everything i read in july | 2020
Hi hi!
I always love wrapping up what I read each month; I hope y’all like to find new things to read as well ☺️ July was pretty busy for me but the great thing is that I got back into AUDIOBOOKS. Audiobooks were the best for the walks I was taking in the sun, packing, unpacking, cooking, etc. Also my secret for getting free audiobooks (legally!) is The Libby App through my local library. I think most libraries in the US have partnered with Overdrive/Libby, so you just need your library card number! I prefer it way more over Audible because it’s so unlikely that I’ll ever re-listen to audiobooks.
ANYWAY. I’m so happy with my selection of July reads; I learned so much more about Black history and Black perspectives.
All links below go to Goodreads! If you’re purchasing, please try to support Black-owned bookstores or your local independent bookstore.
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
This one was tough to read; it’s fiction but it tells the story of two half-sisters and their family lineage through the generations, from leaving Ghana to working as slaves in the plantation in the South. It’s gritty and eye-opening, and I think overall, everyone needs to pick up this one just to read about the different perspectives throughout history. The audiobook was great as well!
Rating: 4 out of 5
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
Oh this was so spectacular. I never thought a story could be interesting surrounding the idea of a house, but Ann Patchett’s writing is gold. The story felt so full circle at the end and it made me want to hug the book! I loved the beautiful eeriness of the house and the ups and downs it presented to Danny’s life & family. Ann Patchett’s craft is *chef’s kiss*! (PS – I’d love to visit Ann Patchett’s bookstore in Nashville someday omg)
Rating: 4.75 out of 5
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
This one is a Young Adult fiction, but don’t let that fool you. I found it to be so impactful. It was eerie how similar this story was to what happened with George Floyd this past spring, only from the perspective of a direct witness. This was a fantastic young adult take on police brutality. Such an important story, loved Starr’s bravery and learning process. Highly recommend! The audiobook was also amazing! Also, it’s a movie streaming on Hulu that I still need to watch.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Call Me By Your Name by Andre Aceman
This one is a reread for me: the first time I read it was in spring 2018 and while I thought it was beautiful, this second time around via audiobook was a whole new world. Wooooow the audio just hits different. The audio is read by one of the main actors in the movie, and his VOICE. You know when someone just has the perfect, deep, audiobook or podcast voice? This narrator is him!! I was ALL up in my feelings upon finishing this re-read and I loved & appreciated this story so much more the second time! I NEED to watch the movie asap!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Find Me by Andre Aceman
After re-listening to Call Me By Your Name, I decided to pick up the sequel! And… Find Me ended up being kind of a let-down. I didn’t really find myself invested in the first half of the story following Elio’s father. It wasn’t engaging and I wasn’t drawn in. The ending was sweet though and of course, Aceman’s writing was beautiful, as always. The audiobook was decent! Loved the narrator for Call Me By Your Name 200% more though. Overall, I’d honestly skip this sequel if you read CMBYN and want to preserve your love for it.
Rating: 2.5 out of 5
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
This one was so fun! I used to read a lot more New Adult fiction but after awhile, they all kind of follow the same plot – not this one! I loved the racial & ability representation in The Kiss Quotient. The audiobook wasn’t the best, but it was good enough to make it an enjoyable read.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Six books for July, not too shabby! I think it’s so important to continue reading from BIPOC authors when I can. I’m currently reading The Secret History by Donna Tartt, and have been for the majority of July, so I hope I can finally finish it in August.
What have you been reading? I’m always taking recommendations, so let me know!!
Jen xx