What I Read in June

In spite of June being a jam-packed month with the Taylor Swift concert, two visits from my bestie, a family trip to Colorado, and a trip to KC for a board meeting for the nonprofit I volunteer for, it was a busy reading month for me!  Lots of time in the airport - as well as a few books on the shorter side, and one that I absolutely loved - helped!

The Playlist by Morgan Elizabeth: In preparation for the Taylor Swift concert, I heard about this book where each title is a Taylor Swift song.  It was Hallmark movie quality, with a lot of spice.  Fun to read (while definitely not a literary masterpiece).  I think it might even be a self-pub/Amazon-pub because I couldn't find it on Bookshop.org.  Also, couldn't miss a chance sharing a picture getting ready for the Eras Tour.

Cult Classic by Sloane Crosley: This book teetered the line between realistic fiction and sci-fi - fantastic realism is I think the name for it.  Not the genre I typically read, although I have a few favorites (especially The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue).  Wasn't my favorite, but fun to mix it up!

Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond: I also don't typically read non-fiction, but was especially

interested in this book because I volunteer for a nonprofit that works in International development and poverty eradication.  While the work we do there is not in the US, it has made me even more interested in the state of poverty here at home and what we can do about it.  Non-fiction usually takes me a long time to get through, but I sped through this one.  I was a little disappointed that all of the suggested solves were primarily policy-driven, because it made me feel a bit like there's nothing I can do.  That said, one of the key takeaways was that we all need to take a look and acknowledge the way we benefit from poverty and wealth inequity in our own lives.  The quote that I found most powerful: Poverty isn't simply the condition of not having enough money. It's the condition of not having enough choice and being taken advantage of because of that.  I definitely recommend reading this book, or if you're not sure you're up for the full book,  here is an article the NYTimes published summarizing: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/09/magazine/poverty-by-america-matthew-desmond.html

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Grams: I LOVED this book.  After I shared that I read The Maid, many people asked if I had read this one.  I loved the way the story was told - with many interconnected short stories.  I loved the character development.  And I loved how the protagonist stayed true to herself throughout.  I can see why this book is so loved!  Would definitely recommend.

One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serve: Ok, technically I finished this book July 1, but I'm going to count it :). This is one of the shorter books - only 245 pages.  I bought this book at Macdonald Bookshop when I was in Estes Park with my family (didn't get a picture!).  I usually read on my Kindle or phone (shoutout to the Libby app!) these days, but like visiting bookstores and used it as an opportunity to buy something fun!  When we were on our flight to Estes Park, we sat next to a lovely woman named Carol and chatted with her throughout the flight.  My grandma's name is also Carol.  When I read the back of this book, I knew it was meant to be because it was about a daughter who just lost her mother, Carol.  I loved the book!  Very fun to read - a vacation story that takes place in Positano, Italy (and I hear we have moved from Coastal Grandma summer to Italian Girl summer?), and a "coming of age" story for late 20s/early 30s.  Would recommend!