June 2013 Reading Round-Up
Posted 1st July 2013
Category: Round-Ups Genres: N/A
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June’s been a funny old month. Where reading is concerned, I’ve gone back and forth between mini slumps and a raring-to-go feeling. My nephew’s language skills have advanced suddenly. One day I was having to phrase what I wanted to say in certain words he already knew, the next I didn’t need to do that at all. Even if it’s still broken English, we’re now having good conversations and it seems he understands what I say even if he doesn’t understand every word. And of course June saw the launch of my manuscript critique site, then the blog for it, as well as attendance at a university open day (got to have another plan on the back burner). I love that reading so much helps you appreciate how long 4 weeks really are.
All books are works of fiction.
The Books
Anna Belfrage: The Prodigal Son – Matthew continues to aid outlawed preachers, despite interrogations, and Ian comes to stay. The character development is good but otherwise it’s a pretty poor book.
Debbie Dee: The Underground Witch – A new villain forces Emmeline to leave her new home on her wedding day, a man intent on using her power to gain control. Much better than The Last Witch.
Julie Kagawa: The Iron Queen – Along with Ash, Meghan is recalled from exile to fight for the safety of the summer and winter courts. Best in the series so far.
Kieran Shields: The Truth Of All Things – A man obsessed with the Salem witch trials appears to be behind a series of crimes. An okay book though the bantering between the characters became a bit much (bad timing) and there was a lot of description.
Richard C Morais: Buddhaland Brooklyn – A Japanese monk is sent to America to build a temple for the growing community of western Buddhists. Not bad at all but it would’ve been better if the Buddhism in the book was authentic.
Sarah Mayberry: Her Best Worst Mistake – Violet finds herself attracted to her friend’s ex-fiancé, a man she previously hated. A blindingly clear lack of research really mares the book.
Shannon Stacey: All He Ever Needed – Mitch comes back home to help his injured brother with the lodge, but whilst he’s not looking for love, love may find him. A good addition to the series.
My favourite was The Iron Queen. There were no 5 star reads this month, but Kagawa’s book came pretty close – if Meghan was just that bit stronger and the premise fleshed out it’d be brilliant. Ironically that was exactly what Dee achieved in The Underground Witch, it’s just that, to me at least, the premise there isn’t as strong. My least favourite would have to be Her Best Worst Mistake. The author used American phrases we don’t use in Britain for her set-in-Britain-with-British-characters story; had it been a print version I was reading I likely would’ve thrown it across the room, and it’s not often I feel that strongly. Romance has become the genre I opt for when seeking a comfort read. I’ll likely get sick of it soon and switch to another (previously it was historical fiction), but for now the light nature of it continues to appeal, especially as I’ve some heavy fiction and thoughtful non-fiction on my pile to be read soon.
Quotation Report
None this time.
So June’s been fair but I’m more excited about the books coming up than the ones these last four weeks. My pile is actually pretty modest at the moment, if I were to stick to it with no additions I’d be finished by the end of the year. And I quite like that fact, even if I know I won’t stick to it.
What was your favourite book this month (or week if you round-up each week)?
July 1, 2013, 7:04 am
A busy month! For me too, I also started my manuscript critique site, amazing how we both started this at the same time!
I’ve had several DNF books this month so I’m obviously not choosing my books right. Hopefully July is better – reading-wise. I wish you lots of sunshine and sitting outside-reading-time!
July 1, 2013, 3:08 pm
Sounds like a decent, if not stellar, month for you. I hope July knocks your socks off!
July 1, 2013, 3:12 pm
Quite the exciting month for you! I can’t wait to hear how the critique site goes for you. Such a cool endeavor.
Favorite for the month was Cooked by Michael Pollan, with Katrina Onstad’s Everybody Has Everything as a close second.
July 2, 2013, 12:11 pm
I think my June was similar to yours. I had some reading slumps and reading mad moments during the month too. Considering your slumps 6 is a good amount to finish. Happy reading in July!
July 3, 2013, 7:07 pm
Sometimes it’s nice to have a stack of books and see the end in sight. I don’t think I will ever work through my bookshelves but I keep trying! (and keep adding). Lots and lots of great things for you in June. Hope July is just as great.
July 9, 2013, 9:51 am
Looks like you had a wonderful reading month in June, Charlie! Congratulations! I have seen Julie Kagawa’s book in the bookshop here and have been tempted a few times to get the first book in the series. Now after reading your thoughts on it, I think I will. I checked out your manuscript critique site and it looks quite nice. Congratulations and wish you all the very best!
I didn’t read many books in June. But out of the ones I read I liked Marguerite Duras’ ‘The Square’ very much. It is a novella which is really one long conversation between two strangers who meet at a park. I also enjoyed Rainbow Rowell’s ‘Eleanor and Park’ very much – it is a beautiful story of first love.
Hope you have a wonderful reading month in July! Happy reading!
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July 1, 2013, 4:11 am
I’m glad the Julie Kagawa book made up for the disappointing books you read in June. You’ve had a very busy month!
I ended up reading 9 books – a lot for me. My favorite was Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates.