What I Read: June Edition

After the rough reading month of May, I was really hoping for some better, or at least more enjoyable, books in June. Some of the books this month seemed to focus around food and health (some are still in process and didn't make the June list), but I also managed to squeeze in a couple of "just for fun" books, and even considered doing a re-read of an old favorite, because sometimes you just need a comfort book (I didn't do it - still trying to focus on all the books on my shelves that I've never read before). Is there a book that you go back to over and over? A book that feels like a cozy blanket or an old friend? For me, that's the Mitford series by Jan Karon. When this year is over...I fully anticipate reading through that series yet again. It never gets old. 

Photo by Nick Hillier on Unsplash

When I wasn't dealing with school stuff or working through my goals for the month, I found time to enjoy moments of solitude and the following books. 

1. The Secret History of Food by Matt Siegel - ★ I don't remember where I first heard about this book, but the premise of it intrigued me. I'm a sucker for books about food, and the idea of hearing all the "strange but true stories about the origins of everything we eat" totally sucked me in. Unfortunately, the best part about this book was the premise. The author clearly had an agenda, and his writing was too politically tinged for my liking (it's a book about weird food stories, leave politics at the door - that's how I feel anyway!), and full of too many sexual innuendos. While there were several interesting tidbits scattered throughout the book, it wasn't enough to make me recommend it - even if you aligned with his political point of view. One star. {No Amazon Link}
2. The Joy and Light Bus Company by Alexander McCall Smith - ★★★★ A friend recommended The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency books to me back in 2005, before we went to work in Botswana for several months. I've been hooked ever since. This addition to the series (from 2021) is equally delightful, like a comforting cup of bush tea on a breezy, covered veranda. After a number of books I had to work my way through to finish, I needed something that was effortless. I read this in a day. Will Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni become a partner in a bus business? Will Mma Ramotswe work out the case of the wrong Bontle? And what's this about slavery in the Pula Pula house? But of course, this is Botswana, and everything comes out right in the end, as it should. One little word of warning ⚠ about the tendency of this author to be a little more "woke" in each book. It's not in your face, but it's there - the characters gently sharing their more "inclusive" opinions. It's not enough to put me off of the series (yet), but it's worth a mention. Four stars. {Amazon Associates Link}
3. Murder is Binding by Lorna Barrett - ★★★ I received this in a "Secret Santa" gift exchange we did for work last year. My expectations were low, as I don't tend to like themed mystery series (cooking or knitting or, in this case, bookstores) and I find the plots to be thin, the writing weak, and the characters shallow. That being said, I enjoyed this story more than I thought I would, and I love the idea of a town saved from the brink by turning their downtown into a book-lovers paradise (specialty bookstores, everywhere!). Even though the characters were rather shallow, and the writing wasn't anything to write home about, I still enjoyed it enough that I would try another book from the series, if the opportunity presented itself. What I would call a "murder mystery beach read," level of book. Three stars. {Amazon Associates Link}
4. Paul Harvey's America by Stephen Mansfield & David A. Holland - ★★★★ Hello, America. [...] And now you know...the rest of the story! I grew up with these words ringing out on the radio, so when my parents were mid-move a couple of years ago and cleaning out, I took this book off their shelves and finally got around to reading it. I enjoyed learning a little bit more about the man behind the microphone, his upbringing in Tulsa, his early start in radio, and the woman behind the man. Without Angel, he might very well have stayed in small mid-western radio stations, with the rest of America none the wiser as to what they were missing. Paul Harvey never tried to be anyone but himself, a point which stands out throughout the book. Not a long book, but what I would call a good summertime read. Clean, wholesome, and a little nostalgic for the bygone days. Four stars. {Amazon Associates Link}

If you've been following along, that brings my book total for the year up to 38 towards my goal of 48. With just ten books remaining to meet that goal, and still six months left in the year, I'm expecting to exceed the original plan, but I'm okay with that. What bookworm wouldn't be, right? 

What was on YOUR nightstand this month? 

What's your "go to" book when life is hard and you are looking for a short break from reality? 

Hit me up in the comments and give me your best recommendations...from the last month, the year so far, or all time favorites.