As summer comes to an end, thoughts for many of us as readers and writers turn to “spooky season.” But what if you just can’t wait till the evenings really draw in (or indeed out in the Southern Hemisphere) to get your fangs stuck into some ghoulish books? Well, it seems that the latest trend on BookTok is just for you. “Summerween” is a portmanteau named (apparently) for an episode of the animated series Gravity Falls.
ALLi News Editor Dan Holloway
It is being shared widely through the BookTok community and seems to be characterized by a blend of gothic content amid bright, sultry backdrops. It does feel a little like “reading as aesthetic,” a bit “Brideshead meets dark academia,” but means there is a window for horror writers opening earlier than it usually does. My first thought was of the literary equivalent of A24 films, most notably Midsommar. Or one of the films that really spooked teenage me, Picnic at Hanging Rock.
Lit Circle Aims to Connect Readers with Local Author Events
On a similar note, there is some really interesting news about a new platform to help readers find exciting author events at local bookstores. Lit Circle will initially be based in the Chicago area and will act essentially as an event guide for independent bookstores to let subscribers know about events in their area. The aim is to make this a nationwide platform. Small beginnings so far, but at a time when readers are increasingly valuing connection with the authors and characters they come to love, those beginnings feel welcome.
Kobo Returns to Major US Retail Shelves
And finally, talking of things you might find in bookstores, Rakuten Kobo has announced that its Kobo e-reader will once again be available on the shelves of a major retailer in the US. As of now, Best Buy will be stocking the e-readers, which stopped being available in major outlets after Walmart ended its partnership with the firm in 2024. The move follows an apparent doubling of sales of the devices in the US (not through big stores) in the last couple of years and looks to capitalize on Kobo’s integration with the Libby app, making it a natural device for library readers.
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