I read a lot in May (22 books!) so I’m going to try to keep this introduction and the reviews themselves fairly snappy. I’m also going to be talking in a lot more detail about How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang, The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren, and Funny Story by Emily Henry in next week’s newsletter, so for now I’ll just say that I really enjoyed all three.
My reading this month was pleasingly all over-the-place, especially when it came to the stack of paperbacks I took with me on my trip. (You’ll be shocked to learn that my favorite evening activity when I’m traveling solo is making tea and reading in my hotel room.) I feel like my reading was pretty evenly split between new releases and backlist and I continue to make progress on reading my shelves. Admittedly, I also keep on acquiring books faster than I read them so I wouldn’t say the situation is improving but I’m working up to a ruthless weeding any day now, like any good librarian.
My reading categories for May were:
A chunky paperback with a satisfying flop: Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh
A short novel that packs a serious punch: Soldier Sailor by Claire Kilroy
A book best read in a cozy English cottage with a cup of tea: Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater
A book that feels like summer: The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren
And, vibes aside, something by Louise Erdrich or Maggie O’Farrell: Tracks by Louise Erdrich
My reading categories for June are:
Something set in a different world
Three queer romances, each in a different sub-genre
A backlist book from an author that I love
Two books that have been on my shelves for at least six months
And, once again, something by Louise Erdrich or Maggie O’Farrell
Favorites of the month
Monsters: A Fan’s Dilemma by Claire Dederer
An incredibly smart, thought-provoking reflection on what we do with the art of monstrous men, what makes a monster, and what it means to love a piece of art that blends cultural criticism and memoir. This is the kind of book that rewards and demands the reader's complete attention and I loved the way it challenged me and made me think more deeply. Reading this felt like a series of lightbulbs going off in my brain, one idea and connection at a time.
Tracks by Louise Erdrich
A devastating, hopeful glimpse of a way of life that's slipping away and a people under siege, a reflection on romantic and familial love, and a slim book with an outsized impact. Erdrich is so good at capturing a moment of huge change through everyday, intimate details. These characters feel incredibly vivid and real and Fleur, in particular, is an unforgettable character. I would recommend either refreshing yourself on Love Medicine before picking this up or reading the two in close succession, as they’re closely linked.
Not Here to Make Friends by Jodi McAlister (Marry Me, Juliet #3)
I've enjoyed the whole Marry Me, Juliet series immensely but this one is unquestionably my favorite. I loved the angsty, fiery, emotional friends to lovers story between reality TV villain Lily and overworked producer Murray, as their chemistry positively crackles. It's also funny and smart and swoon-worthy, as well as a snarky yet ultimately hopeful look behind the scenes of reality TV. The evil mastermind romance of my dreams, honestly. (Open door, but just barely.)
Really liked
Happy Medium by Sarah Adler
Sarah Adler has a real gift for blending humor and emotional heft and this book successfully combines a TV-obsessed ghost, goat shenanigans, and a deeply lonely con woman heroine afraid to let anyone get close to her. The tension between the two main characters, as their initial animosity melts into attraction and affection, feels messy and real in a way I savored and there’s a warmth to the writing that I really responded to. I can’t wait to see what Adler writes next. (Open door, medium steam.)
Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater (Regency Faerie Tales #1)
A charming historical romantic fantasy that was everything I want out of the genre. It's whimsical without ever tipping over into tweet and kind-hearted without ever being syrupy sweet. There's some great supporting characters, an enchanting yet ominous take on Faerie, and a sparkling, deeply felt romance at its heart. I was delighted by both the witty give and take between Dora and Elias and how they're drawn together by a shared sense of justice. (Closed door.)
Here We Go Again by Allison Cochrun
Two childhood friends turned enemies reunite on a road trip with their dying high school English teacher. To me, this was a story about grief, growing up, and the power of queer community first and a (still lovely!) romance second. Logan and Rosemary's relationship with Joe got me truly emotional and I loved the way Cochrun writes about how it feels to grieve someone when they're still with you, about regret, and about the slow, then fast process of letting go. (Open door, medium steam.)
James by Percival Everett
A bold, gripping recentering of Huck Finn on Jim and further proof that Percival Everett's brain is working on levels I can't even imagine. (As in I’m pretty sure he’s a genius.) One of the things that I admire so much about his writing is how accessible yet layered it is. I was sucked into the story immediately but also feel like there's piece after piece of meaning to uncover about this book. It's smart, propulsive, sometimes heartbreaking, and always fascinating.
A Room with a View by E.M. Forster
A romantic, hopeful, gorgeously atmospheric story of love, social mores, and self-discovery, set against a stunning Italian backdrop. This is one of those books that people have been telling me I’d love for years and they were absolutely right. I found this both funny and moving, adored the sense of place, and let myself be totally swept up in the story. The 1985 movie is next on my watch list too!
Out of Love by Hazel Hayes
It took me a minute to sink into its rhythms but I wound up really enjoying this bittersweet love story told in reverse, from bitter breakup to giddy meet-cute. (Yes, the meet-cute was my favorite part because I am a certified sap.) Hayes skillfully captures how a relationship can be both a wonderful thing and never meant to last, as well as the deep and powerful bonds of female friendship. I’d especially recommend checking this one out if you were a fan of Good Material by Dolly Alderton.
Soldier Sailor by Claire Kilroy
A dizzying, powerful look at early motherhood through the lens of a narrator who both fiercely loves her young son and keenly feels the massive change in her sense of self. I don’t have children but I was so impressed by how viscerally Kilroy captures the experience of motherhood. There were even moments when things got so intense and disorienting that I had to put the book down and take a few deep breaths. My pick for the Women’s Prize from the three on the shortlist I’ve read.
Greta & Valdin by Rebecca K. Reilly
A warm, funny, voice-y delight about two siblings navigating heartbreak, identity, and their sprawling, chaotic Maori-Russian-Catalonian family. (Possibly my favorite new fictional family, by the way.) This was quirky, joyful, charming and messy in a deeply human way. I just adored spending time with these characters and cackled out loud multiple times. I also really enjoyed getting a glimpse into New Zealand culture and issues through the lens of this family.
Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh
A wistful, funny, tragic look back at a crumbling aristocratic British family and a lost era that's both deeply readable and thematically challenging. I feel like there's still so much for me to unpack with this! I especially enjoyed the Oxford-set sections, the society drama, and how Waugh uses his razor-sharp dialogue to build character. This is one of those books whose DNA I see everywhere now that I’ve finally read it and I think could make for a perfect summer read.
Exactly what I needed for a particular reading mood
The Burnout by Sophie Kinsella
A laugh-out-loud funny, breezy look at burnout set in a crumbling seaside hotel that features a charmingly relatable heroine, plenty of hijinks, a satisfying arc that takes our heroine from personal and professional disaster to triumph, and a handsome, slightly enigmatic love interest. The third act breakup doesn't totally work but I read this over the second half of a long travel day, when my brain was feeling increasingly muddled, and it was exactly what I needed.
It’s In His Kiss by Julia Quinn (Bridgerton #7)
The seventh installment in the Bridgerton series pairs youngest sister Hyacinth with Lady Danbury’s favorite grandson Gareth, with a side of mystery. Aside from the one eye-rolling thing that the hero does, as seems to be compulsory for heroes in 2000's historical romances, this was a highly entertaining romp. Hyacinth and Gareth banter and bicker splendidly, Lady Danbury is a welcome presence, and it's always a delight to spend some more time with the Bridgertons. (Open door, medium steam.)
Liked with minor quibbles
The Art of Scandal by Regina Black
A romance between a politician’s wife and a talented, troubled young artist that features an incredibly compelling heroine, a town with enough drama to fill five seasons of a soap opera, and thoughtful commentary on the role of race in US politics. My quibbles mostly revolve around the fact that while I felt like Nathan and Rachel’s relationship played an important role in both of their lives, I don't think I finished the book convinced that these two people needed to--or even should--be together forever. This would make for great discussion if you need a romance book club pick. (Open door, medium steam, albeit on the higher end.)
I think I liked it?
The Happy Couple by Naoise Dolan
I flew through this story about the complicated relationships of complicated people but I still don’t know how much I liked it? It's sharp, funny, and very cleverly structured, with five distinct perspectives that truly feel unique. The ending also feels right and satisfying for these characters, although I think I found myself wanting a little more commentary on modern dating and relationships.
Liked with some quibbles
The Curse of Penryth Hall by Jess Armstrong
This historical mystery set in Cornwall is wonderfully atmospheric and had some promising elements, including a touch of the supernatural, but didn’t deliver on one key character beat for me. Ruby visits her former best friend Tamsyn, who she used to be romantically involved with, and their dynamic should have been spectacularly angsty and juicy but instead seemed to fall a little flat? I just couldn’t get a handle on what their dynamic was, either in the present or in the past.
The Love Remedy by Elizabeth Everett
This historical romance centered around a female apothecary and the private investigator she hires to retrieve her missing formula was an intriguing but uneven read for me. I loved the historical detail and how Everett uses the historical setting to comment on the issues women face today. What I wanted a bit more of was deep conversations between Thorne and Lucy to really cement their romantic connection and a more satisfying resolution to some of the secondary plot threads. (Open door, high steam.)
Mislaid in Parts Half-Known by Seanan McGuire (Wayward Children #9)
After really liking Lost in the Moment and Found, I was happy to get more of Antsy's story and her quest to set the magical world that stole her childhood to rights but this felt less cohesive than my favorite installments in the series. McGuire's trying to squeeze together a bunch of different plot threads and character arcs, with the result that some aspects feel shortchanged. I also wanted a little more of the heartbreaking fairytale vibes that characterize this series at its best.
Currently reading: Caucasia by Danzy Senna, for the Fiction Matters book club.
Recommendations, miscellany, and little bits of joy:
Bridgerton season three! There’s still too many subplots but seeing Nicola Coughlan step into the leading lady role is an absolute delight and I’m loving Penelope and Colin’s friends-to-lovers story. Francesca’s book is my favorite so I’m also excited about the expanded role she’s getting this season. (Dare we hope for a glimpse of Michael before the end of the season?) I may do a full newsletter about Bridgerton once the second batch of episodes are out, depending on how much I have to say.
Hit Man, which I implore you to watch in theaters before it hits Netflix. It’s surprising, funny, sexy, and a movie theater movie that demands to be watched with others. I have been on the “Glen Powell is a Movie Star” train since my beloved Set It Up and at last, I am vindicated.
Peony season, as my first bunch of Trader Joe’s peonies have already taken pride of place on my kitchen table.
Wow it's been ages since I read Sophie Kinsella!!! She's perfect for summer no doubt!
I love peonies as well-- I always hope I can have a bouquet for my birthday (5/19) and it's like the official kick-off of summer. I really loved reading Monsters last year and still think about it all the time!