Let the record show this was actually written yesterday but due to horrific wifi on board my United flight, I am sending it this morning and am thus no longer on plane, but rather happily back in Los Angeles.
I apparently only write one cross country flights now. But coming to you once again from the sky (somewhere between Newark and Los Angeles) where I am deeply grateful for a relatively empty plane. Not just because it means I get to sprawl out across all three seats in my row, but because I can cry in peace. I just finished reading Taylor Jenkins Reid’s newest book, Atmosphere, and oh man, I am a puddle.
Set against the backdrop of the 1980s space shuttle program, Atmosphere, in broad strokes, is “about the extraordinary lengths we go to live and love beyond our limits.” Go in as blind as you otherwise can. This story took me by surprise and won me over in every single way.
It’s been a great reading month so far; last week I read an early copy of Marisa Kashino’s debut novel, Best Offer Wins, in two sittings. It will be out in November, and I just know that this isn’t the last you’ll be hearing about it. A satirical thriller revolving around the incredibly competitive DC housing market. As a DC native, this was so up my alley.
Nikki Erlick’s sophomore book, The Poppy Fields, is officially available today. If you loved Nikki’s first book, The Measure, I promise you’ll love this one, too. A gorgeous story of overcoming grief, found friendship, and the lasting power of love. Honestly, so many similar themes to Severance (which you know I’m obsessed with.)
You might have seen on my Instagram, I am excited to share that I am starring in Meet Cute’s new rom-com, The Whisper Effect, out on Apple, Spotify or wherever you like to listen to podcasts, on July 15th (my birthday!!) I play Leah, a bookish, quick-witted audiobook narrator with a talent for bringing romance to life but little success in finding her own — so obviously I’m psyched by this melding of worlds.
Here are a couple discount codes for products I'm currently obsessing over.
Cann — my absolute favorite drink with which to unwind! I almost never drink alcohol because it upsets my stomach and I’ve been drinking Cann for 5 years now with no issue. I love it!
SAMANTHA20 for 20% off
Cupcakes and Cashmere — gorgeous jewelry, accessories, and home goods. I recently got a pair of their pearl earrings and a tennis bracelet, which I’m sure you will notice I’m wearing in photos often
SD20 for 20% off
the aforementioned jewelry (and this dress is linked here)
Lastly, if you live in Los Angeles, I would love to see you at our
Walking Book Club on Sunday in Santa Monica! Well be walking with Jordan Roter, author of Moms Like Us. In addition to the usual treats and drinks we provide our walkers, we will also have 100 complimentary copies of our July Book Club pick, Jill Is Not Happy (which is officially a USA TODAY BESTSELLER!!), to gift our attendees! RSVP here to reserve your copy :)Thank you for reading The Lately! As always, you can find me on Instagram and TikTok.
xx,
Samantha Dockser