What I Read in June

I checked my calendar four times to see if it was actually the end of the month. It’s funny that last month, I was writing about how I was so stressed that all I could muster to do for fun was read and this month, we actually did the move!!!! And I’ve had very little spare time to read. Life ebbs and flows and that’s totally fine! I’ve still been trying to read at least five pages before falling asleep just to stick with the habit.

(But seriously, where did June go?)

Even still, I read what I think will be one of (if not the) my favorite books of the year AND I read what I think will FOR SURE be the worst book I’ve ever read.

THERE, THERE: 4.5/5 Stars

I thought There, There was exceptional. The book follows twelve Native people as they converge at a Powwow in Oakland, California. It could read slightly confusing at times, but by the end you realize you’ve read a brilliantly woven masterpiece. Truly. It tackles issues that Native Americans face as well as celebrate their culture from various generational viewpoints. I loved the story telling and really found the complexities brilliant.

NORMAL PEOPLE: 4.5/5 Stars

Wow, this book is amazing. I wrote about it more in depth on my bookstagram account, but gosh, I still can’t stop thinking about it. I definitely experienced a “book hangover” when I finished it. The story follows two friends as they navigate a complicated relationship from high school to college. I think the reason why it resonated with me so much was that it was eerily relatable. From what I’ve heard from friends, it’s a polarizing book (people either love it or hate it) but it’s definitely worth trying. I couldn’t put it down once I started and felt very invested in the lives on the main characters. My only issue with it was that it seemed gratuitously dark. I don’t think the “darkness” was totally necessary and even at one point made me think it was a red herring of sorts. Hulu is turning it into a series and I can’t wait for it. Fingers crossed that they do this novel justice.

THE CACTUS: 2/5 Stars

Ugh, sandwiched between two incredible books was the worst book I’ve ever read. (At least as far as I can remember.) I’ve never been so frustrated slash uninterested in a storyline ever. This was one of Reese’s book club picks and I felt very let down, haha. The ending was the best part but getting there was a struggle. It’s dubbed as a similar book to Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine (which I LOVED) and while I do get why people are saying that, The Cactus doesn’t hold a candle to it.

QUIET: 5+/5 Stars

This. Book. Is. Eye. Opening. I can’t tell you how many people have told me to read this book and I am kicking myself for just now getting to it. In fact, it’s been collecting dust on my night stand for over two years! While it’s about introverts, I actually think it’s an important book for everyone to read, introverted or not. I personally have never read a book where I felt so understood as a human and you may not have that exact reaction if you’re an extrovert. But you will better understand how introverts work… and how to work/live/love with introverts. We live in a society where at least 30% of the population are introverted but extroversion is celebrated. But this book made me realize it’s OKAY to be introverted. It’s not a bad thing.

I think it’s an especially important book for teachers and parents to read. Classrooms and families are comprised of extroverts and introverts so they shouldn’t just be catered to one group. I’ve recommended this book to so many people since I finished it and it’s been well-received by everyone. Don’t be discouraged by a “scientific” book.I think that’s why I had waited so long to read it, I assumed it would be super dry. It’s not though! I couldn’t put it down and finished it very quickly, even wishing there was more!

EMMA: 3/5 Stars

In an attempt to read some classics, I gave Emma a try. But you know what? I just don’t love Jane Austen novels. I confessed this on Instagram and was so relieved to hear that many of you felt the same way. I personally find the plots very boring and the characters grate on me. The only reason why I didn’t rate Emma lower is because a) I listened to the Audible original of it and thought the performance was very good and b) I really like the movie Clueless, which is a modern interpretation of the novel and I liked seeing the similarities between the two.

PS Here’s what I read in May.