Here we are again, another monthly roundup! I have literally just written the May 2020 Roundup, so it feels a little strange to be writing June’s directly after. However, I’m on a blog post writing roll and have a scheduled post for the first time in a couple of months so I’m just going for it. I didn’t have many choices for favourites in June, mainly because I haven’t read much. I’ve only read 9 books, although in my defence I did a lot of writing so I could get my current project finished before the July camp NaNoWriMo began.
Book 1: Islander by Patrick Barkham
Genre: nonfiction, travel writing
What I liked: the islands chosen, the unique mixture of personal experience on the islands and history/ culture of the islands, the nature and setting descriptions
What I didn’t like: I would have loved a sequel, or more islands included because I absolutely loved the style of writing
Who I would recommend it to: Anyone interested in learning more about the islands of Britain, or anyone who just likes hearing about cool, isolated places
Book 2: May Day by Josie Jaffrey
Genre: vampires, fantasy, contemporary
What I liked: the humour, all the characters especially the bisexual, badass main character, the setting of Oxford
What I didn’t like: that there’s no sequel yet. I devoured this book in one sitting and I was 100% primed for another one.
Who I would recommend it to: fans of urban fantasy, vampires and awesome, humorous writing
Book 3: The Space Between Worlds by Micaiah Johnson
Genre: sci-fi
What I liked: Really cool, fresh concept and the world-building was good. I liked the main character and the plot twists. Also: amazing ending.
What I didn’t like: I would have enjoyed more emotional depth to the story. I felt like I was missing a connection.
Who I would recommend it to: science fiction fans, people looking to try something new
Book 4: The Peace of Wild Things and Other Poems by Wendell Berry
Genre: poetry
What I liked: there are not enough words to describe how much I adored this poetry collection. Its writing is so evocative and peaceful, I just want to move to the countryside and live in a cottage and tend to my orchard
What I didn’t like: Nothing.
Who I would recommend it to: poetry-lovers, people who don’t like poetry, anyone who asks me for a poetry recommendation, people who love nature and want to reconnect with it
Book 5: The Pinhoe Egg by Diana Wynne Jones
Genre: middle grade, fantasy
What I liked: the magic, the seemingly unconnected plot strands which pulled together, the richly developed characters
What I didn’t like: I don’t really have any complaints. This is not a book written for adults but I really enjoyed it.
Who I would recommend it to: People who want a good book which is a bit easier to read, kids, people who want a book to read with their family
I might not have read many books this month, but I am happy to say I have definitely read quality books. I loved every single book on this list, and I took the time to really engage with each book so maybe reading 9 books in a month isn’t so bad. There’s also the fact I keep starting books and not finishing them, which means despite reading my total books doesn’t actually go up because I don’t finish them before starting something new! Do you stick to one book at a time or have bookmarks here, there and everywhere? I’d love to hear, so comment down below or click on one of the links to check out my social media!
