Before we share info about this month’s book, we want to recognize that this month’s “Community Kindness Sponsor” (which helps offset the cost of the extra 20 books we hide after scavenger hunt weekend every month – the “random act of kindness” books) is our friends at Speedway Veterinary Hospital! We are so grateful for their support in creating a bookish community rooted in kindness. If you are familiar with them, please send some gratitude their way!

Do you know someone who might be interested in partnering with us as a Community Kindness Sponsor in 2027 ($250)? We are all set for 2026, but are starting to look ahead to 2027 (because, as we know, time flies!). Please send us an email (tucsontomegnome[at]gmail.com), and we can send you some information 🙂

AND NOW, for what you’ve been waiting for: all about this month’s hidden book!

About the book, from Penguin Random House:

“You know what’s worse than breaking up with your girlfriend? Being stuck with her prize-winning show cat. And you know what’s worse than that? An alien invasion, the destruction of all man-made structures on Earth, and the systematic exploitation of all the survivors for a sadistic intergalactic game show. That’s what.

Join Coast Guard vet Carl and his ex-girlfriend’s cat, Princess Donut, as they try to survive the end of the world—or just get to the next level—in a video game–like, trap-filled fantasy dungeon. A dungeon that’s actually the set of a reality television show with countless viewers across the galaxy. Exploding goblins. Magical potions. Deadly, drug-dealing llamas. This ain’t your ordinary game show.”

About the author, Matt Dinniman:

“Matt Dinniman is a writer and artist from Gig Harbor, Washington. He is the author of the NYT bestselling Dungeon Crawler Carl series, along with several other books about the end of the world. He doesn’t really hate Cocker Spaniels, and he plays bass in one band.”

Why I selected Dungeon Crawler Carl for the July 2026 Giveaway:

• Every once in a while, I like to hide a book all about joyful adventure (especially when we all need a little pick-me-up during these hot, now-humid (!!!) summer months). This book is hilarious, absurdly imaginative, and packed with enough twists to keep you turning the pages (and, to be honest, probably buying the rest of the series to devour).
• Beneath all the gore, monsters, and mayhem is a tender story about how we care for others in a world that pits us against each other. Carl refuses to stop caring about other people, even when he’s enmeshed in a world that deliberately rewards greed, violence, and selfishness. This Tome Gnome has a soft spot for stories that remind us that kindness is a strength, not a weakness.
• For all the fun you’ll have while reading it, this book also has something important to say about power. It asks what happens when corporations treat people’s lives as entertainment, and what it takes to stand up to unjust systems that profit from cruelty. Sadly, sometimes this feels all too familiar (like, are we living in the metaphorical dungeon???).
• Carl and Princess Donut prove that no one survives alone. Their unlikely but DELIGHTFUL and heartwarming partnership grows into one built on deep trust, loyalty, and a commitment to looking out for others. Through their actions and choices, they remind us that community can be our greatest source of courage.
• Whether you’re a longtime fantasy or LitRPG fan, or have never rolled a twenty-sided die in your life (and have no idea what “LitRPG” even means), this book reminds us that great books come in every genre. On the surface, it’s chaotic, hilarious, and SO (so so so) over-the-top. But underneath it all, Dungeon Crawler Carl is about refusing to let systems of power strip away compassion, community, kindness, dignity, and a sense of justice – and why standing up for those values matters.