What did you read in ~~ June 2023

[Alias Reader]

Here is the Folder and thread to tell us what your monthly reads for June
2023 were.

Please provide:
~ A GoodReads link
~ A few sentences telling us how you felt about the book.
~ How would you rate the book

[Bella (Kiki)]

I read The Anatomy of Prose: 12 Steps to Sensational Sentences by Sacha Black and that was it. The rest of mt time has been occupied writing and rewriting my own novel. I did find a lot of books I want to read when I'm done writing, though.

The Anatomy of Prose: 12 Steps to Sensational Sentences was more for beginners, but I still enjoyed it.

[Alias Reader]

June was a disappointing reading month for me. :( I didn't look forward to reading the books. As a result, I only finished three.

Forensics: What Bugs, Burns, Prints, DNA and More Tell Us About Crime by Val McDermid
Non Fiction
Format: eBook
Rate 3/5
The author is a Scottish crime writer.
This non fiction book explores the various forensic techniques used to solve crimes. Each chapter explores a different subject. The topics include, evaluating the crime scene, fire investigation, entomology (bugs) pathology, toxicology and fingerprinting. I liked this format. Though for some reason I wasn't totally engaged.
I think if you like to read crime fiction, you will find this interesting. I gave it a 3/5 rating, which is good but did not exceed my expectations.

Vanderbilt: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty by Anderson Cooper
Memoir
Format: Audio Book- Read by Anderson Cooper
Rate: 2/5
I thought the narration by Cooper was flat and dispassionate. The material didn't help. At time it just was a barrage of facts and names. I found it to be very dry. The most interesting part was the last quarter of the book when he talks about Truman Capote and finally his mom, Gloria. Basically the only thing I learned was the Vanderbilts squandered their wealth on mansions, jewels and parties.

Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes
Fiction
Format: started with eBook then switched to audio
Rate: 2/5
The narrator, Julia Whelan, was very good. Unfortunately the book was not. This novel is a romance /chick lit novel. I'll admit this isn't my favorite genre. The inane plot centered around a widow. She was packing the car to leave her husband when she finds out he was killed in an accident. A Major league baseball player who played for the NY Yankees and won 2 world series suddenly has trouble pitching and is kicked off the team. This multi millionaire decides to get away from the press and NYC by renting a room from said widow in a small town in Maine. Well you can guess the rest. Ugh.

[~*Kim*~]

by Sadeqa Johnson
4 Stars

I really enjoyed this book. It was sad, even heart wrenching at times, but still a really good story. It's told between alternating prospectives of the 2 main characters. It's an interesting insight into racism in the 1950's (and slightly before). I loved how the 2 stories came together at the end, and was surprised that characters for her other book, The Yellow Wife were mentioned in this one. I am interested in reading that one to see how it plays into The House of Eve.

~*~*~*~*~*


by Kristin Wright
3 Stars

While the synopsis of this book sounded really good, I actually found it a bit lacking. It was really easy to read and flowed really well. When I actually sat down to read, I found myself getting through it quickly. I was expecting more suspense and maybe some sort of shocking twist that just wasn't there

~*~*~*~*~*~


by Paulette Kennedy
4 Stars

I'll admit it took me several chapters to get the characters straight, since this is told in alternating viewpoints. It was a little slow starting, but finally picked up about half way through. I almost gave up about 1/3 way into it, but I'm glad that I pushed through. It ended up being a pretty good story.

[Petra]

Alias, I hope July brings you stellar books. It's good to try books that may be a bit outside of the "norm". Who knows what gems you'll find? Unfortunately, sometimes a dud is in the mix, too.

Kim, you seem to have had a pretty good month.

~*Kim*~ wrote: " I almost gave up about 1/3 way into it, but I'm glad that I pushed through. It ended up being a pretty good story...."
I like it when this happens. It's one of the reasons that I don't like giving up on a book. One never knows when the story will turn and become interesting and worth a slow beginning.
Glad you stuck with this one and ended up enjoying it.

[Petra]

My reads for June:

His Second Wife (3-star) - a timeless book about moving to unfamiliar surroundings, having one's life completely changed and having to adapt, as well as figure out what is important to the Self for a meaningful & happy Life.
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The Chill (audio; 3-star) - this book started strong but then slowed so much that the end dragged. I enjoyed most of the book and did want to find out how it ended but I wish it had hurried up at the end.
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Slammerkin (3-star) - an interesting story. It tells of a young girl left to her own devises much too early in life and the choices she made as she tried to survive. An interesting historical novel.
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

2 Andy Carpenter books:
Dead Center (4-star)
Bark of Night (4-star)
I was only going to read one, but moved on to the next book I had sitting on my bookshelf. They are out of order, but it doesn't matter in this series.
Both are warm, humorous and entertaining.
Review of Dead Center: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Review of Bark of Night: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Of Women and Salt (audio; 3-star) - a look at immigration, deportation and finding a welcome place to call home. Told from the point of view of women and in different time periods, this short book tells of hardships set upon these women by their situations, governments, and cold bureaucracy.
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Alias Reader]

~*Kim*~ wrote: "
by Sadeqa Johnson
4 Stars

I really enjoyed this book. It was sad, even heart wrenching at times, but still a really good story. It's told bet..."

A nice month for you, Kim.

[Alias Reader]

Petra wrote: "My reads for June:

His Second Wife (3-star) - a timeless book about moving to unfamiliar surroundings, having one's life completely changed and having to adapt, as well as figure ou..."


I see you mostly had 3 stars books. I'm glad you got it two Carpenter 4 stars that were better.

I hope with both get a 5 star book in July !

[Petra]

Alias, I rarely have a 5-star book. Those are books that resonated deeply and most books, while good/very good, don't do that. I'm a hard rater.
A 3-star, for me, is a good, solid read. Enjoyable, but it will probably, over time, not be thought of often.
I find that sometimes what I rate as a 3-star really sticks in my mind and I don't forget the book, but mostly it's one that recedes into the background of my mind over time.

I find a solid 3 and 4 star month a good month, overall.
It's the 1 and 2 star books that I find lacking something.

[Reem]

I'm going to post covers in order, hope you don't mind!
Warning: I'm very ECLECTIC! And mostly into Fantasy, Mystery and MM Romance with those elements!

I have read 33 books in June. Probably should explain 😅😅?
So, my mother passed away in March and I've gotten more into reading as a coping mechanism so I don't have any time for my thoughts to wander! As far as any alternative, I think reading is the best option lol.



Of this bunch, what I really enjoyed and recommend:
1. Playing the Fool Series
It's fast paced and intriguing, fun and hilarious, though the last one is a bit heavy. It's about a grouchy because of dieting FBI agent and a con artist who witnessed a murder, and their misadventures and slow burn romance.

2. Ghostly Guardians Series
Urban fantasy about a group of employees at a fancy haunted 'by ridiculous ghosts' resort. Each book has a different couple that one of them has some sort of power, and a different but progressing paranormal issue in each book, so you have to read them in order.
Personally I enjoyed the 2nd and 4th books most, and enjoy the audiobooks by Nick J Russo.

3. Unraveling the Threads of Fate, a paranormal romance with a mystery. if interested go read the blurb, it's great!

PS. I started A Storm of Swords since the beginning of the year, but finally finished it last month! It really dragged and some chapters were unimportant, but it's the one with The Red Wedding and Lady Stoneheart!!!!

[Alias Reader]

Petra wrote: "Alias, I rarely have a 5-star book. Those are books that resonated deeply and most books, while good/very good, don't do that. I'm a hard rater.
A 3-star, for me, is a good, solid read. Enjoyable, ..."

Thanks for the explanation of how you rate.

I also a bit stingy with 5 stars, too.

Lately I've tried to rate according to the genre. For example, I'm not a big chick lit or beach reads type of reader. But if I think a book was really good for that genre, I'll give it a higher rating. Same would be for sci-fi. I am not a fan. However, if I can still find good writing and plot I'll try to note that in my rating.

It's an imperfect system as I usually can't get past my dislike for certain genre.

[Alias Reader]

Reem wrote: "I'm going to post covers in order, hope you don't mind!
Warning: I'm very ECLECTIC! And mostly into Fantasy, Mystery and MM Romance with those elements!

I have read 33 books in June. Probably shou..."

My condolences on the loss of your mom, Reem.

I've also found that reading helps when life gets hard to deal with.

Thanks for sharing all your reads.

[Bella (Kiki)]

Alias Reader wrote: "Petra wrote: "Alias, I rarely have a 5-star book. Those are books that resonated deeply and most books, while good/very good, don't do that. I'm a hard rater.
A 3-star, for me, is a good, solid rea..."

I'm stingy with five stars, too.

[madrano]

Kiki (Formerly TheGirlByTheSeaOfCortez) wrote: "I read The Anatomy of Prose: 12 Steps to Sensational Sentences by Sacha Black and that was it. The rest of mt time has been occupied writing and rewriting my own n..."

Sometimes elemental books remind us of all we’ve learned. I thank you for the title, Kiki. Continued progress on your book.

[madrano]

Alias Reader wrote: "June was a disappointing reading month for me. :( I didn't look forward to reading the books. As a result, I only finished three.

[bookcover:Forensics: What Bugs, Burns, Prints, DNA and More Tell..."

Bummer, Alias. At least they are finished! For me, this is one of the drags of prompts—sometimes I’m just not looking forward to tackling the topic. Yet, i go for it!

I hope next month is better for you.

[madrano]

~*Kim*~ wrote: "
by Sadeqa Johnson
4 Stars

I really enjoyed this book. It was sad, even heart wrenching at times, but still a really good story. It's told bet..."

It looks like you had a decent reading month, Kim. The first, from Johnson, sounds best to me. Thanks for sharing your impressions of the books with us.

[madrano]

Petra wrote: "My reads for June:

His Second Wife (3-star) - a timeless book about moving to unfamiliar surroundings, having one's life completely changed and having to adapt, as well as figure ou..."

I like reading your thoughts on this older novel, Petra. The descriptive term “timeless” is perfect.

I read the first two Carpenter mysteries last month and enjoyed them, too.

Reading your thoughtful review on immigration was beneficial to me. Thank you for each of these comments.

[madrano]

Reem wrote: "I'm going to post covers in order, hope you don't mind!
Warning: I'm very ECLECTIC! And mostly into Fantasy, Mystery and MM Romance with those elements!

I have read 33 books in June. Probably shou..."

Reem, is am very sorry to hear of your mother’s death I hope memories of her will help console you, now and in the future.

Your list of books is a pleasure to see. The mystery classics of Agatha Christie are pleasurable, i’m sure.

Thank you for noting the ones you particularly liked and recommend.

[madrano]

June has flown past. Between visiting family, seeing sites and reading, i suppose i know where the days have gone but it was swift! I have only listed one mystery, as it fulfills one prompt category but i read several cozies recently, more to relax my brain than anything else. Most of the following have been reviewed here, so i’m being very brief. The first post is 218. https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

My Brilliant Career—Miles Franklin

Death on a Winter Stroll—Francine Mathews

The Invisibles: The Untold Story of African American Slaves in the White House—Jesse J. Holland


Where'd You Go, Bernadette—Maria Semple. This filled a need i didn’t know i had.


Faith: Trusting Your Own Deepest Experience—Sharon Salzberg Another, but different, need fulfilled.


Circe—Madeline Miller


Everywhere That Mary Went—Lisa Scottoline. Prolific author but i had read none. Now, i have, for a prompt.

The Interrogative Mood—Padgett Powell A book unlike any i’ve ever read. It is ONLY questions. No answers, as many are about the reader. Good starter for a party, i think.

Washington Irving: An American Original—Brian Jay Jones. A solid bio of the first internationally celebrated US author.


Two in the David Rosenfelt series about Andy Carpenter—Open and Shut &First Degree.

[Reem]

Thank you guys, you're so sweet ❤️.

Yes! I love Agatha Christie, I started reading her in 6th grade and recently discovered I still got a few I missed on and others I don't remember so I can't cheat and add them to my 'Read' list 😂😂

Though last month's bunch weren't my favorites, I did love the play Three Blind Mice and Other Stories and Murder in Mesopotamia!!!

[Alias Reader]

madrano wrote: "Ahis is one of the drags of prompts—sometimes I’m just not looking forward to tackling the topic. Yet, i go for it!.."

I didn't select these for the prompts. I thought they would be books I would enjoy. But once I started to read them, they weren't really books I was enjoying. So I always found something else to do instead of reading. Oh well. Onward to July.

[Alias Reader]

madrano wrote: "June has flown past. Between visiting family, seeing sites and reading, i suppose i know where the days have gone but it was swift! I have only listed one mystery, as it fulfills one prompt catego..."


Excellent month, deb. I also loved Where'd You Go, Bernadette. Though I didn't enjoy the second book of hers I read. Maybe I just wasn't in the right mood. Today Will Be Different. At some point I should give it a second chance.

[madrano]

Alias Reader wrote: "I didn't select these for the prompts. I thought they would be books I would enjoy. But once I started to read them, they weren't really books I was enjoying ..."

Goodness, that makes it sadder. As you wrote, Onward!

[madrano]

Thanks for the tip on Semple’s subsequent novel, Alias. The topic & settings are what really hooked me in Bernadette.

[Petra]

madrano wrote: "June has flown past. Between visiting family, seeing sites and reading, i suppose i know where the days have gone but it was swift! I have only listed one mystery, as it fulfills one prompt catego..."

Busy month, Madrano. Both in life and reading.

I read Where'd You Go, Bernadette a few years back and recall enjoying it a lot. It was a fun, quirky read.

I'm glad you enjoyed the Andy Carpenter books. They are a fun time.

[John]

Time After Time by Molly Keane ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

 

The Present and the Past by Ivy Compton-Burnett ⭐️⭐️⭐️

 
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

 

A Short Walk in Williams Park by C.H.B. Kitchin ⭐️⭐️⭐️


https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

 

Monica: A Life of Monica Dickens by Anne Wellman ⭐️⭐️⭐️



https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

 

 

 

[madrano]

Thanks, Petra. I feel as though i am catching up with others here when i read some books, such as Semple and the Carpenter books. And lovin’ it!

[madrano]

John, i appreciate your reviews and why/how the books do or don’t work for you. It helps me decide if the work might appeal to me or not.

The Keene novel, particularly tickles my fancy, in that the scenes are well depicted. This makes a positive difference in reading. Thanks for pointing it out.

Loved the Drinking/Reading comment for the ICB book!

[Alias Reader]

I enjoyed reading your honest reviews, John.

I often feel like you did when you said the book needed an abridged version. I checked and the book is around 350 pages. Maybe too much minute detail and padding. That's unfortunate. I wonder if publishers push the authors to expand books to a certain length.

I also LOL when you wrote, "One is not supposed to drink while driving, but with ICB, perhaps drinking while reading might be advisable? "

[Simon]

I read two (2) historical fiction novels in June.

- Daughter of the King by Kerry Chaput

- The Fire and the Ore by Olivia Hawker

[Bella (Kiki)]

John wrote: "Time After Time by Molly Keane ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

 

The Present and the Past by [author:Ivy Compton-Burnett|7..."

Thank you for all the reviews, John.

[madrano]

Simon wrote: "I read two (2) historical fiction novels in June.

- Daughter of the King by Kerry Chaput

- The Fire and the Ore by Olivia Hawker"

Both new-to-me authors, Simon. The Kerry Chaput story is also one unfamiliar to me. It sounds appealing. Thanks for sharing the titles with us.

[Alias Reader]

Simon wrote: "I read two (2) historical fiction novels in June.

- Daughter of the King by Kerry Chaput

- The Fire and the Ore by Olivia Hawker"

Daughter of the King
The Fire and the Ore

Simon did you enjoy them?

[Simon]

I did enjoy both of them yes.

[Alias Reader]

Thanks. I'll check them out. I didn't explore much historical fiction. You've changed my mind on the genre !

[Simon]

I’ll post my reviews as soon as I can. I can’t do multiple postings via app unfortunately. I really wish they changed the Goodreads app to be more user friendly!

[Alias Reader]

No problem. Simon.

As to GoodReads antiquated ways, you are preaching to the choir.

[madrano]

Simon wrote: "I’ll post my reviews as soon as I can. I can’t do multiple postings via app unfortunately. I really wish they changed the Goodreads app to be more user friendly!"

Yes!

[~*Kim*~]

Alias Reader wrote: "Thanks. I'll check them out. I didn't explore much historical fiction. You've changed my mind on the genre !"

I just read an excellent historical fiction this month. It's called



It's set in the 50's/present, so the historical part of it isn't too far in the past.

[Alias Reader]

~*Kim*~ wrote: "Alias Reader wrote: "Thanks. I'll check them out. I didn't explore much historical fiction. You've changed my mind on the genre !"

I just read an excellent historical fiction this month. It's call..."

A friend of mine read and enjoyed
The Barbizon: The Hotel That Set Women Free by Paulina Bren

I'll pass your title on to her. Thanks!

[madrano]

My mind immediately went to the Bren book, too, Alias. I was unaware of the novel. Thanks for the title and comments, Kim.

[Marie]

I am behind on listing my books out on here. :) I read 12 books and a couple or so were duds and I had one dnf.

June reads were:

1) Haunted: Hotel -5 stars
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

2) We Sold Our Souls - 4 stars
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

3) Blood and Rain (this was a reread) - 5 stars
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

4) Chasing the Boogeyman - dnf
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

5) Immunity (another reread) - 5 stars
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

6) A Room for the Dead - 4 stars
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

7) Suckerville - 2 stars
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

8) The Haunting of Redwood Ranch: A Riveting Haunted House Mystery - 2 stars
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

9) Demon's Wrath: Death in Caguas: A Michael Moretti Novel - 5 stars
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

10) The Devil's Fingers - 5 stars
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

11) The House of a Hundred Whispers - 4 stars
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

12) The Demon of Miller's Crossing - 3 stars
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

That is my wrap for June. :)

[Alias Reader]

Marie, considering that you read 12 books, having one DNF and 2 low ratings isn't bad.

Thanks for sharing your reviews.

[Marie]

Alias Reader wrote: "Marie, considering that you read 12 books, having one DNF and 2 low ratings isn't bad.

Thanks for sharing your reviews."

Thank you Alias and you are welcome! :)

[madrano]

It looks like a pretty good month to me, Marie. Your description of "slow burn" books landing in your hands is funny. Sometimes i seems that way, doesn't it?

I really liked reading your enthusiasm for the Grady Hendix novel. Such fun.

And the "Supernatural Shivers" for A Room for the Dead was cool. I'm glad you shared here.

[Marie]

madrano wrote: "It looks like a pretty good month to me, Marie. Your description of "slow burn" books landing in your hands is funny. Sometimes i seems that way, doesn't it?

I really liked reading your enthusiasm..."

Thank you so much, Deb! Books that are slow burn can be rough for me unless the author is able to pull me out with some action! lol :)

[madrano]

Funny. I understand what you mean. It must be a challenge for authors who want that slow burn but want to keep the interest of the reader.