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Reporter Clare Mulroy shares bookish news and recommendations.

Thu Aug 20 2026

Clare Mulroy | Books Reporter

Happy Thursday, booklovers!

How is your summer reading going? How about that 2026 reading challenge? I’ll admit, I’m a little behind on mine this year. But aside from all the work-related reading I do, our summer bingo book challenge is keeping me motivated.

You still have just under two weeks to submit yours for a chance to win a $100 gift card to Bookshop.org. Simply fill out this online entry form and tell us which books you read to get bingo by the deadline, Aug. 31. No cheating – the books had to have been read in the contest period, from June 6 to Aug. 31. And no double dipping. Each book counts for a single space. We’ll notify the winner within five business days of the challenge closing.

USA TODAY's Summer Book Challenge is now live.

Clare Mulroy, Alan Nguyen

I’m playing along just for fun, and I'm making pretty decent progress on mine. I’m working my way through the middle row, with “Yahoo Boys” by Carlos Barragán for narrative nonfiction, “Country People” by Daniel Mason for “set in a small town” and “Girl’s Girl” by Sonia Feldman for LGBTQ+ author. Now I just need a classic.

If you’re looking for a book to make it to bingo, check out our new release recommendations or pick a book based on your mood – we’ve got ideas for joyful reads, dark and twisted love stories, escapist books or niche nonfiction that’ll make you sound smart at your next dinner party. Or, when in doubt, check out what's trending on our weekly bestseller list.

What are you reading this summer? Let me know at cmulroy@usatoday.com or reach out on Instagram. Thanks for checking out USA TODAY Books this week!