We're ready for your June book recommendations!

[John]

Greetings fellow book lovers!

I hope May has been treating you well, whether you've been diving into our club picks or exploring other captivating tales that transport you to new worlds. Thanks to everyone who has been participating in our group discussions.

As we near the end of the month, it's time to plan our reading journey for June.

Here are the themes for our upcoming selections:

Adventures Abroad (legacy): Books set in international locations or featuring adventures abroad. Whether it's travel memoirs, historical fiction in exotic locales, contemporary novels with global settings, or personal journeys abroad, we're seeking immersive reads that have been published for at least a year.

Musical Protagonists (new): Stories where music plays a central role in the protagonist's life or journey. From musicians and composers to characters deeply connected to diverse musical genres, these novels celebrate how music inspires, heals, and transforms lives. All publication dates are welcome!

Which books do you think would be perfect companions for June? Please share your suggestions below, specifying the category they belong to. I'll compile all the recommendations and create polls next week so we can decide on our next literary adventures together.

Please make your recommendations by the end of Tuesday, May 21st. I can't wait to see what treasures await us!

Here's to discovering new worlds and unforgettable journeys through the pages.

Happy reading!

[Nanette]

John wrote: "Greetings fellow book lovers!

I hope May has been treating you well, whether you've been diving into our club picks or exploring other captivating tales that transport you to new worlds. Thanks to..."

Adventures Abroad
"The Night Tiger" by Yangsze Choo (2019)
Set in 1930s colonial Malaysia, this historical fiction novel weaves together the stories of Ji Lin, an apprentice dressmaker and dancehall girl, and Ren, a houseboy on a quest to fulfill his deceased master's wish. Their paths cross in a tale filled with mystery, superstition, and cultural richness.

"Circe" by Madeline Miller (2018)
This reimagining of the myth of Circe takes readers on an odyssey across the ancient world. Circe, the daughter of Helios, is banished to a deserted island where she hones her magical abilities and encounters various mythological figures, from Hermes to Odysseus.

"Beneath a Scarlet Sky" by Mark Sullivan (2017)
This historical novel is based on the true story of Pino Lella, an Italian teenager who becomes a spy for the Allies during World War II. The story takes readers through the dramatic landscapes of war-torn Italy, blending history with a gripping personal journey.

"The Paris Library" by Janet Skeslien Charles (2020)
Set in Paris during World War II and Montana in the 1980s, this dual-timeline novel centers on the librarians of the American Library in Paris. The story explores themes of resistance, friendship, and the love of books amidst the backdrop of wartime and its aftermath.

"The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane" by Lisa See (2017)
This novel tells the story of Li-yan, a member of the Akha ethnic minority in China. Her life takes a dramatic turn as she navigates between her traditional upbringing and the modern world. The narrative spans from the remote tea mountains of China to the bustling cities of California.

"The Last Train to London" by Meg Waite Clayton (2019)
Based on the true story of Truus Wijsmuller, a Dutchwoman who helped Jewish children escape the Nazis, this novel is set in pre-World War II Europe. It vividly portrays the landscapes and the tense atmosphere of the time, emphasizing themes of courage and resilience.

"The Little Paris Bookshop" by Nina George (2013)
This contemporary novel follows Monsieur Perdu, the owner of a floating bookshop on the Seine, who embarks on a journey through France's waterways to discover his own past and heal his heart. The novel celebrates the beauty of the French countryside and the transformative power of literature.

"A Gentleman in Moscow" by Amor Towles (2016)
Count Alexander Rostov is sentenced to house arrest in the Metropol Hotel in Moscow during the Russian Revolution. The novel spans several decades, offering a richly detailed portrait of Russian society through the eyes of the charming and resourceful Count.

"The Shadow of the Wind" by Carlos Ruiz Zafón (2001)
Set in post-World War II Barcelona, this novel follows Daniel, a young boy who discovers a mysterious book in the Cemetery of Forgotten Books. As he grows up, Daniel unravels the secrets surrounding the book's author, leading him on a journey filled with intrigue and danger.

"A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini (2007)
This novel spans several decades in Afghanistan, telling the intertwined stories of Mariam and Laila. Their lives are marked by the turmoil of the country's recent history, and the book provides a vivid depiction of Afghan culture and the resilience of its people.


Musical protagonists
"Daisy Jones & The Six" by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2019)
This novel tells the story of the rise and fall of a fictional 1970s rock band. Daisy Jones, a talented but troubled singer, joins forces with The Six, leading to explosive creativity and conflict. The book is written in an oral history format, capturing the raw energy and emotion of the music scene.

"The Music Shop" by Rachel Joyce (2017)
Set in 1988, this novel follows Frank, the owner of a small music shop filled with vinyl records. Frank has an uncanny ability to find the perfect piece of music to heal anyone’s soul. When a mysterious woman named Ilse Brauchmann walks into his shop, Frank's life changes as he helps her rediscover music.

"Utopia Avenue" by David Mitchell (2020)
This novel follows the formation and rise of a British rock band in the late 1960s. Each member of Utopia Avenue brings their unique talent and troubled past to the group. The story dives into their personal lives and the cultural landscape of the time, exploring the transformative power of music.

"The Ensemble" by Aja Gabel (2018)
This novel traces the lives of the members of a string quartet over the course of two decades. The story delves into their personal and professional struggles, showing how their relationships with each other and their music evolve over time.

"The Violin Conspiracy" by Brendan Slocumb (2022)
Ray McMillian is a Black classical musician who faces racism and prejudice in the world of classical music. His life takes a dramatic turn when his violin, a priceless family heirloom, is stolen. The novel explores Ray's journey to reclaim his instrument and his place in the music world.

"Song of a Captive Bird" by Jasmin Darznik (2018)
This biographical novel tells the story of Forugh Farrokhzad, an Iranian poet and filmmaker, whose life was profoundly influenced by her love for music and poetry. The narrative captures the artistic and cultural awakening of Iran in the 1950s and 1960s.

"Music for Wartime: Stories" by Rebecca Makkai (2015)
This collection of short stories includes various tales where music plays a significant role. The stories span different times and places, highlighting how music can be a source of solace and a means of resistance in difficult times.

[John]

Nanette wrote: "John wrote: "Greetings fellow book lovers!

I hope May has been treating you well, whether you've been diving into our club picks or exploring other captivating tales that transport you to new worl..."

Wow.....some great recommendations here. :)

[Mel 📚☕️🪴]

Wow Nanette. Great options. You are the suggestions queen 🙌🏻

[David]

Wow there's a lot here but if I can add my 2 cents in:

Adventures abroad:

"Pachinko" by Min Jin Lee: Pachinko is an epic historical fiction novel following a Korean family who immigrates to Japan. The story features an ensemble of characters who encounter racism, discrimination, stereotyping, and other aspects of the 20th-century Korean experience of Japan

"The Lost Man" by Jane Harper:
The Lost Man is a character study about the Bright brothers: Nathan, Cameron, and Bub who live in the Australian outback. When Cameron, whom the family considered to be “the golden child,” is found dead by the legendary stockman's grave, everyone's at a loss in the small outback community in which they live.

[Nicole]

I like Nanette's suggestions a lot but for those who like it darker I'll add these

Adventures abroad: The Talented Mr. Ripley

Musical Protagonist: Maddalena and the Dark

[Kristen]

Musical Protagonist: The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway

I won't add to the Adventures Abroad - so many fabulous choices already!!

[Sean]

A Delicate Balance Of Reason: Adventures In The Culture Wars

Hi, not too familiar with how to use Goodreads, but this might be of interest to those into contemporary cultural theory..