That’s it for June, another month in the books (sorry couldn’t resist). We’ve been fortunate here in Seattle with weather that’s been chillier than usual, but with plenty of sunshine. For someone who doesn’t like too much heat it’s been perfect. Apologies to all of you sweltering in various parts of the country. It’s also been a great month of reading if not writing. I’m still struggling to find a balance between the two, but for now I’m writing fewer reviews. Not a great feeling, but something I hope I can get figured out.
Published by Doubleday
Publication date: March 12, 2024
Bookshop
Let’s just call it and say I don’t have the bandwidth for this kind of satire these days. Victim is about a young Puerto Rican man from a disadvantaged background who plays that up, distorting reality into full lies to get ahead. I’ve heard this is very well-written and sharp, but as I read I kept seeing George Santos in my mind and that’s no good. I’m not in a place to read about people from any walk of life lying, embellishing, obfuscating to succeed without doing the work.
Real Americans by Rachel Khong: My review
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore: Wow. Review to follow
End of Watch (Bill Hodges Trilogy, #3) by Stephen King
Published by Scribner
Publication date: June 7, 2016
Bookshop
Disparage the man if you must, but Stephen King writes books that can’t be put down. End of the Watch is in the final book in the Bill Hodges trilogy and it delivered all the tension, action, and humor of the first two novels. While the paranormal element teeters on the edge of too much, King manages to dangle the reader over that edge without dropping them. Scary, fun reading.
You’d Look Better as a Ghost by Joanna Wallace: dark and delicious, review to follow
Shrines of Gaiety by Kate Atkinson: I loved this historical novel. My review
Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo
Published by Doubleday
Publication date: June 18, 2024
Bookshop
This seems to be the year of the sophomore slump. Claire Lombardo’s debut, The Most Fun We Ever Had, was a wonderful family saga so my expectations for The Same As It Ever Was were high. But rather than the insightful character portrayals this novel had a female lead who was not only intensely dislikable and miserable, but uninteresting. A cardinal sin. I gave up at 30%.
Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe: Quirky, frustrating, poignant: My review
Jackie by Dawn Tripp: Compelling fiction. My review
How was your June reading?
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*I received a free copy of some of these books from Doubleday in exchange for an honest review.*
I enjoyed your best books of the year so far episode on the podcast! I loved Real Americans, though, although I am scratching my head over what the sci fi element was… I cannot remember – but my brain is much right now. I am planning to read Same As It Ever Was but will keep in mind that I might need to be patient. I have mostly read backlist YTD, though. My best books were Real Americans, Congratulations the Best is Over, The River We Remember, and the Berry Pickers. So only 1 front list title! But I exclusively read library books so am beholden to long wait lists!
Backlist has been my saving grace so far this year! I loved both River and Berry Pickers so glad to see you did too.
Thanks for your honesty. I continue to enjoy the last few Maisie Dobbs books by Jacqueline Winspear. I am torn between wanting to read the addictive series and never wanting it to end.
The best AND the worst feeling! I can completely relate.