This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase through them (at no extra cost to you!) For When You Want to Laugh While Folding Laundry This Story Might Save Your Life by Tiffany Crum If you love podcasts, Julia Whelan, dual POV and a mashup of suspense, mystery and love across a moving timeline, this is YOUR BOOK. I loved it!!! Trigger warning for domestic violence. Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt Warm, funny, and surprisingly moving. This one feels like chatting with a friend while you tackle a mountain of laundry. For Deep Cleaning Days Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke An audiobook that makes you mad, sad, and a little crazy?? This ones a TRIP! Perfect for long days and listens so you have the time to sit in your disbelief and confusion. The Women by Kristin Hannah A gripping historical novel that’s hard to pause. You’ll be looking for extra chores just to keep listening. For Cozy Evening Resets The Correspondent by Virginia Evans A charming novel centered around letters, connection, and community. Perfect for a slow evening tidy-up with a cup of tea nearby. The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin A love letter to books, bookstores, and second chances. Cozy, heartwarming, and easy to sink into. For Escaping Somewhere Beautiful Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry Emily Henry always feels like a mini vacation, and this one is perfect for making everyday chores feel a little brighter. Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune Amazing romance/friends to lovers that has THE BEST setting, holy cow. You need this one. For When You Need Thrills The God of the Woods by Liz Moore If you’re tackling closets, organizing cabinets, or cleaning out the garage, a good mystery makes the time disappear. My Husbands Wife by Alice Feeney Fast-paced and addictive. Hope your cleaning journey doesnt have as many twists and turns as this one has!! Why Audiobooks Work So Well for Chores Most of us don’t need more time to read, we need better ways to use the time we already have. Audiobooks turn ordinary moments into reading moments. The dishes still get done. The laundry still gets folded. The floors still get swept. But instead of feeling like time lost, those tasks become time spent inside a great story. That’s why you’ll often find me listening while I clean the kitchen, fold clothes, or tackle the never-ending toy pickup that comes with having young kids. And honestly? Some days the audiobook is the only reason the chores get done at all. Why I Switched to Libro.fm App A few years ago, I listened to nearly all of my audiobooks through Audible. It was convenient, but I didn’t realize there was another option that supports independent bookstores. That’s why I made the switch to Libro.fm. Libro.fm works much like other audiobook platforms, but instead of your membership supporting a large corporation, every purchase helps an independent bookstore of your choice. For me, that’s a win-win: I still get the audiobooks I love, and the money stays within the independent book community. If you’re thinking about making the switch too, Libro.fm is currently offering new members two free audiobooks when you use code SWITCH. And if you’re signing up, I’d be honored if you’d consider selecting Paper & Vine Book Bar as your supporting bookstore. Your membership and audiobook purchases directly support our little independent bookstore and help us continue creating a space for readers, book clubs, events, and community here in West Texas. Whether you choose Paper & Vine or another local indie bookstore, every audiobook purchased through Libro.fm helps keep independent bookstores thriving. Happy listening, and happy cleaning. Paper & Vine
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We Broke Up With Audible (And What We Use Instead)
We Broke Up With Audible (And What We Use Instead) If you’re anything like us, your “to be read” pile grows faster than your free time. Between work, kids, running a business, laundry, dishes, and all the little things that fill a day, finding hours to sit down with a physical book can feel impossible. That’s why audiobooks have become one of our favorite ways to read. Whether we’re driving to work, cleaning the kitchen, folding laundry, or taking a walk, audiobooks help us fit more stories into our lives. For years, we used Audible. But recently, we made a switch. please note there will likely be affiliate links in these blogs, thank you for supporting our little shop! Why We Left Audible First, let’s be clear: Audible works. We never had major complaints about the listening experience. The app is easy to use, the audiobook selection is massive, and it’s introduced us to countless stories. But as owners of an independent bookstore, we started asking ourselves a simple question: If we believe independent bookstores matter, shouldn’t our audiobook purchases support them too? The more we thought about it, the harder it became to ignore. We spend our days encouraging readers to shop local, discover indie bookstores, and support the literary communities they love. Yet our audiobook spending was going elsewhere. Eventually, we decided it was time for a change. What We Use Instead: Libro.fm Today, we use Libro.fm for nearly all of our audiobook listening. The experience is remarkably similar to Audible. You purchase audiobooks, listen through an app, and build your personal library. The difference? When you buy audiobooks through Libro.fm, your purchase supports an independent bookstore. That means your monthly audiobook habit can help keep local bookstores thriving. For us, that was a game changer. Why We Love Libro.fm It Supports Independent Bookstores This was the biggest reason we switched. Every audiobook purchase helps strengthen the independent bookstore community that we care so much about. The App Is Easy to Use One of our concerns was whether we’d be giving up convenience. Thankfully, we haven’t found that to be the case. The app is simple, clean, and easy to navigate. The Selection Is Excellent Most of the books we wanted were already available. From bestselling fiction and romance to memoirs, mysteries, and literary fiction, we haven’t felt limited in our choices. We Still Get to Read More At the end of the day, the reason we listen to audiobooks hasn’t changed. They allow us to experience more stories during seasons of life when sitting down with a physical book isn’t always possible. Do Audiobooks Count as Reading? This debate pops up in the book world all the time. Our answer is simple: Yes. Reading isn’t a competition. The goal isn’t to impress anyone with how many books you’ve finished or what format you used. The goal is to experience stories, learn new ideas, connect with characters, and enjoy books. If audiobooks help you do that, they count. When We Listen to Audiobooks Most of our listening happens during everyday moments: Morning commutes School pickup lines Walks around the neighborhood Folding laundry Cleaning the house Long road trips Quiet afternoons by the pool Those little pockets of time add up surprisingly fast. Final Thoughts Breaking up with Audible wasn’t about finding a better app. It was about finding an option that aligned more closely with our values. As readers and independent bookstore owners, we wanted our audiobook purchases to support the kinds of places we love. For us, Libro.fm has been the perfect fit. If you’ve been curious about audiobooks or looking for an alternative to Audible, it may be worth exploring. You might discover your next favorite book—and support an independent bookstore at the same time. Use code SWITCH to get two free audios! note this is an affiliate blog and our one bookstore does make profit share from ordered links. Thanks for shopping our little store! Happy listening, Paper & Vine
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