For the Love of Reading: June 2021

Today I’m sharing what I read in the month of June.

The Souvenir Museum by Elizabeth McCracken
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of stories. The characters are odd and quirky, and McCracken tells their stories with beautiful and concise language. I loved that Sadie and Jack appeared not only in the opening story but in a few others sprinkled throughout the book; their appearance in the final story bookended things perfectly. My favorite story, though, was not one about Jack and Sadie, but was the one called Robinson Crusoe at the Waterpark. Recommended for anyone who enjoys the genre.

Time’s Convert by Deborah Harkness
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
The book serves to tell the back story of some of the characters from the All Souls Trilogy although it can stand alone, too. I enjoyed the parts in the present, seeing Matthew and Diana in their domestic set up, but the historical parts were dull. Honestly, the only reason I finished this one was for the characters established in the All Souls Trilogy.

The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this book set in Paris during WWII and also in the USA during the 1980s. I particularly connected with it because of the library setting and the importance placed on reading as an escape from real life. Some parts of it read almost like a YA novel, which was a little odd, but overall it’s a good solid piece of historical fiction with some meaningful passages.

Snow by John Banville
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I truly enjoyed this slow burn detective story. It read much like an Agatha Christie mystery, with great characters and a moody setting. The corruption and cover up concerning the Catholic Church, along with the tension between Catholics and Protestants, made for a nice side story, particularly when considered from the 1950s time fame. Don’t expect a lot of action but do expect to be completely drawn in by these characters.

Shucked Apart by Barbara Ross
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Ross moves the mystery out of Busman’s Harbor in this book and inland a bit to Damariscotta. There is a lot of talk of oysters and I not only learned a bit about how they are grown but also started craving them, too! It’s another solid entry into this series that hasn’t grown predictable or stale even though it’s 9 books in. Recommended for anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries or loves the coast of Maine.

Oh William! by Elizabeth Strout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Elizabeth Strout creates characters like no one else. They are real and flawed and relatable and I was so happy to read another book with Lucy Barton as the first person narrator. There isn’t anything about this book that I didn’t love, from the voice of Lucy to her relationship with her ex-husband William to their visit to the small towns of Maine. Highly recommended for Elizabeth Strout fans, which everyone should be! I was provided with a copy of this book from NetGalley for an honest review.

Unsettled Ground by Claire Fuller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A fantastic story with a vivid setting, heartbreakingly real characters, and gorgeous writing, I wanted to slow down and savor this book but I literally could not put it down. The story of Julius and Jeannie drew me in from page one and made me consider so much about the stories we tell ourselves, the secrets we keep from others, and the possibility of anyone’s life simply slipping through the cracks. Highly recommended.

Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
It’s hard to read a book and watch a character you like self-destruct. But it’s great when that character makes some good decisions and ends up putting her life back together. I thought the portrayal of therapy was very well done. The dialogue is great, as well. There are some eye opening moments that illustrate systemic racism. Well done and recommended.

I read some excellent books last month. I don’t have a Bingo yet but I’m closing in on one!