A round up of all we have read, written and obtained in June.
What we have read in June
I really liked my first read this month The Hunger, based loosely on a true story. For those familiar with ‘The Donner Party’ I was naturally expecting cannibalism, what Alma Katsu delivered was something far more…chilling.
On Writing by Stephen King was part autobiography, part writing 101. It was an easy read and any King fan or aspiring writer will enjoy it.
When I Come Home Again was the new book from the author of our 2019 book of the year. What if a soldier returns from the Great War with amnesia and doesn’t want to remember the people so sure he is ‘theirs’?
Black Widow by Chris Brookmyre was a twisty turny thriller that I raced through. Married within 6 months of meeting, dead within 6 months of marrying but did his surgeon wife nicknamed ‘Blade Bitch’ kill him?
A bit of non fiction was up next with At Home by Bill Bryson. I’m not sure how, when we were looking at the history of Bryson’s English countryside house I ended up reading about Thomas Jefferson but it is after all Bryson and he does like to ramble.
Only Mostly Devastated by Sophie Gonzales was a queer re-imagining of Grease. I mean, what’s not to love! It’s YA but this adult thoroughly enjoyed it.
The Last American Man by Elizabeth Gilbert was my book club book this month. It’s an autobiography about raccoon eating, teepee living, deer skin wearing Eustace Conway. He has led a fascinating life, I just wish there had been more pictures to show it.
I finished my months worth of reading on a Blog Tour. The Misadventures of Evie Epworth by Matson Taylor is a very Yorkshire book that was a pure delight to read. Highly recommended.
Books of the Month for June
Diary of a Somebody by Brian Bilston had everything but the kitchen sink. Poetry, a fledgling love affair, a designer writer’s shed and a possible murder. Have a go of our book club questions all about it here
The Strangeworlds Travel Agency by L D Lapinski was our children’s book for June. How fab would it be to open up your suitcase, step inside and be transported to a different world? That’s what happens to lead character Flick and you can tell us what world you would travel to by answering our book club questions here.
Read of the month for June
Goes to… It feels like it’s been a long month this month, The Hunger seems eons ago, as does When I Come Home Again. The book that has stayed with me (and that may just be because I read it most recently) is Evie Epworth for it’s pure fun factor. But be sure to read both The Hunger and When I Come Home Again. All 3 are completely different but so very good in their own ways.
What we got up to in June
We spoke to one woman whose little lock down library has enhanced her lock down experience and also featured our first ever online book club. We want to know what you have been doing with your read books during lock down and whether you have attempted a Zoom book club meeting. Make sure you tag us on social media or comment below with what you have been up to.
What we obtained in June
Normal People has finally been added to my shelf and I also managed to lay my hands on The Babysitters Club first ever book. Remember them?
Until July then, whatever that may bring read well!