4 Ultimate Books I read recently in June 2024
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Hello book lovers!
I had a Taylor Jenkins Reid June. That’s because I read two of her recent bestsellers back to back. And I’m in love with her writing once again. I cannot imagine an author churning out stories every year. More so, stories with that much research and depth. Stories that appeal to all kinds of readers in the world. TJR is definitely going to my list of authors I want to read every year from.
More about her books later in the reviews. I also read two other books that felt average. But overall, I think I had a successful reading month with one five-star book and one almost five-star book.
Let me know what you read for Pride Month or what you read generally.
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Recent Reads June 2024
My Rating: 2 stars
Published in 2018
Genre: Essays / Non-fiction
Publisher: Penguin Random House India Pvt. Ltd.
Pages: 288
Eleven Ways to Love by Various Authors
Eleven Ways to Love is a collection of essays by various authors about the different aspects of love from the LGBTQ+ perspective. Love is not just the romantic kind. It can be self-love, love between friends, or just unrequited love. The book reminds us about the beauty of love, of what it is to love and be loved.
The collection seems unbalanced. Some essays feel superficial or lacking depth. They seem like a complaint form or grievance application. At the same time, some seem fresh and resonated with me.
Readers who enjoy short, thought-provoking write-ups about relationships might enjoy this book. The collection was not impactful.
My Rating: 2 stars
Published in 2008
Genre: Contemporary fiction (Indian)
Published by Penguin Modern Classics
Pages: 216 pages
The Legends of Khasak by O.V.Vijayan
This book is translated from Malayali by the author. The book is set in a tiny fictional village in Kerala called Khasak. Ravi, a man running away from his father and his past, arrives here as a school teacher. He is then made witness to the various goings on in the small community settled in the village. It has stories of folklore, superstition, and mysticism and shows the hard truths of rural life.
The author has given the plot plenty of thought and offers valuable insights. But that makes the pacing of the book extremely slow, and it seems like the stories have a disconnect. The language might make it very difficult to grasp for some readers.
Literary fiction fans who enjoy Indian rural stories might enjoy this book.
Indian Translated Books To Read
My Rating: 5 stars
First Published in 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction
Published by Ballantine Books
Pages: 368 pages
This is an exciting story about a rock band in the 1970s. It’s written in an interview format where the members of the band share their memories and experiences while working for the band. It feels awesome to read about their life story unfolding before our eyes.
The strong characters and the various plot twists and turns, I think, are the strength of the book. The detailed descriptions of the music in that era make you feel like you’re with the band, listening to them speak and play. Living their life. I wouldn’t expect anything less from TJR.
The interview format makes the book very engaging. I totally get the love for the book readers have.
Music Lovers will devour this book. But I even recommend the book to readers who like stories with strong character development.
Best Mystery Books of the last 13 years
My Rating: 4 stars
Published in 2022
Genre: Historical Fiction
Published by Ballantine Books
Pages: 384 pages
Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Carrie Soto is already a legendary tennis player when we start the book. But she’s on retirement. Only now, she wants to make a comeback and claim her record for winning the most slam titles after a younger player breaks it. Then begins the journey of Carrie’s intense and focused training towards her goal with her father, who is also her coach.
The author has written the story in a very professional and detailed way. Since it’s a sports book about tennis, the research makes it exciting to read. But I think at the same time, readers who have no knowledge of tennis might find it a difficult book to follow.
But the addition of the heart-touching father-daughter story makes it a profound and meaningful story. The emotional moments, especially towards the end, made me cry.
It is a perfect book for sports/tennis enthusiasts. But readers who love stories about strong female characters or stories of a comeback will also enjoy this book immensely.
I’ve also begun The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell towards the end of June. But will be finishing it July so look for my review of it next month. Until then.
Happy Reading!
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