Hey Squad, the end of July means I can tell y’all how I barely read this month, and what I am planning on reading in August, which will hopefully be more productive as I am lucky enough to be going to the beach on vacation, where I will have lots of time to read!
From my Reading List for July, I read 7 books, and I read 2 that were not on the list! So, I read:
1.) Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?
Even better than I’d expected, and I blabbed to many people about it. Main takeaway: I am now hyper-aware if/when I sit down to put on my socks. I don’t usually, but now if I do, I start over-thinking it!
2&3.) Prince’s Gambit + Kings Rising
I was thrilled that these weren’t as scary as I’d thought they could be, and there was a lot I took away about writing strategy and mind-games!
4.) Kingdom of the Feared
Not gonna lie, while I loved the first book, the last two kept revealing secret after secret that had been kept from the main character, to a point where I didn’t know why we hated one person, and why something else was a plot point, and what the goal was. And then even when I figured out what the goal was, it was an underwhelming achievement, and that didn’t even make sense with some of the betrayals and secrets. I liked the writing style, but really struggled reading this because I was so confused!
5.) The Bane Chronicles
Very fun, though I don’t fully believe the character’s tone would have always been so light. Each story within was very breezy, but knowing the character and the world, I think there would have been a few more sober/jaded moments. So a fun read, but didn’t entirely hold up in context of the rest of the book-universe.
6.) The Diva Rules
This was one of the more unexpected reads, but I read this in one sitting at like 2am, and couldn’t put it down! I thought it was super interesting because I’d never known how Michelle got involved in the underground club/drag scene, and I liked hearing about her experiences as a pop star, especially as there was something to learn from them! Very enjoyable!
7.) Why Not Me?
A great continuation of the former, and I liked the practical advice at the end!
8.) Failing Up
I had read half of this in maybe December, but I thought it was time to re-read/read the whole thing because of my career journey! Very enjoyable, and had some practical advice/wisdom that I related to more than I did in December! Also, a quick read!
9.) To Be A Machine
Finally finished! Super interesting and so much to think about! A mix of philosophy and science, I would urge people with opinions to read this, because I want someone to discuss with! I will say, the ending is rather lackluster because there isn’t a definitive story with an ending at this time, so just be prepared for an open-ended ending!
August Reading List
Really going back in time for a few weeks! At least I am not the only one (thanks lady at the theater that told me she recently re-read Percy Jackson!)
1.) Our Violent Ends
I’m about two chapters in!
2.) Fourth Wing
I’ll have to be in a fantasy mood, but technically this is second on my list because it gets returned in 8 days!!
3.) The Kingdom Keepers Series
I read these as a kid, but I don’t think I ever finished them because I got confused! I had thought there were a ton (like 9) but there are only 7, so that’s good! I know it’s gonna feel weird re-reading them because I only read them once and have a few memories, so it’ll be scattered deja vu I believe! I hope they’re an easy, quick read!
4.) Percy Jackson
With the TV Show coming out I should re-read these anyways, but now that I’m living in NYC, I really want to re-read these, plus as an adult I am missing childhood a bit, and these books were such a big part of my childhood, so I think it will be a comfort read! Also, I just talked about the Lotus Casino like 4 times in the last month so my subconscious is particularly in the mood!
5.) Heroes of Olympus
If I’m reading the OG series I am so also re-reading these! Again, comfort books as I go through a stressful (exciting but stressful) life transition!
6.) Crescent City Series
So, I adore the ACOTAR Series, but there hasn’t been a new book since I read the series for the first time a little over two years ago. But, Sarah J. Mass’s other series SPOILER ALERT includes a crossover with the ACOTAR world. I initially hadn’t wanted to read Crescent City because I knew I’d be painfully waiting for the next book in that series too, but I think my sister cracked me because I really want more ACOTAR content, and I would most likely have to read Crescent City before the next ACOTAR book came out anyways. Now if I read them, I’ll have something new from such a great author, and ACOTAR content, and more to re-read as I wait for the next books. So I won’t have felt like I just re-read one series if I re-read the other in the interim! Also, my family is going on vacation to our favorite place, and the literal only way to to make it better would be if I was reading new ACOTAR content, so I suppose that’s what I have to do as it’ll make vacation even better!
7.) Mastery
I think this will be a great post-vacation read, when I’m focusing 1000% on work, and can get into a really good life-work groove.
8.) Cursed
I read the first one (Gilded) a while ago, but need to read the sequel before I forget everything from the first book!
9.) Normal People
Still gotta get to this one. Ideally I’d be able to fit it in before or at the beach so I can call my friend who just read it to discuss, but I have to be in the mood, and that hasn’t happened yet!
And that is all! Thanks for reading, and I hope you have been enjoying your books recently!
Cover photo from Ostrich
Leann I Am 