Show Us Your Books June 2026

May turned out to be a decent reading month despite the bonkers business of the end of the school year and graduation. I even had my fourth five star read of the year with The Canticle. (It has not been a five star reading year for me- I don’t know if it’s me and the world or if I’m just not picking good books.)

My Four and Five Star Reads from May 2026

(Click on the titles to learn more.)

Canticle by Janet Rich Evans - This book was frightening, empowering, frustrating, and feminist. The mystery of faith. I loved it so much.

The Gift of Rain by Tan Twan Eng - This book was so beautifully written. I don’t know why it’s been sitting unread on my kindle for years. WWII and life is dangerous and complicated for the residents of Malay. Phillip who is half English and half Chinese does what he thinks gives the greatest chance for his family’s survival. No one agrees with him. Years later he still struggles with his choices.

Called Again by Jennifer Pharr Davis - I love books written by endurance athletes, and this was no exception. The description of what it took to set a record on the AT was brutally honest and fascinating.

Bamboo and Blood by James Church - These books are such a nap dream. This is the third one I’ve read in this series and I don’t think I’ve followed a single one. It works when the main character is solving mysteries in North Korea though.

The Trespasser by Tana French - Tana French’s books start off slow then before you know it the 75th twist happens and you’re looking for yard work and laundry to do so you can just listen a little longer. The last installment of the Dublin Murder Squad series was just what you would expect from a Tana French book.

The Astral Library by Kate Quinn - The book about books I’ve been looking for! Libraries save lives! Don‘t ban books! Hooray!

Have a great reading month everyone.

Show Us Your Books May 2024

Actual picture from the summer of 2019

Why did I almost write the year 2019 in the title instead of 2024? Am I experiencing my own Y2K crisis where my brain flips back in time? Ugh. Anyway, I didn’t post last month so I’m going to recap my favorite reads from both March and April 2024, and maybe a few throwbacks to 2019 since I seem to be in the mood.

Five Star Reads

Save Me A Seat by Sarah Weeks and Gita Varadarajan (April 2019) Out of the 3 1/2 audiobooks we listened to on a trip to visit family that year this was our favorite. My son and I both wished it was longer.

Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano (March 2024) Finished this one in the wee hours of the morning. I loved it except for a plot point that you could see coming mid-way through the book like a freight train. I wanted to scream at some of the characters but that was part of the charm. Like others I don‘t see this as a Little Women retelling. I loved the setting (Chicago) and the time period (1960-2008.)

If Nuns Ruled The World by Jo Piazza (March 2024) Finished this one on the beach during Spring Break and loved it. It’s about nuns and their various social justice initiatives. I’ve been pretty heavily involved with an environmental ministry this year and I am going to recommend all my tree hugger ladies read this empowering and motivating book.

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver (April 2024) At one point I almost bailed on this, but I decided to keep going. I‘m glad I did, because I ended up loving it.

statue of liberty, july 2019

Four Star Reads

Junie B Jones: Turkeys We Have Loved And Eaten (March 2019) Oh my gosh, we used to laugh and laugh when we read these books out loud. I laughed out loud now just now reading the title.

The Survivors by Jane Harper (March 2024) This book was so atmospheric you could feel the salt water drying on your legs while you sit in the sun.

The Women by Kristen Hannah (April 2024) This book. Imagine going to that war and coming home to a country that didn’t even believe you had been there.

I almost gave up at one point because I was frustrated with all of the love stories. I’m glad I didn’t though because the last 1/4 of this book was extremely powerful.

Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane (April 2024) Whew this book. All the trigger warnings, but I tore through it. My grandmother was born in Southie, but my family had moved to the South Shore by the time I was born. Still Mary Pat seemed real to me.