June reads
June was a good month of reading. I only had one DNF (did not finish) book. I even had two favorites for the month! I have a long list of summer reads to get through in July and August. I really enjoy reading on my boat or by the water. I hope you are enjoying your summer reads too! Let me know what you are liking/loving - I’m always up for a chat about books!
Favorite(s)
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
For some reason, I almost did not pick this book up. It turned out to be INSANE. One of the most unique books I’ve read. I was hooked from page 1 and glued until the very end. Yellowface had a very unique plot about two authors (Athena and June) who graduated from Yale, both are about to publish their books. Athena dies in a freak accident so June ponders if she should steal Athena’s work and pass it as her own. This book reads as a thriller, it was suspenseful to see the outcome of June’s choices. It was also very interesting to read about the writing process and more about the publishing industry. A great bingeable read!
Summer Stage by Meg Mitchell Moore
Meg Mitchell Moore is a favorite author of mine, known for her last novel VACATIONLAND (review here). I was excited that the setting of this book was Block Island, RI. I have fond memories of my times on the island. The book follows three characters - siblings Amy and Timothy and Amy’s daughter Sam. They all are facing their own journey of finding themselves but they work among each other at a theater for a summer production. It’s a heartwarming read about family, finding themselves and deciding what they want in their lives.
Highly Recommend
Happy Place by Emily Henry
Emily Henry is a highly raved romance author. I actually DNF a book of hers in the past so I thought I’d give her another chance. Happy Place was highly raved about and I saw that it took place in Maine (my favorite New England state!). It follows a couple who broke up and didn’t tell their best friends. Every summer, all of them vacation at the Maine cottage owned by one of the friend’s family. They have to coverup and lie to their best friends. This was a second chance romance trope, which I enjoy reading. I was immersed in this book, feeling like I was right there at the beach cottage among them.
The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue
I’m excited to see more books coming out with Jewish representation. This was a rom-com following an Orthodox Jewish woman who struggles to find a relationship because of her infertility. She was offered an unusual proposal by another Orthodox Jewish guy Zevi, but she can’t stop thinking about her boss, Sam. I enjoyed learning more about the customs of Orthodox Jewish culture. It was a lighthearted read and entertaining!
White House by the Sea by Kate Storey
A great nonfiction read about The Kennedys and their Hyannis compound on Cape Cod. This book would be a good start for anyone who wants to learn about The Kennedys. It covered some biography about each one, but mostly focused on the connection with Cape Cod. It wasn’t a dry read as some nonfiction/biography sometimes can be, I was engaged throughout the book.
Not for me
Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson