July 2020 Reading Wrap-Up

July Snapshot:

• Finally got my driver’s licence renewed (3 months expired!) which involved standing awkwardly at the Registry office, in my mask, glaring at all those who aren’t also god-damned wearing masks … for 45 minutes.

• Family backyard badminton has become a daily thing in this summer of quarantine.

• I bought a journal. I know, I know. I say I can never maintain one … but it looked so nice and clean and crisp …. and I couldn’t resist.

• Perfected a daily iced coffee which has been a blessing during this ungodly heat wave.

• Bought a second Nintendo Switch controller + car racing game … the competition has gotten ugly at times. But, we are addicted.

• Bought the yearly back to school clothes … what back-to-school will be still remains a mystery.

(sorted by TBR ranking; reviews linked)

High

Where the Crawdads Sing

Written by Delia Owens

Published by G.P. Putnam’s Sons

This book is the perfect combination of my favourite literary elements: extensively drawn & vivid natural landscapes, environmental commentary, character drawn, and deliberately paced. I can see why this has the hype and, for me, it definitely lived up to it.

Full review HERE.

You can find it here: Bookshop.org

The Other Bennet Sister

Written by Janice Hadlow

Published by Henry Holt & Co. 

(Audiobook)

A book that will greatly appeal to all Austen lovers as Janice Hadlow rewrites the ending for the overlooked Bennet sister, Mary. This was the equivalent of sinking into a perfect temperature bath on a chilly fall night, the audiobook genuinely brought my stress levels down and relaxed me with its gentle storytelling. A real hidden gem.

Full review HERE.

You can find it here: Bookshop.org

The Perfect Couple

Written by Elin Hilderbrand

Published by Back Bay Books

(Audiobook)

This was the perfect read (listen) at the perfect time … that completely satisfying, refreshing glass of homemade lemonade on a hot day. I couldn’t put this down – a combination murder mystery and introspective look into relationships, partnerships, perfection and secrets. Elin creates incredibly dynamic, powerful and smart characters and just I love her stories.

Full review HERE.

You can find it here: Bookshop.org

The Girl and the Witch’s Garden

Written by Erin Bowman

Published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

While the majority of the first third of the book felt like we were playing “sequel catchup” and this is a devastatingly sad read looking into grief … I was captivated. I thought every child had a strong voice and I feel it is really important for children to be exposed to open conversations on grief. These big topics are often ignored because they are sad or uncomfortable, but are crucial for the many children who are experiencing grief. I found the magic, the mysterious hidden garden, and the sprawling spooky mansion the perfect elements for a summer read.

You can find it here: Bookshop.org

Middle

Crescent City: House of Earth and Blood

Written by Sarah J. Maas

Published by Bloomsbury Publishing

While the ending is definitely explosive, incredibly powerful and emotionally wrought, the overly complicated, highly overworked, and massively bloated first 600 pages made this 800 page novel a bit of a grind and quite excessive. Maas fans likely won’t be disappointed here, but be forewarned, this novel takes a more than a bit of work!

Full review HERE.

You can find it here: Bookshop.org

Bone Crier’s Moon

Written by Kathryn Purdie

Published by Katherine Tegen Books

(Audiobook)

An exciting, unique concept of a magically powerful, secret society of women responsible for returning the souls of the dead to their afterlife, is brought down by an awkward, completely unbelievable romance. Disappointing because this creepy, mythological, and atmospheric world is intriguing.

Full review HERE.

You can find it here: Bookshop.org

Arlo Finch and the Kingdom of Shadows

Written by John August

Published by Roaring Brook Press

This pains me greatly. Arlo Finch (books one and two) are some of my ultimate favourite middle grade reads … and are pulling this final instalment from the 2 star territory to a 3 star. But this series finale definitely was a disappointment, missing all the spark, spook, and intrigue of its predecessors. Ultimately feeling rushed and incomplete with quickly dropped off storylines and nothing new being added.

You can find it here: Bookshop.org

DNF’d

My Calamity Jane

Written by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, Jodi Meadows

Published by HarperTeen

I’ve had to put this one aside. After two weeks I still hadn’t made it 200 pages into this over 500 page story … and I cannot see there being any meat to make it another 300 pages! Maybe the wrong book and the wrong time, but this story was incredibly hard to get into, and the Monty Python style humour just went nowhere for me.

You can find it here: Bookshop.org

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