Dear all, welcome to the home page for July in the 20 Books of Summer challenge 2026.
I can’t believe we’re into July already! Thank you to all who have joined in so far – I’ve been enjoying all your posts.
July is the month of our buddy read – Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke. The aim is to read and post about the book (with no spoilers if possible) this month, then we’ll have some further discussion in August at which spoilers will be allowed!
If you still need to pick up any of the logos, or the bingo card please head back HERE to the announcement post. Now, remember this is the most relaxed kind of challenge – the aim is to have fun reading over the summer. The July linky is below, or you can just leave a comment if that’s easier for you.
Last year Emma compiled some great month-end questions to add some more fun at the ends of June and July. This year, I’m planning a mid-July fun post, inviting some creative thinking about your summer reads so far! Just a bit of fun – honest!
Also coming up in July – Emma is once more hosting Paris in July celebrating all things French. July into August is also usually Spanish & Portuguese month, which was started by Stu. Do share any other links to July reading challenges for we all love to double up!
Happy Summer Reading!
Thanks fr the shout out!
I have already read quite a few books, and am planning to do a June recap soon – Thursday if all goes well!
A month already! I’m still on track so hoping I can keep up the momentum.
I’m doing well enough with the reading that I’m tempted to get cocky. Which has never blown up in my face before.
I was able to read or listen to 9 of my books in June. I will post a recap of the month soon.
Hi Annabel
Have tried to upload my latest post but it comes up with a message regarding the length of the link 😬 so am including below in case I don’t manage to get a working link uploaded!
Janet
https://lovebooksreadbooks.com/2026/07/03/woman-mapped-a-rebecca-swift-foundation-anthology-edited-by-jennifer-wong-with-a-foreword-by-hollie-mcnish-fly_press-20bos26/
I’m forgetting to tag all my posts with reviews with #20BOS26 and should do so now, so I’ve lost track with precisely how many I read last month, doh!
No worries. Weren’t you aiming for 10 rather than 20 anyway?
Well, I’ve read eleven so far and published eight reviews, so no, not 10! 😄
I read a poetry collection for my first book of July. I arrogantly thought I’d read it in a day at the end of June, but it packed quite a punch, thanks to its subject matter. It’s utterly brilliant. https://thinkaboutreading.wordpress.com/2026/07/05/the-jaguar/
Right now I’m utterly convinced I haven’t read fast enough, but I’m getting there! (and each year I’m having the same feeling and I manage to complete the challenge) 😅
I’m reading Book 7 at the moment so a bit behind, but just linked to books 5-6 so keeping up with the reviewing at least!
I’ll have a second on in a couple days!
I’ve read 8 books from my list so far but only reviewed one as I was traveling in June. I’ll link as I get to them!
Sounds fun, I look forward to seeing what the creative thinking post looks like later this month. Im slightly behind numbers wise but thats because I read a couple of chunky books. Hopefully I’ll catch back up this month 🤞
For some reason the review I posted this month didn’t “ping” in the comments like my reviews from last month. I’ll have another posting tomorrow and will see if it does. I know I have the right link to this post because it comes here when I click on it! At least you have my “mr. linky” above.
No worries Kelly – we can find you via comments too.
Just finished When the Museum is Closed by Emi Yagi, perfect 146pp, and John of John on Borrowbox, where to go next? I had put down for 10 books thinking I wouldn’t have access to my library but found myself looking at no.14 thanks to train rides, travelling light, and staying with friends where if you wash up, you are a national hero (is this what retirement is like?) One of my favourites amongst some travel books and Scottish islands was Night Falls on Ardnamurchan by Scottish poet and crofter Alisdair Maclean. Found Frank Moorhouse’s Forty-Seventeen in a cafe. I have another stint of house-sitting in Bristol coming up, so should use the time to tackle something longer. Bristol Central Library has a good non-English language section, so some Spanish originals – and so many good bookshops !
I’ve finally read Angela Davis’s collection of essays on intersectional feminism. It’s strong on the history of the women’s rights, civil rights and unionisation movements in the US, has things to say that are still relevant, but some of it is dated because ground has been gained and goals change over time. It was an interesting read, though. https://thinkaboutreading.wordpress.com/2026/07/17/women-race-and-class/
Inspired by Cathy’s recent review at 746 Books, I’ve finally read a book I’ve been meaning to read for years – Kate Atkinson’s Case Histories https://thinkaboutreading.wordpress.com/2026/07/19/case-histories/
Posted book number ten today. I’m halfway there!