San Diego Book Swap Society

I’m thrilled to share that I am the newest host for the San Diego Book Swap Society! Starting this fall, I’ll be organizing in-person book swaps around San Diego. Bring a book (or a few) and go home with up to 4 new-to-you books. It's perfect for meeting fellow readers and giving beloved books a second home. Keep an eye out for dates and locations coming soon.

If you’re a small business or event space in San Diego that loves books as much as we do, let’s connect and make a swap happen!

🏖️ What I've Been Reading 🏖️

💛 The Love Haters by Katherine Center - I love a good rom-com in the summer, and Katherine Center always has one waiting for me. The Love Haters follows a sweet, funny cast of characters dealing with unexpected love, set in Key West with the Coast Guard. My kids kept asking what I was laughing at, as there are quite a few laugh-out-loud moments.

📖 Soulmatch by Rebecca Danzenbaker - This book is quite different from my normal reads, which is why I suspect I enjoyed it so much. Set in a post–World War III world, it follows Sivon, who faces a life-altering destiny after undergoing kirling, a process revealing past lives, careers, and soulmates. Read if you like dystopian suspense with a dash of romance.

🏙️ Silver Echoes by Rebecca Rosenberg - Of course, I have to end with a historical fiction rec! You might remember Rebecca Rosenberg from Ep. 129. Silver Echoes is a gritty, compelling story set in Chicago during the Jazz Age, Prohibition-era. It had me hooked from start to finish. And seriously—the name Rose Mary Echo Silver Dollar Tabor? Just unforgettable.

The Art of DNFing

To DNF or not DNF? That is the question. 😂
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Life is too short to read bad books. You don’t owe any book your time, especially if you are struggling to get through. Quitting a book isn’t giving up. It’s moving on to better books for you.

My go-to rules for DNFing:

• If it’s not grabbing you by the 50–75 page mark (or 10-15% in for audiobooks).
• Your time is valuable! Spend it on books that excite you, not ones that feel like homework.
• You can always come back to a book later. Sometimes it’s just not the right season for it.
• Know why you quit - knowing what you didn't like will help direct your book choices for the future.

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Are you good at DNFing books? How do you decide when to DNF?

Upcoming Events

Mark your calendars! The KPBS Festival of Books is coming up soon—a fantastic day packed with author talks, book signings, workshops, and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re a longtime book lover or just looking for a fun weekend outing, this festival is a must-visit for San Diego readers.

📅 Date: August 23, 2025

📍San Diego, CA

I’m so excited to share that I’ll be speaking at the Military Influencer Conference in Atlanta this fall! 🎤✨ MIC brings together leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives, and brands who support and shape the military community.

📅 Date: September 21–24, 2025

📍Atlanta, GA

I’ll also be attending LoveLitCon right here in San Diego! 💕📚 This one-of-a-kind romance reader convention celebrates everything we love about romance books and the incredible community behind them. KATHERINE CENTER is the Opening Keynote!!!

📅 Date: February 13–15, 2026

📍San Diego, CA

Want to join me? Use code KI1927 for $25 off your registration! 🎟️

✨ In case you missed it: I compiled 25 Books Worth Reading—a handpicked mix of fiction, nonfiction, and children’s titles. Grab your copy here.

💛 Coming Up:​
My son’s birthday is next week, so I’m going to drop two episodes in his honor (hint: one features one of his favorite authors). Stay tuned—it’s going to be a fun week!