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I was hoping to pick up some more interesting books in June. High five! I had three 5★ books. Something that rarely happens here. So yeah. I did good. Overall I was able to read 7 books. But even though I am keeping track on how much I read and am proud of the amount, please let me make clear reading is a pleasure and no competition. Sometimes with those reports it may give off the feeling inadequacy. I believe the amount of books is not necessarily saying much. I’d rather read one good book instead of three poorly written ones. I’d rather read any book instead of not being able to read. So make sure your are reading for your personal development and not for competition. Ok, enough deep talk. Here are my June books – what I read. Hope you find something that inspires you.
Where the Crawdads sing by Delia Owens | ★★★★★
What it is about: For years, rumors of the “Marsh Girl” haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet fishing village. Kya Clark is barefoot and wild; unfit for polite society. So in late 1969, when the popular Chase Andrews is found dead, locals immediately suspect her. (Goodreads)
What I thought: As always with books that are so hyped I am hesitant. I tend to not like them very much. I am so so happy I did read this one. Finally. It is very good. The story is not really fast paced, it is a lot of observation of wild life, people and nature. The pace picks up at the end of the book. I actually enjoyed the ending. It is not like most books.
Original Language and Title: English hardcover, paperback, eBook
Publications: German: “Der Gesang der Flusskrebse” hardcover, paperback, eBook
Recommend to: Anyone loving a good story, a strong female lead, some everyday magic.
The Girl who Chases the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen | ★★★★★
What it is about: Emily Benedict came to Mullaby, North Carolina, hoping to solve at least some of the riddles surrounding her mother’s life. But the moment Emily enters the house where her mother grew up and meets the grandfather she never knew, she realises that mysteries aren’t solved in Mullaby, they’re a way of life. Here are rooms where the wallpaper changes to suit your mood. (Goodreads)
What I thought: This book was recommended by Lecy and I am so happy I picked it up. It was beautifully written. It – I believe – portrait living in the southern states really well – or at least I could imagine myself there. The subtle mystery that holds you captive sweeps out of the pages. I enjoyed it and I want to read more this author.
Original Language and Title: English paperback, eBook
Publications: could not find German translation
Recommend to: Everyone loving a magical story, a bit of love and lots of friendship and finding your footing. Perfect summer read.
Toxic Childhood Stress by Nadine Burke Harris | ★★★★★
What it is about: What are the links between childhood trauma and chronic stress in adulthood? How can negative childhood experiences cause serious illnesses such as high blood pressure, Graves’ disease, heart disease, ADHD, or even Alzheimer’s disease?
What I thought: When I requested this book from the publisher I have something very different on my mind what it might be about. I am glad I picked it up. It was really eye opening to read. Not only the behind the scenes of how to run a clinic but also all the procedures that take place and how and what it takes to make certain therapies a standard in the medical world. And then of course the subject on itself. I found it really interesting to read about stress and toxic stress in general. I believe we are talking not enough about it. This is a very interesting book to do better but also to maybe understand about childhood stress and trauma. I dd like the checklist in the back to actually see for yourself how much toxic stress you may have experienced in life. Also the same checklist is attached to check for children today. This book is well of information and will make you think.
Original Language and Title: English paperback, eBook
Publications: German Title “Befreiung finden” hardcover, eBook
Recommend to: Every doctor, parent, teacher or whoever is in the business of raising children. But also if you had a rough childhood and may want to understand what shaped you.
This book was send to me by the publisher but my fascination is my own.
Seven Days in June by Tia Williams | ★★★☆☆
What it is about: Eva Mercy is a single mother and bestselling erotica writer who is feeling pressed from all sides. Shane Hall is a reclusive, enigmatic, award-winning novelist, who, to everyone’s surprise, shows up unexpectedly in New York. They have history. Of course.
What I thought: I’ve heard so much about Reese’s Bookclub that I figured I will have a closer look. This book was the June recommendation and it happened to be on kindle sale for 0.99€. So I snatched it up and started reading. I was able to connect with the main female character quite quickly as she is suffering form frequent migraines. It actually was the first time I came across this chronic disease in a book. So I was intrigued. I personally didn’t care too much about the setting of the story. Fandom, celebrity and fame is really nothing that gets my blood boiling but I guess a lot of people like it. It was an entertaining read but I have to be honest I was expecting a bit more.
Original Language and Title: English paperback, eBook
Publications: not yet translated
Recommend to: Everyone wanting to read a fun summer story with fun characters and a good mother daughter relationship.
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi | ★★★☆☆
What it is about: A novel of breathtaking sweep and emotional power that traces three hundred years in Ghana and along the way also becomes a truly great American novel.
What I thought: I liked the book and it was good to read. However it did take me a while to understand that each chapter is one persons story. Luckily I discovered the family tree in the back of the book rather quickly otherwise I am not sure I would have been able to keep track. The book is covering 300 years. I sometimes felt t was just scratching on the history of the place. I sometimes wished for a bit of more context.
Original Language and Title: English hardcover, paperback, eBook
Publications: German title “Heimkehren” hardcover, paperback, eBook
Recommend to: Everyone wanting read about African history and the diaspora that followed colonizing Africa.
Dream Story by Arthur Schnitzler | ★★★☆☆
What it is about: A short book about marriage couple that have thought of infidelity and struggle with the mundane of the every day life.
What I thought: It was an ok book for me. I believe back in the time it was published it must have rippling effects and that is probably why it is on the classics lists. I found it very subtle at times and had a hard time seeing the provocative, erotic and jaw-dropping aspect but then again we are almost a 100 years in the future and societies have changed. The book includes lots of Freuds discoveries.
Original Language and Title: German hardcover, paperback, eBook
Publications: English paperback, eBook
Recommend to: Everyone reading classics and is interested how books were received in the time period they were written.
Golden vom Funkeln des Lebens by Clara Louise | ★★☆☆☆
What it is about: A collection of poem, thoughts and tips for mindfulness by one of the most renowned German speaking lyrics.
What I thought: I haven’t read much lyric in my life and when the publisher offered this book for review I was interested. Unfortunately I was rather disappointed. The poems are in my opinion not really poems. They are thoughts in short sentences. There is no harmony, no flow no magic. There was not a single one that moved me somehow. Additionally to the poems you find thoughts by the author reflecting her own life as well as little hints/tips on how to work on your personal development. Well, I don’t know. I found it all very superficial. The thoughts often just a bit of ramblings. The hints – to me – not very unique. More like gathered from all the self help books and put in own words. Maybe I was not the targeted reader for this book. However the cover of the book is one of the most beautiful I have ever held in my hands. That is really a piece of art.
Original Language and Title: German hardcover
Publications: not translated
Recommend to: Not sure. I have the feeling it might hit home more when you are in your twenties. Not sure though.
This book was send to me by the publisher. My opinion is my own.
Half time in my reading journey for 2020. I was able to check off a few more of my reading goals. I’d say I am right on track and might be able to finish it.
As for July and August I am participating in the #DickeBücherCamp challenge by Nordbreze. Its a summer camp where we read book with more than 500 pages. I have a broad selection and I am looking forward diving in. Last year I was able to read 4 books I believe.
Happy reading
4 comments
“Where the Crawdads sing” has been all over Insta. I’m glad you enjoyed it and it lived up to expectations. I must check if it is on my TBR list.
Earlier this year I read a book which so many people had raved about online (The Flatshare) and was disappointed. Writing a review was difficult because I felt like the only person who didn’t enjoy it.
Yes i can really recommend. It’s not teally fast paced but so many nice descriptions of scenery an d nature and studies of people characters. I admit I also was fearing it can’t live up to the hype. I usually don’t like hyped books maybe because I read them even more critical.
I love that you loved Where the Crawdads sing as much as I did…. it’s incredibly well written.
I also read The Girl who chases the moon. I think I gave it 3 or 4 stars. I was a little bit more critical of the plot, but enjoyed the story quite a bit.
I feared it can’t live up to the hype but it really was a great book. I guess the girl who chased the moon needs to be read in the right kind of mood. I want to read another one of this author.