I have read 15 books in June, mostly fiction, with one wonderful exception, Dear Reader by Cathy Rentzenbrink, which stole my heart. It may seem that I have read less in June, but some of the novels I have picked up were quite lengthily. Not to mention that June has generally been a weird month for me, and I felt down most of the time.
I have read a lot of good books this month, and yet I completely loved only two of them. Dear Reader by Cathy Rentzenbrink and Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire have definitely been two of my favourite books this year, but as I have included them in my Mid-Year Reading Wrap Up last week, I have decided to focus on different recommendations here.
My Top 5 Books in June
(not counting Dear Reader & Every Heart a Doorway)
Loveless by Alice Oseman
My rating: 4.5/5
Genre: YA Contemporary
Links: Book Depository & Amazon
Full review: here
(Please note that this book is getting published on 9 July 2020, big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my e-copy)
Alice Oseman’s Loveless isn’t my usual genre of choice, but I find myself reading more YA lately than normally, and Loveless has definitely been a lovely read about trying to figure who you are. With university years being absolutely confusing for everyone, Loveless offers many funny and sometimes awkward moments as we meet the cast of diverse and interesting characters.
Veins of Gold by Charlie N. Holmberg
My rating: 4/5
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Links: Book Depository & Amazon
When I read last year Charlie N. Holmberg’s The Paper Magician (and the rest of the series), I have fallen in love with the world she has created, but I had mixed feelings about the narrative itself. In Veins of Gold, the story, though less of the kind I usually enjoy, was better written and the characters more believable. The magic system, though not as immersive as in The Paper Magician, has been lovely, and the setting definitely well-researched, and I have enjoyed this book a lot.
Something to Talk About by Meryl Wilsner
My rating: 4/5
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Links: Book Depository & Amazon
Full review: here
(Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my e-copy)
The romance between a showrunner Jo and her assistant Emily in Something to Talk About is unfolding slowly as they friendship grows despite the rumours surrounding both of the characters and only later more complicated feelings come to play. The story is well-paced, and handles some heavier topics along the way, while slowly bringing Jo and Emily together. If you’re a fan of a slow-burn romance, I would absolutely recommend this book!
Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams
My rating: 4/5
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Links: Book Depository & Amazon
While I haven’t loved this book as much as others did, I can absolutely understand why it has won two awards on Monday – Book of the Year award as well as Debut Book of the Year (the British Book Awards). It’s an honest and engaging read, and if you haven’t yet, you should check it out.
Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield
My rating: 3.5/5
Genre: Historical Mystery
Links: Book Depository & Amazon
This is another book that hasn’t completely met my expectations, and yet I have enjoyed Diane Setterfield’s writing style, and I will pick up her other books. Once Upon a River has felt, at moments, too long for me, dragging, and I found myself drifting away as I have listened to it in audiobook form. But there have also been some wonderful fragments in the book, with well-executed descriptions and interesting characters.
What is your favourite book from June?
Take care,
Alicja
Alicja Writes 
Something to Talk About sounds really good. We read some good books this month. Most recently Breath the Fall.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was quite a nice read! I’m glad, you did 🙂
LikeLike