Best Books of June

As I say every month, I’m shamelessly stealing this idea from Jessica Lahey. She has a recurring monthly date where she reviews all the books she reads that month. Book reviews are important for authors, and I want to get better at doing this.

So. I’m going to review them here and also online, but I’m going to do it a little differently. I’m only going to review the stuff I really liked. I don’t see a reason to spend my time writing about something I didn’t love; it’s just using up more of my energy. So only positive reviews.

These are the books I liked (or mostly liked) from June.

Death of a Bookseller (Alice Slater): I started out loving this book. Interesting situation with vivid writing and great characters. But somewhere along the way, it moved from pleasurably creepy into just creepy, full stop. I can’t recommend it, but I also liked parts of it. It’s complicated. But only read if you’re looking for something super unnerving.

Bad Summer People (Emma Rosenblum): They were all the worst people, which made this the best possible fun. Like White Lotus in Fire Island homes instead of Italy. The book has gotten much buzz because some characters are based on real people in a Fire Island town. So you may feel a bit dirty reading it, but it’s so enjoyable.

The Endless Vessel (Charles Soule): What an incredible book about love and mattering and connection. It will make you think, cry (that last page!), and smile. What more can you possibly want in a story? This was a top read of the year for me.

The Wishing Game (Meg Shaffer): To enjoy this book, you need to go into it understanding that nothing about the situation is realistic or healthy. Like relationships you’re supposed to admire and cheer for are dysfunctional and inappropriate. BUT I still loved being in this world while I was in the world. It’s best described as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory but with a book instead of candy.

Death Comes to Marlow (Robert Thorogood): If you like Richard Osman, you will likely enjoy Robert Thorogood. Three friends, running around Marlow, solving crimes and crossword puzzles. I am so happy whenever another one of these books comes out, similar to Osman.

What did you read last month?

P.S. I think I’m going to skip the Roundup this week. See you again this weekend.