I can’t believe it’s already the end of July. I mean, can you? This month felt like it flew by and almost every weekend I had plans with friends either in town or visiting from New York. I loved spending my days with friends and talking about everything including books. But it also means my reading took a little hit from it. That’s okay! I still got to read some amazing books and finished the month with eight (hopefully nine if I can fit my current read in) books.
Looking back at my list of reads from the month, I read a lot of great books! Don’t you love it when each book you read is proceeded with another great read? Of course, there’s the inevitable downfall when you finally hit a book you have to DNF because it’s just not good or you’re not into it. Not looking forward to that.
Here’s my favorites from the month
The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez
This book got me in my feels this month. I mean, I had to put it down at one point and have myself a good cry because it was so good. The story about two people meeting through mutual acquaintances and fall in love. The only caveat? He wants a lot of babies when he’s married while she can’t have any babies at all. There are some seriously sad parts, but the rest is so funny. The ending, though. That will definitely get you. I can’t wait to read Abby’s next book because this was phenomenal.
I’m a fan or anything Blake Crouch. He’s an amazingly author who can really spin a tale and he does it again in Recursion. It’s the story of a woman who was trying to invent a machine that helps cure degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, but what she builds instead is a machine that allows you to travel back to your own memories and relive them IN REAL LIFE. It’s so twisted and the time jumping gets so messy and the ending leaves you feeling the way I felt after watching Inception.
I was really blown away by this book. It was sad and terrifying, but also hopeful. It’s about this small island where an all-girls boarding school existed on. Somewhere along the line, everyone at the school (including the staff) are infected with a weird disease that mutates their bodies. Some girls are able to live after each painful mutation while others died immediately. It’s been 18 months since they’ve left the island and the girls want to go home. The story follows a trio who cling to each other like family because that’s all they have, but when one of them goes through another mutation, she’s whisked off somewhere and the other two take it upon themselves to find her.
The Two Lila Bennetts by Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke
This was also such a great read. It’s the story of criminal defense lawyer who’s really good at her job and also a big villain in her own life. One day, she’s kidnapped and threatened to make amends with the people she’s hurt in her life. But the story doesn’t stop there because the moment she’s kidnapped, her life is split into two. There’s one Lila Bennett that’s kidnapped and hoping to get out of there while the other Lila Bennett doesn’t get kidnapped, but now has to face the demons of her life. While you’re reading, you’re seeing this beautiful redemption arc for one side of Lila Bennett while praying that she gets rescued from her captors. The ending is such a surprise and really pulled the story together, so if you’re looking for a good thriller without too much of the suspense, definitely try this out.
The final book of the month and it was amazing. It’s the story of a young girl named Ana who marries a man twice her age so she can move to America and live the American Dream. However, her husband isn’t so loving. She’s told to stay home and not talk to anyone. She’s basically a bird living in a tiny five-floor walkup in Harlem. When her husband goes back to the Dominican Republic to help fight in their cause, Ana finally feels a little bit of freedom and understands that America has a lot to offer her. Such a beautiful read about this young girl and how she makes the most of her time living in America.
My plans for next month
Recently, I decided that I wanted to get my review game a little tighter. I love using Netgalley to request books especially since I’m shy and Netgalley provides you the opportunity to request books without having to email them directly. So, I plan on reading many of the books I have waiting for reviews including The Nickel Boys, The Paper Wasp, Descendants of the Crane, and more.
Also, I’ve been dying to read Jay Kristoff’s Nevernight series, so that’s another priority for me. I’ve been holding off on reading this one because a friend of mine would love to buddy read. I’m pretty terrible at buddy-reading, but with my new work schedule I think I can manage it.
And the last thing I want to read before the month is out is The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson. I read a good portion of this book earlier in July, but I want to use August to finish it. My library hold on the book finally came in, so I do have a limited timeline to read this before it has to go back to the library. We shall accomplish our dreams!
How did you make out this month?
Simone and Her Books 
I want to buddy read too! I’m going to ask my hub if he is up for it. As always, thank you for the excellent idea. 🙂
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Absolutely! Let me know if you start. I’ll let you know when I do!
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