June was more of a normal month for me. I finished 7 books; one 5-star, four 4-stars, and two 3-stars. I found another new series to add to my ever-growing TBR, read two more Philippa Gregory books, and finally understand why everyone loves Before We Were Yours. I can’t wait to tell you about all seven of these books. If you are looking for looking for books to read, you will definitely find something in this month’s batch.
The King’s Curse by Philippa Gregory (4 stars)
I think this is my favorite of the series so far. The story of Henry VIII, told through the eyes of Margaret Pole, but so much more. Her perception of his rise to the throne, and then everything that happened during most of his reign was fascinating. I loved Gregory’s commentary at the end of the book; her insight into how she crafts her stories is almost as good as the stories themselves. I’m glad I’m reading these in the recommended order, this provided finality to some of the order books that I needed.
Highly recommend.
How Will You Measure Your Life by Clayton Christensen (3 stars)
Are you looking for books to inspire and motivate you? I found this one on a list of “Books You Must Read,” so I read it.
There were several points in this book where I felt completely engaged and felt the lightbulb glowing from the insights the authors shared. Other times, though, my mind wandered because it felt like I’ve already heard the lesson a hundred times.
That said, I do recommend this book. The examples are interesting and the book is thought provoking.
The Last Widow by Karin Slaughter (4 stars)
I didn’t realize I was coming in on book nine of a series just as book ten is about to be released…. huge pet peeve of mine. I like to start on book one! Anyone else?
That said, this was fast-past and really enjoyable. I’ve had Karin Slaughter on my TBR forever now because all of her books seem to be 4 stars and above on Goodreads. It’s easy to see why. This book is part of the Will Trent series, which crosses over with the Grant County series. If you are looking for a LOT of books by a highly acclaimed author, check these out.
Definitely recommend The Last Widow and I’m adding both series to my TBR.
Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward (4 stars)
This was a difficult book for me to read because I disliked the character Leonie so much. I loved the writing and the story, though. At one point, I was weeping in my kitchen
This quote sums up how I knew I could not only finish the book despite my deep dislike for Leonie, but recommend it to my friends. Sometimes people are what they are. “I don’t know if it’s something I did. Or if it’s something that’s in Leonie. But she ain’t got the mothering instinct. I knew when you was little and we was out shopping, and she bought herself something to eat and ate it right in front of you, and you was sitting there crying hungry. I knew then.”
I can’t wait to read more by this author.
Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate (5 stars)
Such a fabulous story. Based on real-life, it’s heartbreaking to read, but I loved how she wove the story and the characters in and around each other.
This is the story of a family and its secrets, and how those secrets can define and destroy lives and generations. It’s also a story about how family itself defines us, and what happens when we choose to define ourselves.
Highly recommend.
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett (4 stars)
Loved it. It didn’t resonate with me the way The Mothers did, but Brit Bennett is an amazingly gifted writer and I still wanted to know more about these characters.
One of the things I love most about Brit and her books is that no matter what controversial issues might be in the book, and no matter how central they may be to the story, they never overshadow the story itself.
Just like The Mothers, I highly recommend this book.
The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory (3 stars)
Finished book 6. Still love how Philippa Gregory tells a story, but the pacing seemed off in this one to me. Maybe because this was published after The Other Boleyn Girl, it spent a tremendous amount of time waiting for Henry VIII to marry her, it skimmed through the 20+ years of their marriage, and then abruptly ended.
Regardless, I enjoyed it and can’t wait to start The King’s Curse. ⠀
I have a list of books I want to read for the summer. Some of them are part of my reading goal, some of them are just light summer reads (like Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner). If you are looking for books to read, I hope you found your next favorite in one of these seven!
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I just finished The Vanishing Half- loved it! I read that HBO won the film rights with a seven figure bid! I haven’t read The Mothers- will add it to my list.
I had a hard time finishing Before We Were Yours- just heartbreaking! The fact that it’s based in a true story makes it even harder. I keep postponing her ‘The Book if Lost Friends’ bcs I need some lighter reads this summer.
Not light at all but it’s our book club read for the month: On Earth We are Briefly Gorgeous. Damn can he put words together. It’s a bit disjointed in the telling so it’s hard to sink into for any length of time but I have been soaking up his prose.
I’m going to check out the Karen Slaughter books. As always- thanks for the recommendations!
I completely agree about the beautiful writing in “On Earth” and the disjointed feel of the book as a whole. Definitely not a light read. I think The Book of Lost Friends was a little more hopeful than Before We Were Yours. Even though both were based on true stories, and both were very hard subjects, I didn’t feel as devastated at the end of Lost Friends (if that helps).