She Reads

With Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey on the horizon, Greek mythology is once again having a major Hollywood moment. As fans debate whether the latest adaptation will become an instant classic or the next divisive retelling, we couldn’t help but look back at the mythology-inspired movies and TV shows that came before it.

Sometimes you just need to have a good cry session. If watching Voicemails for Isabelle wasn’t enough crying for you, then we have compiled a list of sister stories, sad romances, and some plain old ugly cry books. After her brother Josh passes away from cancer, Maggie is tasked with spreading his ashes in eight destinations that he never got to visit. There’s a small snag in the plans when Maggie finds out that Josh wants his best friend Dominic to spread his ashes too.

Hopefully July marks the start of some summer vacations. However, if you aren’t traveling this month, these books and shows are a great opportunity to travel through different worlds from regency England, 1940s Mexico, to modern California without leaving the comfort of your own home. Here’s what to read and watch in July 2026.

Robinne Lee is an international bestselling author, actor, and producer. Her debut novel, The Idea of You, available in 24 languages, was adapted into the hit Amazon MGM Studios film starring Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine. Robinne served as a producer on the film, which became Prime Video’s biggest rom-com debut of all time and its most-watched film of 2024. Her highly anticipated sophomore novel, Crash Into Me (St. Martin’s Press), arrives in bookstores nationwide on July 7, 2026.

If watching The Odyssey has left you wanting more journeys, scheming gods, and epic heroes, then these books are your perfect next read. From Penelope to Achilles, these mythological retellings will make you feel like you never left ancient Greece. Queen Penelope rules over the isle of Ithaca and has ever since her husband Odysseus sailed to war with Troy never to return. Any of the peace she created is broken when Orestes, king of Mycenae, and his sister Elektra return.

Greek mythology has captivated readers for thousands of years, but today’s authors are proving there’s always another side to the story. From fierce queens and misunderstood monsters to legendary heroes seen through fresh eyes, modern retellings breathe new life into familiar myths by centering the voices history often left behind.

Amazon Prime’s new show Elle takes us back into Elle Woods’ world. Set in 1995, Elle is navigating the chaotic world of high school with tricky friendships, fashion don’ts, and forbidden romance. If after finishing Elle, you’re craving more storylines of teenage triumph, powerful girls and women, or people just trying to figure life out the best way they can, then this list is for you. From teenage student council presidents to aspiring screenwriters, these books have everything you could want.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy trip to the prairie, a pulse-pounding thriller, or Christopher Nolan’s take on one of literature’s most enduring epics, July’s adaptation lineup will be one to remember. From beloved childhood classics to modern bestsellers, these are the book-inspired TV shows and movies we’ll be adding to our watchlists this month. If Christopher Nolan adapting Homer wasn’t enough to get your attention, the cast certainly will.

Since stealing hearts as Shane Hollander in Heated Rivalry, Hudson Williams has also earned a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most unexpectedly literary rising stars. The actor frequently shares what he’s reading on Instagram, and a recent roundup from Variety gave fans an even closer look at the books currently stacked on his shelves.

Whether you believe aliens are already among us or simply love imagining what humanity’s first encounter with extraterrestrial life might look like, Disclosure Day is the perfect excuse to dive into stories that explore the unknown. Fortunately, books have been preparing us for that possibility for decades.