Books read in May, June, July
I read six books over the summer. I just couldn't seem to find the time to read like I wanted to, however I had so much fun spending time with my family lol.
May:
Howl's Moving Castle
Diana Wynne Jones
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Because she's the eldest of three daughters, Sophie is destined to fail miserably should she ever leave home to seek her fortune. But when she unwittingly attracts the ire of the Witch of the Waste, Sophie finds herself under a horrid spell that transforms her into an old lady. Her only chance at breaking it lies with Wizard Howl and his ever-moving castle. To untangle the enchantment, Sophie must handle the heartless Howl, strike a bargain with a fire demon, and meet the Witch of the Waste head-on. Along the way, she discovers that there's far more to Howl—and herself—than first meets the eye.
The Invisible Library
Genevieve Cogman
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One spy. One book. One deadly mission. Irene is a professional spy for the Library, whose staff are sent to different realities to harvest dangerous and mythical fiction. She and her enigmatic partner Kai are sent to a steampunk London where they are not the only ones after the same book for various reasons.
Platform Decay
Martha Wells
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This is book eight in the murderbot diaries where everybody's favorite SecUnit is back on a volunteer rescue mission. This time it'll be with a bunch of humans it doesn't know and human children are involved, which means eye contact. Ugh. (Emotion check)
June:
Before the Coffee Gets Cold
Toshikazu Kawaguchi
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Set in a café in Japan with rumors of being able to take you to the past, four individuals come across this café and eventually seek out the chance to return to the past. However, there are specific rules that must be followed in order to return to the past, and the very most important one is: drink the coffee before it gets cold. Also, who says you can't go to the future?
July:
That's a Great Question, I'd Love to Tell You
Elyse Myers
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Elyse shares a collection of personal stories and illustrations that’s full of deeper storytelling and even more intimate reflections than seen on social media.
Infinity Gate
M.R. Carey
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Book one in a two book series. The Pandominion is an organization across all of space and time that monitors all traffic between dimensions and worlds. They know when someone travels from one Earth dimension to another. There is a war between sentient machines and humans across all dimensions within the Pandominion, and both sides are working on a way to get rid of the other. A group of unlikely people get caught up in the fight for one reason or another, but by the figurative hands of an untethered AI, they eventually merge together to make a team to try and stop the fight before the organic species and machines wipe each other out.
#mayreads #readersoflemon8 #bookrecomendations #junereads #julyreads
Reading during the summer months can be a unique challenge, especially when balancing family time and other commitments. Over this summer, I found myself gravitating toward books that offered immersive worlds and engaging narratives, which allowed me to make the most of my limited reading time. Starting with May's reads, "Howl's Moving Castle" by Diana Wynne Jones captivated me with its enchanting storyline and complex characters. Sophie's transformation and her interactions with Wizard Howl provided a magical escape, while the themes of self-discovery resonated deeply. The blend of fantasy and coming-of-age elements made it a perfect start to my summer reading. Genevieve Cogman's "The Invisible Library" was a thrilling dive into a steampunk world filled with espionage and mythical fiction hunting. The concept of librarians as interdimensional agents was fresh and intriguing, making it a standout for those who enjoy adventurous mysteries wrapped in fantasy. "Platform Decay" by Martha Wells, part of the Murderbot Diaries, offered a compelling science fiction experience, balancing humor and emotion as the SecUnit embarks on a rescue mission involving unpredictable human interactions. This series never fails to blend action with reflective moments on AI and humanity. June brought a shift toward literary and magical realism with Toshikazu Kawaguchi's "Before the Coffee Gets Cold." The story's setting—a café where visitors can time travel under specific rules—evoked poignant reflections on time, choices, and regrets. It made me ponder the fascinating 'what ifs' of life and the significance of the present moment. In July, Elyse Myers’ "That's a Great Question, I'd Love to Tell You" added a personal touch with its collection of stories and illustrations. It’s a reminder of how introspective and heartfelt storytelling can transcend social media, offering authentic glimpses into human experience. Finally, "Infinity Gate" by M.R. Carey plunged into a vast cosmic conflict involving multidimensional travel and the struggle between sentient machines and humans. Its complex narrative and morally gray characters kept me hooked, highlighting the ongoing appeal of epic science fiction. Overall, these books reflect a diverse range of genres and themes that provided me joy and thoughtful engagement amid a bustling summer. For fellow readers trying to squeeze in literature during busy times, I recommend choosing books that not only entertain but also offer some mental escape and emotional connection. Audiobooks can help, too—many of these titles had audiobook versions, which allowed me to listen during commutes or chores. Embracing a mix of genres expanded my horizons and kept my reading experience fresh, proving that summer is still the perfect season for diving into good books, regardless of how busy life gets.