It has gotten to the point where I have been so busy with work and trying to prioritize my time to enjoy those things I love. Because of that I have not been able to spend much time writing reviews for books that I am reading. I have a Novel Companion that I use to track my reading and there is a section for short reviews. I’m trying to be more intentional with my posting and figured I would put some of that together in a post, since I am already doing that. Its a goal that I want to be able to share more about the books I am reading other than just the new releases. I was able to read a total of 6 books in the month of June, which isnt my best month. I was hoping to read a ton of LGBTQ+ books this month. I did read quite a few, but want to continue over the next few months to read the rest I was hoping to pick up.! So here are some thoughts, first lines and mini reviews for the Books I Read in June 2020!
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Books Read
Bait N’ Witch by Abigail Owen
” Rowan pulled her borrowed truck up the gravel drive and parked in front of a rustic mountain cabin.”
Slow burn nanny/single dad romance with a lots of magic, messes and family love!
This story was so much more than a romance, but about a family and the backstory to each of their lives and heartbreak. Of course we also got some action and to see some of the characters from the previous stories! I have to say the young girls were my favorite! So sassy and everything you want in a young witch!
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
” Don’t nobody
believe nothing
these days.”
This was such a powerful story and told so beautifully using verse. This was a 60 sec snapshot of the decision a young black boy must make between whether to get revenge on his brothers murderer. It is an in depth look into gun violence and the cycle of violence. Listening to this as an audiobook was so moving.
The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones by Daven McQueen
” As seems to be the custom, bad news comes with the afternoon mail: the news that his granddaughter was rejected from her top-choice college, then a call to jury duty. Today, though, it is much worse.”
An incredibly moving, heartbreaking, hopeful and timely YA #OwnVoices Summer Read. Reading this book was extremely eye opening to the fact of how little things have actually changed in our society regarding oppression and racism. It was heartbreaking to read this book that was based in 1955 and see that so much Ethan went through, is still happening to black children and all black individuals today.
Stone Cold Touch by Jennifer L Armentrout
“Ten seconds after Mrs. Cleo moseyed on into biology class, flipped on the projector and turned off the lights, Bambi decided she was no longer comfortable where she was currently curled around my waist.”
This was just as good the second time. I love Armentrout’s fun and youthful writing. I forgot how much I enjoyed this world and the uniqueness of the paranormal aspects. Also how much I absolutely adore Roth! Being back in this world has been nostalgic of the first time I got lost in it and cannot wait to continue on my reread of the series so I can read the spin off!
The Scapegracers by Hannah Abigail Clarke
“The punch was the color of my first and second knuckles and it tasted like lye.”
This sapphic witchy read was full of diversity and personality. In this story an outcast lesbian is able to find her coven. There was such fun friendship relationships. It was a dark and unique read that was like The Heathers mixed with The Craft. It was bursting with LGBTQ+ representation!
Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
“I know too much of mud.”
Acevedo wrote such a beautiful story that was perfect to listen to as an audiobook, like listening to spoken word. It has some complex themes of a real plane crash, family secrets and finding a hidden family. Both girls are learning how to deal with the death of their father that they really didn’t know.There was also an adorable f/f relationship.
The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta
“I am the black flamingo. The black flamingo is me trying to find myself.”
WOW! This story was a charming Drag Queen origin story. Michael was such an inspiring character. The book was full of uniqueness and of Michael discovering himself as the book covers his life from youth to adulthood. Its all about trusting your inner truth and embracing it. There was so much queer representation. Atta’s writing was so lyrical and strong.
Have you read any of these books ? What books did you read this month?
~PIN IT ~
