Forever Lost in Literature: Month in Review: June 2024

June started out fast, but ended up slowing down at the end of the month, and I actually appreciated that. June is also my birthday month, though I'm not the biggest birthday celebration person, but it's still fun to spend some time with family. It was another busy month, but nothing overly exciting, I'm afraid. The one big (not that big, though) decision I made in June is that I signed up for a teacher training course in October for aerials! I'm not entirely sure if/when I may actually end up being an instructor for aerial silks/etc. since I've only been learning it for about two years, but I wanted to just get a taste of what that could be like and also further my own aerial knowledge and skills, so I'm excited for that!

In reading news, I read a pretty nice array of books and really liked most of them! I don't think I ended up with any five star reads, but I still think a lot of these were fantastic reads, especially The Cautious Traveller's Guide to the Wastelands, The Rent Collectors, and The Spellshop.

How was your May? Let me know how your month was below and what you've been reading!

# books read: 12

The Cautious Traveller's Guide to the Wastelands by Sarah Brooks ★★★★

Source: NetGalley | Format: eARC

Thoughts: This was so atmospheric and I had such a great time with it. A very slow burn type of read, but worth it! My review for this one is already up on my blog.

The Rent Collectors: Exploitation, Murder, and Redemption in Immigrant LA by Jesse Katz ★★★★.5

Source: Publisher | Format: Physical ARC

Thoughts: This was an incredibly informative and insightful nonfiction look into gang and immigrant life in LA. Highly recommended! My review will be up soon!

These Deathless Shores by P.H. Low ★★★.75

Source: Publisher | Format: Physical ARC

Thoughts: As we know (or if you don't, now you will), I am a bit Peter Pan fan and will read any and all retellings/books inspired by it, so I was really excited for this one and thought it was a really interesting take! You can find my review already up!

The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst ★★★★

Source: NetGalley | Format: Audiobook

Thoughts: This was absolutely delightful and I really enjoyed my time listening to this audiobook! The perfect cozy fantasy for the summer.

The Sins on Their Bones by Laura R. Samotin ★★★★

Source: Library | Format: Audiobook

Thoughts: I was warned this was a bit dark and heavy at times, and it certainly was. A really good read, though!

The God and the Gumiho by Sophie Kim ★★★★

Source: Publisher | Format: Physical ARC

Thoughts: Another fun fantasy, this one was surprised me with how much I ended up enjoying it.

Walking to Aldebaran by Adrian Tchaikovsky ★★★★

Source: Library | Format: Audiobook

Thoughts: Tchaikovsky always comes through with thought-provoking sci-fi, and this novella was no different.

Long Live Evil by Sarah Rees Brennan ★★★★

Source: Publisher | Format: Physical ARC

Thoughts: This was hilarious and occasionally moving and thoughtful. It's also a ton of fun. My review for this will be up closer to its release in August.

The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers by Samuel Burr ★★★★

Source: Owned | Format: Hardcover

Thoughts: This was a cute read and I had a lot of fun, I loved all the puzzles throughout.

Running Close to the Wind by Alexandra Rowland ★★★★

Source: NetGalley | Format: Audiobook

Thoughts: This is described as being an extremely horny book, and that was extremely accurate. A fun read, though a bit over the top at times. Still, you'll have a good time if you don't mind constant sex jokes!

The Maleficent Seven by Cameron Johnston ★★★

Source: Library | Format: Paperback

Thoughts: This was a fun fantasy read. It didn't stand out to me overly much, but still a good time and I'd like to read more from Cameron Johnston.

Paint It All Red by S.T. Abby

Source: Library | Format: Audiobook

Thoughts: I wanted to finish up this series so finally got around to this one. A very solid conclusion, though certainly not a favorite.

DNF/To-Be-Finished:

None