I never posted a wrap up after May, I read very little then and there was just too much going on. So you get a double whammy this month. My reading did increase a bit in June, so there is more to tell you about, ten total that were completed over those two months. For the most part, the books I read either knocked it out of the park, or were just ok. I had three 5🍷 books! That’s huge for me! Especially when I barely read for a month. Interestingly enough, both books I did finish in May were 5s. But the rest were really just ok. I liked them enough to keep going but pretty much nothing more. And I fully admit that was likely a me problem. I will also say there were quite a few that became DNFs in this two month period which isn’t very surprising given everything going on for me. Maybe I will go back to some of them someday. Maybe not. In any case, I am ready to get back to my 2026 goals list as the summer continues.
Here is what I read in May & June:
The Burning Side – Sarah Damoff
All the stars. My favorite book of the year so far. This line was felt in my core. “Seems like a mother can’t even get a time of crisis to herself.” Such a complicated and realistic look at marriage and family and how everything reflects on everything else. So well written. April & Leo are awaken one night as a fire threatens not only their home, but their marriage is deeply on the rocks as well. As they set up temporary quarters at April’s childhood home will managing other family drama, relationships and health challenges help bring them together or further divide? Sarah Damoff is a masterful writer and continues to show us that she has the chops to make us turn the pages and feel deep emotions for her characters. Brilliant. Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest opinion. The Burning Side is now available.
🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷
Whistler – Ann Patchett
Whistler is a quieter, character driven, reflective novel that took up the space I needed in my life at the right time. I have gone through deep sadness this year as we lost one of our cherished family members and interestingly enough I keep gravitating to quieter, reflective books that are sometimes sadness inducing. I am not sure why that is but apparently I am here for it. As someone that lives nearly 2000 miles from her family, my childhood memories of growing up do not come up in my life without the constant brain triggers that others have. But in the last year I have spent an unusual amount of time with my east coast family and memories have been coming at me from left and right in a fairly unpredictable wave. And that is how I felt about Whistler. Patchett weaves Daphne’s memories throughout the book in flashback chapters that at first seem random but to couple with what I was experiencing in my own life, seemed perfectly timed. And while those memories may not always be with us at the forefront of our mind, they truly never leave us and shape who we are and the relationships around us.
Once again: All the stars. Beautiful. If you generally like an action packed plot driven novel, you may find Whistler a bit more reflective than you prefer. But I still think you should give it a go. Just lovely.
🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷
Upward Bound – Woody Brown
Upward Bound is an adult daycare center in the LA area for disabled adults that is really quite depressing. But from this center point we are strewn outward to a cast of characters all with different needs, wants and dreams as we hear from those around them and from their inner most thoughts. Empathy abounds as this unique look inside the minds and lives of those often not considered takes center stage. Once you’ve read the book, seek out Jenna Bush’s interview with Mr. Brown, it is heartwarming to say the least.
🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷
Ms. Mebel Goes Back to the Chopping Block – Jessie Q. Sutanto
Endearing cutesy book about a very, very wealthy woman in her 60’s that goes to culinary school after her husband leaves her for their young chef. Mebel rediscovers herself and what makes her tick and it was a cute potato chip book with some underlying messages. Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest opinion. Ms. Mebel Goes Back to the Chopping Block is now available.
🍷🍷🍷1/2
Both Can Be True – Jessica Guerrieri
This was a compelling sophomore novel by the author and overall I did enjoy. However, there was just too much going on to move it into the “love” category. I think I would have enjoyed hearing more about the Brie part of the story/mystery, etc and would have perhaps rounded it out more? Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest opinion. Both Can Be True is now available.
🍷🍷🍷1/2
Dog Person – Camille Pagan
This was a mostly cute but emotional look at life from the eyes of a dog – specifically Harold, whose owner Amelia has passed from a terminal illness. He is left to watch over and care for Miguel, Amelia’s long time boyfriend. Harold has promised Amelia to help Miguel find love again but grumpy and depressed Miguel is stuck dealing with a failing bookstore and an author who no-shows an event that could help make payroll. Lots of cliche tropes of typical lighter romance novels. Entertaining and endearing at times. Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine/Delcorte Press for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest opinion. Dog Person is now available.
🍷🍷🍷1/2
View From the East Wing: A Memoir – Jill Biden
I picked this up as it was a selection from my online book club with Sharon McMahon. I wasn’t exceptionally excited to read it, not because of Dr. Biden in any way, it was more about my moody nature right now. I did power through, enjoyed parts, other parts were ok, and that was about it. For me, it lacked emotional connection but I was glad to read it. However, I did participate in a one hour zoom session with Dr. Biden as part of that book club and I will say it changed my perception a great deal. And maybe that is what the book was lacking originally for me, the warmness that comes from this magnificent women’s soul. I think if I were to read this one again I would go to the audio.
🍷🍷🍷
It Could Have Been Her – Lisa Jewell
I’m not sure if this was a me problem or a book problem but I mostly had no clue who was who and what was going on. Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest opinion. It Could Have Been Her is now available.
🍷🍷🍷
The Women in White – Sarah Pekkanen
The one was really quite strange but I kept going. I was intrigued, yet not completely sold on if it would come together or not. Ultimately, it was entertaining enough to power on but fell flat with all of its confusion. I went back and forth between digital and audio for this one, with a preference for the audio. Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and MacMillan Audio for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest opinion. The Women in White will be available on 8/4/26.
🍷🍷🍷
Understory – Chloe Benjamin
I really don’t know what to rate this book. First, it was one of my most highly anticipated books of the year and I truly thought we would be in 5 territory. There were parts I did like, which is saving it from getting a 2 (albeit small parts). Also, I did want to finish it, another toss into “I don’t think I can give this a 2” camp, as I have considered. But ultimately, I didn’t like it THAT much. First, it is way more sci-fi than I expected and honestly much of the science speak made me feel dumb. I couldn’t always grasp what was even going on. The sci-fi books I have stuck with, enjoyed and even sometimes loved have masterfully kept me engaged and taught me something without confusing me or making me feel plain ol’ stupid. This was not that. Lastly, it is just so far out there – I don’t even know how to explain it, but it was a big mess for me as it wrapped up. I know there are people raving that this is the best book they have ever read, etc, etc – so perhaps you will love it. But I did not. My rating would be in the 2 – low 3 range but I am not sure I will ever click the stars on this one (that almost never happens). Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam Publishing for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest opinion. Under Story will be available 9/1/26.
Somewhere in the 🍷🍷 – 🍷🍷🍷 range
