Book Nook Cafe discussion

Here is the Folder and thread to tell us what your monthly reads for June 2024 were.

Please provide:
~ A GoodReads link
~ A few sentences telling us how you felt about the book.
~ How would you rate the book

Here are my June reads. I reviewed this books during the month so I will be brief.

Believe Me: A Memoir of Love, Death, and Jazz Chickens by Eddie Izzard
Non fiction
Format: Audio Book
Genre: Memoir
Rate: 2/5 Did not meet expectations
Eddie Izzard is gender fluid and is also known as Suzy Izzard. She is a British comedian, actor, and political activist.
I've seen Izzard perform on cable TV many years ago and I enjoyed the show a lot.
Izzard does a fine job narrating.
The majority of the memoir is about her childhood which, honestly, just wasn't that interesting. The book did pick-up when he moved on to his career.

The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan
Non Fiction
Format: Journal
Rate: 3/5
This is a journal by author Amy Tan discussing the various birds that visit her yard in California.
The daily journal writing is pretty straight forward. I think this would really appeal to people who are birders or even just have a simple bird feeder in their yard or on their deck. The entries are short a page or two. Her enthusiasm is clear and thoughtful. However, I was hoping for more story. I did enjoy Tan's drawings of all the birds she sees in her yard. She is quite talented.

The Year of Living Constitutionally: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Constitution's Original Meaning by A.J. Jacobs
Non Fiction
Rate: 5/5
The book was a nice blend of humor and a thoughtful look at the U.S. Constitution. The Constitution is a four page 4,543 word document. The book is very timely as he discusses the current supreme court and recent cases as well as pending ones. I thought he presented a balanced account. As always, Jacobs is able to bring humor to a serious topic. For the book he tries to live like it was 1787. Much to the chagrin of his wife and three sons! The book never gets bogged down in heavy legalese. Still, A.J. gives the reader a lot to think about and learn a few things along the way.

Even If This Love Disappears Tonight by Misaki Ichijo
Fiction
Genre: Romance/ Drama/ Medical
YA novel
Format: Audio Book
Rate: 3/5
I listed to the audio. The narrators were: Yuuki Luna (Narrator), Earl T Kim (Narrator), Suzie Yeung (Narrator)
I usually like audio books but I feel this wasn't well done. If you are interested I would go with the paper edition.
The book is a translation into English from Japanese.
This is a simply YA story. Toru Kamiya is a high school boy who falls in love with a girl named Maori Hino. Unbeknownst to him Maori has anterograde amnesia which started after a car accident. She can't remember anything after the accident. Each day resets to the day of the accident. So she has to write everything down in her daily journal and read it each morning to remember what happened and any new people she meets. That is the only way she can remember Toru. The story is poignant, yet simple.

Know My Name by Chanel Miller
Non fiction
Memoir/ True crime
Rate: 3/5
This is a powerful and poignant memoir. It centers on Chanel Miller and the night back in 2015 when she was sexually assaulted by Stanford college student Brock Turner behind a dumpster on campus. The memoir is an indictment not only of Brock Turner but also on the legal system and how it failed her. Persky, the judge, was recalled by voters in 2018 after he came under fire for handing down a six-month sentence for Turner. Turner ultimately spent only 3 months in jail. One does not get over a trauma like this. I only hope with time and the writing of this memoir she can find some peace

The Women by Kristin Hannah
Genre: historical Fiction
Rate: 2/5
I know I am in the tiny minority on this novel. Almost 95% gave the book 4 or 5 stars.The book is about Frances “Frankie” McGrath. She comes from a conservative upper class California family. When her brother ships out to serve in Vietnam, she idealistically decides to join the Army Nurse Corps. The first half of the book was good. It reminded me of the TV show MASH. Unfortunately, the second half of the novel devolves into a romance Danielle Steel type read, with two soldiers thought killed somehow returning. Throw in some cringy love scene dialogue and the second half of the book was just a hard no for me.

Prophet Song by Paul Lynch
Fiction
Genre: dystopian
Rate: 2/5
This dystopian novel won the Booker Prize in 2023.
The book takes place in Ireland. Suddenly the government is falling apart and sliding into a totalitarian violent mess. We follow Eilish as she tries to hold her family together. Even when it's clear the best move is to get the heck out of there. She seems unable to see the reality of the situation. The plot is minimal and very depressing. My main problem is the absence of quotation marks, lack of paragraphs, and run on sentences. For those that think, It can't happen here, this is a wake up call as to how quickly things can fall apart.

Hello everyone! For the month of June, I read four books.

The first book I read was Hot Pot Murder by Jennifer J. Chow. My review can be found here.

So this is the sequel to another book called Death By Bubble Tea where two cousins named Yale and Celine had to put their differences aside and work together to solve a murder. In Hot Pot Murder, they once again have to solve another murder mystery, but it's more or less expanding upon the elements that were established in the previous entry.

For those who want to know my full thoughts on Death by Bubble Tea, you can check them out here. Long story short, there were some things I wasn't a fan of (like some inconsistencies with Yale's character and the cartoonish and dumb reveal of the killer) but on the whole, it was still a very enjoyable murder mystery with some great main characters.

With Hot Pot Murder, Yale and Celine were still enjoyable and it does a great job keeping things fresh without losing its identity or losing what made the series great in the first place. The mystery itself was also quite engaging too, especially in how Jeffery (the murder victim) is actually written in a likeable, nuanced way, making the scene where he dies all the more tragic and making the need for justice all the more understandable.

That being said, Hot Pot Murder does have its pitfalls. For one thing, much like Death By Bubble Tea, the reveal of the killer sucks ass. To quote my review, "So basically, it turns out that Trisha was the culprit and from what I understand, she tried to injure Nik and/or his mother with the tampered with extension cord (which ended up killing Jeffery). Because of this failure, she then attempted to cause mild fire damage to Nik and his mother's restaurant so that she could scare them away to get the building it occupies for cheap to expand the restaurant business she co-owns, especially because it gives off a fitting atmosphere. Oh boy. Now, it's not as ridiculous as the reveal in the previous entry, but it's still pretty damn ridiculous. Why does Trisha feel the need to resort to murder and arson to achieve her goal? There is absolutely no reason. She could've talked to the higher ups about picking out a budget friendly location that was for sale, then, once that detail was nailed down, propose the creation of an online crowdfunding campaign to raise the funds to buy the location and renovate it to their preferred aesthetic. They could blast the crowdfunding campaign on social media, make flyers in Canva or something, and maybe reach out to prominent foodie influencers about it to see if they'd like to donate or just get the word out about it. As a result of having no reason not to implement this solution, Trisha's motivation comes off as illogical and unbelievable." Also, there was a weird character inconsistency that could've easily been fixed with a simple rewrite, but for whatever reason just wasn't. Now, perhaps this might've only been on the eBook version I read, but the dropcaps were sometimes not present when they were clearly supposed to be and sometimes they just messed up the formatting.

Rating: B-

The second book I read was called The Resort by Sara Ochs. Feel free to read my review here.

Much like Hot Pot Murder, this was also a murder mystery, only this time, it takes place at a shady resort in Thailand and goes back and forth between Cass' point of view and Brooke's point of view.

What's cool about this book is that, along with the murder mystery, there's another mystery unfolding at the same time where the true identities of all the characters (including Cass and Brooke) are gradually revealed, even if they don't want them to be. I love it when a book includes a bonus mystery and this book is no exception. Speaking of that, because the characters are reluctant to reveal who they really are, it allows them all to be potential suspects in the murder, making for a fun challenge to figure out who the true culprit is and allowing each character to have a chance to be in on it. Combine that with a relatively quick pace and you have a book that I genuinely had a hard time putting down.

On the flip side, the writing is a bit awkward at times and while some of the twists are excellent, others are just really stupid. Like, "What the hell were they thinking?" kind of stupid.

Rating: B

Next was Sunburn by R.L Stine. Go here for my full thoughts on this.

So Claudia and her friends, Joy and Sophie, accept an invitation to stay for a week at their friend Marla's beach side mansion. Horrible accidents happen to the girls, but no one knows who the true culprit is.

Now I have to give credit where credit is due. Despite its flaws (which I'll go into in a little later), this is actually one of the better YA mysteries I've read by far. For one thing, if you're looking to learn how to write a great first chapter, read the first chapter of this book. No seriously. It does a fantastic job creating intrigue and tension and it gives the reader a character they can actually get invested in all in one short little package. Also, Daniel is just the best character in this entire book. Not only is he a goofball that's just able to roll with the punches, but there's also an intriguing mystery going on with him as to whether or not he's an actual ghost. On top of that, this book is actually pretty funny at times.

That being said, it's as if the author only cared about Daniel because the rest of the characters have little to no character at all and whatever character is provided doesn't really seem to inform the actions of the actual characters except when it's convenient for the plot. On top of that, like Hot Pot Murder, the reveal of the culprit is rather ill-conceived. I shall quote my review here, which describes the reveal as such: "...Marla's sister Alison is alive and that she killed Marla because Marla smiled as she watched her fall and Alison feigned amnesia to start over and live with a family she thought was better. As a result, Alison killed Marla and posed as her to get revenge on Marla and the girls who let her fall. [...] Even putting aside the question of how the hell Alison even survived that fall, this is still a really dumb twist. Like, how was everyone fooled into believing Alison's facade? Yes, she has strawberry hair like her sister, but to my knowledge, that's the only thing they have in common and she didn't seem to put that much effort into disguising herself either, so everyone just comes off as uncharacteristically dumb. Had Alison put just a little more effort into disguising herself, I would actually be more okay with it."

Rating: B-

The last book I read this month was Vision Quest by Terry Davis. I wrote an entire review on it, so if you have the time, feel free to go here.

Anyway, this book is about an eighteen year old named Louden Swain who tries to lose weight to wrestle Shute, the undefeated champ, and tries his best to deal with his last year of high school.

One of this book's greatest strengths is its characters, particularly Louden and Shute. There's a lot of small bits of characterization that really add up and turn them into characters that feel like they could actually exist in real life and I'm glad the author went that extra mile. I also have to give props for the way the book immerses the reader in its 1970's setting without making it feel artificial and at points, the prose is actually quite beautiful.

However, there are things that do hold this book back. One of these things is how it's sometimes hard to follow and part of this has to do with how it over relies on technical terms at certain points. I guess the over-reliance on technical terms is a bit of a pet peeve of mine because, on top of forcing the reader to stop every five seconds and Google the terms to figure out what's happening (especially for the more obscure terms), it's just uncreative and it makes the author look like they're trying too hard to make their characters sound like they know what they're talking about. But the biggest thing holding this book back for me is how, instead of showing Louden either winning, losing, or tieing against Shute, it just stops as soon as the match starts. Like, come on? Really? All that build up and no payoff?

Rating: B+

Overall, I'm genuinely surprised by how all the books I read for June were within the "B" range. I wonder what July will bring.

Alias Reader wrote: "Here are my June reads. I reviewed this books during the month so I will be brief.

[book:Believe Me: A Memoir of Love, D..."

I haven't read Jacobs in a long time, but recall really liking most of his stuff. I think there was something about his wife not being too thrilled with staying away from menstruating women in the Bible one.

Sorry the others were meh, but we don't always like seemingly popular books.

Alias Reader wrote: "Here are my June reads. I reviewed this books during the month so I will be brief.

[book:Believe Me: A Memoir of Love, D..."

Alias, it looks as though you had a mixed bag month with too many 2 star ratings. I hope July treats you better. I appreciate that you shared your list here.

Hailey wrote:

"Overall, I'm genuinely surprised by how all the books I read for June were within the "B" range. I wonder what July will bring."

A very nice reading month, Hailey. Also 102 GoodReads reviews. !Wow !

John wrote:
"I haven't read Jacobs in a long time, but recall really liking most of his stuff. I think there was something about his wife not being too thrilled with staying away from menstruating women in the Bible one..."

I think I've read all of his books except The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible.
I do have it on my TBR list. I've enjoyed his books.

Hailey wrote: "Hello everyone! For the month of June, I read four books.

The first book I read was Hot Pot Murder by Jennifer J. Chow. My review can be found here.

So this is the sequel to another book called D..."

I appreciate that you shared these reviews with us, Hailey. When you share about some of your quibbles, i like learning what you dislike. Sometimes i agree with your points & other times i don't, but they are always well considered. And illustrate that you pay attention to the points which will help improve your own books. Neat.

Your disappointment in the final book, Vision Quest, is valid & i can see why you feel that way. I've had novels stop at odd & bizarre places, too, leaving me perplexed and even angry, at times. However, i must say i can see why authors do that. Usually, it's to allow readers to finish the ending, which sucks, imo.

As one who hasn't read this novel, i get the sense it was the build up which was the point. The journey is the point of this book and which character wins has been deemed unnecessary by the author. Bummer for most readers. One thing i've noticed about such abrupt endings is that i think about those books deeper than others. It really increases my opinions of such books. So, bummer AND hurrah!

I like reading your comments and am glad you have continued to share this way. Thanks for thinking of us.

Alias Reader wrote: "Here are my June reads. I reviewed this books during the month so I will be brief. ..."

Sorry about the 2-star books this month, Alias.

The Backyard Bird Chronicles sounds interesting, especially with drawings. I watch the birds in our yard but don't know what many of them are. This book may be a good primer for me.

Hailey wrote: "Hello everyone! For the month of June, I read four books...."

Nice reading month, Hailey! The mysteries sound intriguing.

My reads for June were:

Birdcall Morning (2-star) - the characters were one dimensional and the story seemed very "light" because it touches on issues (relationship, acceptance of life circumstances, etc) but doesn't follow through, so no resolution happens.
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Gods of Jade and Shadow (3-star; audio) - I enjoyed the mystical, coming of age story. I liked hearing the story of the Mexican god of death. I'm not a big fan of coming of age stories, but this one kept my interest while out jogging.
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Mary Barton (4-star) - I was surprised by this book. I expected a typical, Victorian family saga type of story but this turned into something unexpected.
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Starry Messenger: Cosmic Perspectives on Civilization (4-star; audio) - I enjoyed this look at how, if one looks only at the facts from all sides of a theory or discussion, that a calm, peaceful resolution can be found.
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Petra wrote: "My reads for June were:

Birdcall Morning (2-star) - the characters were one dimensional and the story seemed very "light" because it touches on issues (relationship, acceptance of ..."


Thanks for bringing these titles to our attention. Birdcall isn't one that I'd have chosen, but can see how the description might be attractive.

John, I certainly wouldn't recommend it. It was a dull dud.

Here are mine ...

Sub Rosa: A Valerius Mystery by Jennifer Burke ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...



Let the Northern Lights Erase Your Name by Vendela Vida ⭐️⭐️


https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...



The Restaurant: A History of Eating Out by William Sitwell ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Alias Reader wrote: "Hailey wrote:

"Overall, I'm genuinely surprised by how all the books I read for June were within the "B" range. I wonder what July will bring."

A very nice reading month, Hailey. Also 102 GoodRe..."

Thank you, Alias! I was kind of shocked myself when I first checked the number.

Below are a list of the books i read in June. Reviews are on my Challenge page-- https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
I will tell the number of the review for each book as i progress, if you are interested in reading further.

#169 A Brief History of Earth: Four Billion Years in Eight Chapters--Andrew H. Knoll. Very compact. I learned plenty. Qualms are in the review.

#173. The Sisters of Sinai: How Two Lady Adventurers Discovered the Hidden Gospels--Janet Martin Soskice. Good story, which absorbed me. In the 1860s or twin sisters stunned the world by finding (at a Sinai monastery) the oldest gospel yet found. Their lives are fascinating and the biblical bits and professional biases rich.

#178 The Lemon--S.E. Boyd. Published within a year or so of the death of well known celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain, this was an exploration of how that death effected 6 people, two of whom never met him. It was snarky and amusing but not particularly funny, which i expected.

Post 181. The Great Railway Bazaar: By Train Through Asia--Paul Theroux. What the Goodreads blurb didn't tell readers was there are some descriptions of explicit on-stage sex acts the author saw while in Japan. Overall, i liked the book, but that aspect surprised me.

Post 182. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl--Jesse Andrews was funny and sad. This is a YA novel, which really called to me. Typical teenage stuff, and the beginning and endings of closeness.

Oops! It appears i read two books not for my Challenge.
The Riddles of the Sphinx: Inheriting the Feminist History of the Crossword Puzzle--Anna Shechtman. My review may be found here-- https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/... , POST # 268. When the author wrote about the women who helped make crossword puzzles a fad, i was all in. She did a neat job. Veering into her own anorexia and French feminism, she failed me, as the linked review tells.

The Singing Sands--Josephine Tey is the last in a series of mysteries which featured Inspector Grant. It meandered and i liked the slow pace, as he explored the mystery but also Scotland. My short review is here https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/..., POST #369.
Thanks to KeenReader for posting about this one, which encouraged me.

madrano wrote: "Hailey wrote: "Hello everyone! For the month of June, I read four books.

The first book I read was Hot Pot Murder by Jennifer J. Chow. My review can be found here.

So this is the sequel to anothe..."

You're welcome, madrano. I suppose that's one way of looking at Vision Quest's ending.

Petra wrote: "Hailey wrote: "Hello everyone! For the month of June, I read four books...."

Nice reading month, Hailey! The mysteries sound intriguing."

Thanks, Petra! I do recommend checking out the mysteries if they pique your interest.

On the subject of your June reads, I distinctly remember seeing Gods of Jade and Shadow in my Goodreads recommended feed, but I never actually got around to reading it.

John wrote: "Here are mine ...


The Restaurant: A History of Eating Out by William Sitwell ..."


This looks like an interesting book. Thanks for the good reviews on your reads, John.

madrano wrote: "Below are a list of the books i read in June.

#169 A Brief History of Earth: Four Billion Years in Eight Chapters--Andrew H. Knoll. Very compact. I learned plenty. Qualms are in the review. ..."

Thanks to your mention of this book earlier this month, I've gotten it from the library. Unfortunately, I didn't get a lot of reading done in June, but I'll hopefully get to it in July. (fingers crossed)

madrano wrote: "Below are a list of the books i read in June. Reviews are on my Challenge page-- https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
I will tell the number of the review ..."

Great job! I have an Inspector Grant story hovering near the top of my TBR pile. Shocked myself with one non-challenge title read.

Petra wrote: "

Starry Messenger: Cosmic Perspectives on Civilization (4-star; audio) - I enjoyed this look at how, if one looks only at the facts from all sides of a theory or discussion, that a calm, peachttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show... resolution can be found.
Review:..."

Petra, The link for Starry doesn't work. I think it was misplaced in your post.

I also enjoyed Starry and am glad you did, too !

John wrote: "Here are mine ...

Sub Rosa: A Valerius Mystery by Jennifer Burke ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
[book:Let the Northern Lights Era..."

I enjoyed reading your reviews, John. Only one clunker.

Thanks, Alias! I fixed it.

madrano wrote: "Below are a list of the books i read in June. Reviews are on my Challenge page-- https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
I will tell the number of the review ..."

As always, you had an eclectic reading month, deb.

You are doing real well on our book challenge !

Petra wrote: "Thanks to your mention of this book earlier this month, I've gotten it from the library. Unfortunately, I didn't get a lot of reading done in June..."

I look forward to your opinion of it, when you finally get to it. For me, i had to pace the chapters, so full of info were they.

John wrote: "Great job! I have an Inspector Grant story hovering near the top of my TBR pile. Shocked myself with one non-challenge title read...."

Thanks, John.

I hear ya on the non-challenge books. I've read several this year, as it turns out. This surprised me, too.

Petra wrote: "My reads for June were:

Birdcall Morning (2-star) - the characters were one dimensional and the story seemed very "light" because it touches on issues (relationship, acceptance of ..."

I added Jade & Shadow to my TBR when you began reading it. Sounds good still.

I've not read any Tyson but i know several here singing praises to him. I've seen him on tv and am impressed.

Finally, i'm tickled with your review of the Gaskell novel. It was the first i read by her, too. Like you, the class and wealth issues surprised me. It wasn't strictly about marital matches, which was nice. She was a woman aware of her times. Possibly the fact her husband and father were ministers made that difference.

You had a good reading month, considering what you were experiencing personally. Glad to share that with you!

Hailey wrote: "Alias Reader wrote: "Hailey wrote:

"Overall, I'm genuinely surprised by how all the books I read for June were within the "B" range. I wonder what July will bring."

A very nice reading month, Ha..."

John, thanks for the good reviews. As you know, i like Vida better than you do but i cannot say i like the characters. It's the places she visits & how she shares that material. Interesting point about business, i hadn't thought of that. I'm sure the editor likes that in a reader...ignorance. :-)

I've added Restaurant to my TBR. We've had enough unusual dining places, that i find myself wondering about the very questions the book seems to answer. Thanks.

I didn't have a great month last month. I only read two books and they nearly put me into a reading slump.

The Devil Wears Prada. I gave this 2 stars, but maybe that was a bit generous. I only read this because our book club theme was "So bad it's good". We each read a different book that we think fits that theme and report back on it at the next meeting. Actually I have a problem with this. I have never done any creative writing courses and only a basic English lit course while at school. So I do not consider myself qualified to say books are "good" or "bad" I only say whether I liked them or not (and why). I got this book from a Goodreads list titled "Trashy books you don't want to admit you loved" (or something very similar). However, I thought the premise of the book was completely implausible and,although I read it, I could not get past how implausible it was.

The second was Some People Need Killing: A Memoir of Murder in My Country. I did not finish this. I tried to finish it , because the subject matter is so important (extra judicial killings in the Philippines, condoned and encouraged by the President, Rodrigo Duterte) but I just could not. I think it suffered because the author is a very good journalist. She reported the facts, but did not speculate. This meant it became repetitive. There were also strange digressions, including discussions of active and passive voice and transitive and intransitive verbs. I think these were attempts by the author to comment on the incidents they were reporting, but I could not see the link between the digressions and the events she was reporting. I decided I did not need to read any more to be convinced of the author's bravery or the wrongness of what the president was doing, so I moved onto something else.

KeenReader wrote: "I didn't have a great month last month. I only read two books and they nearly put me into a reading slump.

The Devil Wears Prada. I gave this 2 stars, but maybe that was a bit generous..."

Sorry June wasn't a great month for you, Keen. I hope July turns things around for you.

KeenReader wrote: "I didn't have a great month last month. I only read two books and they nearly put me into a reading slump.

The Devil Wears Prada. I gave this 2 stars, but maybe that was a bit generous..."

What a curious idea for a group, KR. I can see the "guilty pleasure" aspect, though. Like you, i'm not good at declaring a book bad unless it was just misshaped with facts or atrocious grammar. Additionally, i must ask myself if it was "just my mood" that seemed to make a book "bad".

As for the book on the Philippines, thank you for that assessment. The idea of the book sounds solid, making it sad that the execution over killed the presentation.

Thank you for sharing with us. We learn from these monthly lists, and you've helped more than you know with this one.

KeenReader wrote: "I didn't have a great month last month. I only read two books and they nearly put me into a reading slump.

The Devil Wears Prada. I gave this 2 stars, but maybe that was a bit generous..."

I've gotten into a reading slump, too, KR. I think part of it is because I'm doing PT exercises every hour, and I also think I'd rather be working on polishing my own novel than reading. However, I am in the midst of reading The Gate Keeper by Charles Todd, and it's a very good mystery.

Thank you for posting your reviews. I found them very interesting.

Kiki (Formerly TheGirlByTheSeaOfCortez) wrote: "KeenReader wrote: "I've gotten into a reading slump, too, KR. I think part of it is because I'm doing PT exercises every hour, and I also think I'd rather be working on polishing my own novel than reading. However, I am in the midst of reading The Gate Keeper by Charles Todd, and it's a very good mystery."

I'm so sorry you are going through a reading slump too and especially sorry about the PT exercises. I know they are intended to help and I hope they will be worth it in the end (and that "the end" will not be too long coming). I hadn't come across Charles Todd before, which is strange because his books sound really good. I've added A Question of Honor to my TBR. It's a different series to the one you're reading, but it really appealed to me. I've just started You'd Look Better as a Ghost. It's a comedy about a serial killer. When things get tough, I need some black humour.

KeenReader wrote: "Kiki (Formerly TheGirlByTheSeaOfCortez) wrote: "KeenReader wrote: "I've gotten into a reading slump, too, KR. I think part of it is because I'm doing PT exercises every hour, and I also think I'd r..."

Of course i had to add the Joanna Wallace novel on my TBR. I asked myself, "A comedy about a serial killer?" Then thought, Darkly Dreaming Dexter--Jeff Lindsay series, which i liked. Thanks for the tip, KR.

Hi everyone! It's been raining here in our area all week! So, mostly, I stayed at my house because I just wanted to cuddle my cat and read my books. I am actually thinking of creating a schedule for my reading. Yeah, I should create one. Anyway, I'm going to share my reviews of the books that I read last month. Most of them probably get 4 stars, which is good.📚📚📖📖

My reviews in June

- Beartown by Fredrik Backman - ⭐⭐⭐
📚I forgot why I chose to read this book. Oh, I remember now. It's me who picked this book, and I was like, why? Sometimes, I'm bad at picking my own books! I actually finished this book, and I'm not really so intrigued to read it, but I finished reading it because I liked reading hockey books.
You can see my full review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

- Paola Santiago and the River of Tears by Tehlor Kay Mejia - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
📚Ok, don't ask me who picked this book, because it's definitely not me. But who cares? Anyway, I liked mythology and adventure types of books because I imagined myself being there in them. Unbelievable right? This one didn't fail me. I'm even surprised I even liked it. But I could actually give this book a whole 5 stars if it didn't have long chapters. Why do I even hate long chapters?
P.S. I thought my review was too long, but I hope it is still interesting to read.
My full review is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

- With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
📚I went to my local library, and I saw it on the shelf. This book caught my attention because of the cover. But I put this on my TBR and bought this book because I couldn't help it. And finally, I read this book, and it was fire on high. I mean, not literally, but it came from the title of the book. I liked this book, and I would totally recommend it.
My full review is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

- Beach Read by Emily Henry - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
📚Emily Henry books! This book is everywhere on Instagram! Even on Booktok. Right? I've heard nice reviews of this book, and I was so interested in reading it that I finally did. Should I continue reading some of her books?
My full review is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

- Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
📚This book is the story I never got over. Yeah, it came from the title again. Anyway, I also loved reading romance books because I just wanted to feel butterflies in my stomach while reading a book. Also, I loved the flowers on the cover. It's also my last review for the month of July. It has a good ending, and I would love to recommend it.
My full review is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


Happy Reading everyone!🥳🥳

Patricia wrote: "Hi everyone! It's been raining here in our area all week! So, mostly, I stayed at my house because I just wanted to cuddle my cat and read my books. I am actually thinking of creating a schedule fo..."

You had a wonderful June reading month, Patricia. Not a bad book in the bunch. I'm sure your cat enjoyed staying in with you and relaxing. :)

Patricia wrote: "Hi everyone! It's been raining here in our area all week! So, mostly, I stayed at my house because I just wanted to cuddle my cat and read my books. I am actually thinking of creating a schedule fo..."

Good reading month, Patricia. Thanks for sharing. My interest is particularly piqued by your description of the Acevedo novel. Thanks for the title & comments on it.

My June reads - I didn't read as much this month.

The Invited by Jennifer McMahon
- 5 stars.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Those Who Dwell in Mordenhyrst Hall by Catherine Cavendish - 5 stars
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Tortures of the Damned by Hunter Shea - 4 stars
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

A Shadow on the Wall by Jonathan Aycliffe - 5 stars
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Uncle Vernon by Jenny Twist
- 2 stars.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

That is my wrap up for June. :)

Only one low rated book. That's not a bad month. Thanks for sharing with us.

Marie wrote: "My June reads - I didn't read as much this month.

The Invited by Jennifer McMahon
- 5 stars...."

Thank you for sharing about your June books, Marie. It's appreciated when you tell readers when a novel immediately absorbs you. Sometime, that is just exactly what you want.

And you even gave us a tip about a Hallowe'en story, in Uncle Vernon. Neat.

Alias Reader wrote: "Only one low rated book. That's not a bad month. Thanks for sharing with us."

You are welcome, Alias. :)

madrano wrote: "Marie wrote: "My June reads - I didn't read as much this month.

The Invited by Jennifer McMahon
- 5 stars...."

Thank you for sharing about your June books, Marie. I..."

You are welcome, Deb. :)