4 Upcoming Bookish Things I’m Excited About

Hello, my little voyagers.

It feels like it’s been ages since I’ve posted. If I’m being honest, I have no idea how I’ve managed to keep up with my posting schedule on here. I’ve been so caught up with my new job and the Stray Kids concert I recently went to (it was life-changing) that all of my Bree Dawn social accounts have completely fallen by the wayside.

But, I’m really excited about this post because there’s some really cool bookish-related things coming out this summer that I can’t wait to scream and fangirl over with all of you. These are things I’ve been looking forward to for months, and now that they’re finally happening, I can’t wait to share these moments with you.

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How To Train Your Dragon (Live Action)

Release Date: June 13

Summary: As an ancient threat endangers both Vikings and dragons alike on the isle of Berk, the friendship between Hiccup, an inventive Viking, and Toothless, a Night Fury dragon, becomes the key to both species forging a new future together.

I know, I know: “But Bree, the animated trilogy was perfect. How can you be EXCITED to watch CGI?!”

Well . . . because it looks absolutely stunning (to me). I don’t expect this to be as magical as the original trilogy because those movies were a cornerstone of my childhood. But, for me, that doesn’t take away from the potential magic that this live action movie could hold.

This story is so close to my heart, and from what I’ve seen, I think the crew feels the same way. Everyone who’s involved in this project looks like they understand how special Hiccup and Toothless’s story is to all of us because it’s just as special to them. So, maybe I’m just being naive, but I’m actually really optimistic about this movie, and I kind of can’t wait to watch it.*

Plus, it just looks like a shot-for-shot remake of the original, and honestly nothing would make me happier.

*I won’t be able to watch this for a while. My sister and I promised to watch it together, and she’s out of town for work until the end of summer. So, please no spoilers in the comments (or I will turn into Jude Duarte and start taking people out).

We Were Liars (TV Show)

Release Date: June 28th

Summary: The story of a 17 year old girl from a wealthy family. Cady Sinclair spends her summers on a private island. After suffering a terrible accident she struggles to remember events that happened in her past.

I haven’t really screamed about this adaptation as much as the others, but please believe me when I tell you that my 2020 self is bawling her eyes out at the idea of watching this story on the big screen (in her living room).

I read the book in two sittings, and it absolutely destroyed me. I sobbed. I laughed. It was a great time. And truly nothing can prepare me to experience this again with a cast that looks like they were MADE for these characters.

That being said, if you tell me anything about this show before I watch it, you better be lying.

You’ve Reached Sam (Luxe Special Edition)

Release Date: July 1

Summary: Seventeen-year-old Julie Clarke has her future all planned out―move out of her small town with her boyfriend Sam, attend college in the city; spend a summer in Japan. But then Sam dies. And everything changes. Heartbroken, Julie skips his funeral, throws out his belongings, and tries everything to forget him. But a message Sam left behind in her yearbook forces memories to return. Desperate to hear him one more time, Julie calls Sam’s cell phone just to listen to his voice mail recording. And Sam picks up the phone. The connection is temporary. But hearing Sam’s voice makes Julie fall for him all over again and with each call, it becomes harder to let him go.

This is a new special release of You’ve Reached Sam by Dustin Thao. It includes:

• A bonus Sam & Julie chapter
• Cherry blossom stained edges
• Deluxe transparent (acetate) jacket with a disappearing Sam
• Pink cherry blossom designed interior

You can preorder your copy from Books of Wonder (you can get it signed and personalized), Macmillan, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Thriftbooks, or any other major bookstore!

Do I already have two perfectly good copies of this book (one with pink sprayed edges)? Yes.

Did I immediately preorder this when I heard about it? Also yes.

I’m not usually an advocate for buying multiple editions of a book. I’ve always been a one-and-done kind of girl because books take up space, and I’ve just never seen the point in owning multiple copies. But, with this one, it’s different. I’ll probably buy every edition that Dustin Thao releases because it’s the book that unknowingly changed everything for me (click here to read why).

Plus, this one has a bonus chapter that I definitely think I need. I love when authors release little bonus scenes that show us what happens later with the characters I fell in love with.

If you’re curious, I preordered a signed and personalized copy from Books of Wonder (I adore that bookstore), and I’ll definitely post it on my Instagram when it comes in July.

The Summer I Turned Pretty (Season 3)

Release Date: July 16

Summary: A love triangle between one girl and two brothers. A story about first love, first heartbreak, and the magic of that one perfect summer.

If you follow me on Twitter, you know that I’ve literally only hopped on enough to scream about this upcoming season, which should tell you all you need to know about how excited I am to watch this.

I found the show almost by accident because I’d heard a little about the books, but then I ended up binging the entire show and all three of the books last summer, and I regret nothing. I’ve been torn between Conrad and Jeremiah the whole time (my answer is different depending on if we’re talking about the show or the books), and I think that’s a mark of a powerful story.

I love how people have completely fallen in love with this story because it has so many of my favorite things: young love, a summer setting, best-friends-to-lovers, and all the angst you could possibly want. So, it’s been fun to see how much attention this show has gotten (especially since my WIP has so many similar vibes).

But, you have to tell me: are you Team Conrad, Team Jeremiah, or Team Belly-Make-Up-Your-Mind?

Let’s Talk!

What stories are you most excited about this summer? Do you have any of these stories on your list? What are your thoughts about book-to-movie adaptations? Do you collect multiple editions of your favorite books? Let’s talk all things summer stories in the comments below!