What I read July through september
July, August and September, months of long awaited rich texts! Every season is the best season for reading, but there’s something about spending lazy afternoons with your legs slung over the arm of a cozy, overstuffed chair to escape the heat of the day that brings out strong notes of pleasure. Admittedly I planned to do monthly roundups with synopses but life got in the way, so I’ll just highlight the big winners and skippers.
Walk, don’t run:
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore. When I think about books I rate 5 stars, the criteria is usually that they consume me completely until I turn the last page. This mystery spanning two timelines set in upstate New York fit that criteria to a tee. I was reaching for this book in any free minute I had and was mourning the inevitable approaching ending as I devoured it. I’ve loved Moore’s work since Heft, her debut, and admire how each of her subsequent novels has been a steady handed departure from the last.
James by Percival Everett. If you’ve already heard of this book, you know that James captures the events of Huckleberry Finn as told by Jim, a slave. Beautifully written and reimagined.
Very, very good
Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe. Margo’s money troubles stressed me out a little bit tbh, but I loved her mess to success story. Warmly drawn characters, particularly her second chance at a close relationship with her father, a former professional wrestler working through his addiction issues. Compulsively fun and readable while deftly balancing the complicated topics of money and power, sex work as legitimate work, family, custodial battles, and addiction.
So very, very bad:
All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker. I yelled OH COME ON out loud multiple times reading this one. I don’t understand the good reviews.
Won’t get my non-existent vote for a Pulitzer but scratched a particular itch
Funny Story by Emily Henry. I will read every new book she spits out, though the demanding annual publishing schedule of contemporary romance novels feels like it is impacting the quality of her last two. Still enjoyed them, but they were less swoony and sparkly.
