June & July Reading Report
Short reviews for books I read in June and July 2024.
My summer reading season has been slow and mostly unmemorable. I listen to historical romances to help me fall asleep, but I struggle to latch onto any other audiobooks during the day. I made it through a HUGE classic novel, but I’m DNF-ing many of the popular releases this year. I expected this—pregnancy tends to drain my brain and slow me waaaay down in every way—but I am, as always, hopeful for improvement in my reading life in August and September.
Our Novel Pairings community is still reading, recapping, and discussing Les Misérables by Victor Hugo, but Sara and I finished weeks ago in order to stay on top of our recording schedule. I wouldn’t have picked up this tome in translation if not for Classics Club, but I loved reading it with our thorough recaps in mind. It was especially fun to finish as the Paris Olympics began, and the themes of revolution, reverberating historical moments, love, goodness, and nuanced morality felt particularly prescient in our U.S. political atmosphere. The story was fun to follow, but for me the real joy was identifying thematic reveals and repetitions for our audience.
Did I read these books? Technically, yes. Do I remember them at all? No. Although, I do recall thinking the Ali Hazelwood was an utterly unedited waste of my time.
I think it’s safe to crown The God of the Woods by Liz Moore “the book of the summer” for 2024. I have yet to see anything but glowing reviews, and I’m here to add my own. I was equally enthralled by Moore’s craft as I was by the central mystery. She weaves multiple timelines and perspectives with precision and creates thematic vignettes for literary readers to chew on, all while presenting a classic mystery to keep the pages turning. I’ve hiked in the Adirondacks before and enjoy books set in that region, so I was predisposed to soak in the nature imagery and survival story. I didn’t, however, expect to be so moved by the novel’s themes of silence, class, and fresh starts.
If The God of the Woods is THE book of the summer, maybe we can call this one a sleeper hit? It wasn’t on my radar until July, when I saw many of my bookish friends gushing about it. I liked Sandwich by Catherine Newman enough to read in one sitting, but I didn’t love it, despite it reminding me of some past favorites. As far as “motherhood books” are concerned, I generally prefer reading books by and for middle-aged mothers who are out of the trenches of parenting tiny ones. They’re able to offer lovely hindsight, reflections, and wisdom that I take to heart—and I found plenty of this in Sandwich. I didn’t enjoy hanging with the narrator right away; it took me awhile to get accustomed to her voice and her humor. I found myself reading for the parenting and care-taking bits rather than any semblance of plot and character—which is fine! It’s just not a traditional novel, and I think it’s important for readers to know they’re getting more of an “all vibes, no plot” experience.
and I will discuss this one in depth on an upcoming bonus episode for Novel Pairings, so stay tuned for our nuanced thoughts.
Tessa Dare fans, rejoice! Ne’er Duke Well by Alexandra Vasti serves as the perfect Regency romp to satisfy your craving until Dare and her perfect banter return to the publishing calendar. This was a STRONG debut with a clever plot, high stakes, and swoon worthy leads. With a spunky matchmaking heroine, this historical romance would pair well with Never Met a Duke Like You by Amalie Howard or Emma by Jane Austen. Mhairi Morrison does a fabulous job narrating the audiobook, so I highly recommend that format. Normally I’d drop some hints at plot, but let’s just go with this: secret salacious lending library for ladies + rabble-rouser duke from Louisiana + friends to lovers + supportive girlfriends = heart-warming delight.
Can you think of any buzzy/unputdownable books I should add to my TBR list before summer ends?
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I dunno what’s been up with new releases lately but I’ve been having so much more fun with backlist - the god of the woods excluded!! Maybe buzzy is the wrong thing for your brain right now 🤓
Have you read The Ex Vows by Jessica Joyce yet? I'm partway through and absolutely loving it.