Book of the Month
This month is the first time I think I’ve reviewed four new releases in a row (other than in brief overviews). And it was an unusually fine group of them too — some of my favorite books of the year so far.
I wasn’t blown away by most of my other reading this month, however, until I finally got around to one of last year’s buzz books, Station Eleven. Once I overcame my dislike of post-apocalyptic novels (they give me nightmares), I tore through it, loving the characters and their journey.
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Reviews
- The Children was a wryly humorous yet poignant look at the secrets that haunt a wealthy Connecticut family.
- A Man of Genius took us on a powerful, dark journey into nineteenth-century London and Venice.
- The Summer Guest was a beautiful novel of life, language, and literature, weaving together fact and fiction around a real-life incident from the life of Anton Chekhov.
- New England Bound offered a sobering look at the cruelty and injustice found at the roots of our nation’s drive for freedom.
Other Books Read
Grayling’s Song by Karen Cushman- The Sun King Conspiracy by Yves Lago and Denis Lepec
- Mort by Terry Pratchett – Reread
- The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald
- The Dragon of Trelian by Michelle Knudsen
- The Princess of Trelian by Michelle Knudsen
- The Mage of Trelian by Michelle Knudsen
- Lagoon by Nnedi Okorafor
- Lucky Jim by Kingsley Amis – Classics Club Spin
- Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
Other Features and Events
- This month’s discussion question was How do you deal with images? Lots of interesting ideas and feedback here.
- I reviewed my progress with The Classics Club and participated in the CC Spin.
- I also reviewed what I’ve read so far for Reading New England – I can’t believe the year is almost half over!
- I joined in the Summer Comment Challenge for July, hoping to make some new blogging friends.
Shared in the Sunday Post hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer, the Month in Review linkup at The Book Date, and the Monthly Wrap-up Round-up hosted by Feed Your Fiction Addiction
The Emerald City Book Review Archive 
I’m so glad you enjoyed Station Eleven! I loved that book when I read it last year. I just liked how whilst it was science fiction it read like literary fiction. I thought it was very unique 🙂
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It also recalled some of my favorite fantasy books, with its band of traveling players.
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Station Eleven was one of my favourite reads last year. I keep meaning to find more by the author and then forget. oops!
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I hope someday you succeed – she seems like an author with many interesting ideas.
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I really like your Book of the Month feature. Post-apocalyptic novels gives me the creeps too but I’ve spent a lot of time in the great lakes area so may have to give Station Eleven a try.
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Yes, it was interesting to go on a post-civilization journey through that area, probably even more so if you know it well.
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I really want to read Station Eleven. I will try to get to it this year.
I find that some books disturb me so much there are now some that I am staying away from. Post apocalyptic novels sometimes fall into this category. With that, I think that I will be OK with this one.
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I think you would be too. It didn’t dwell on the horrific sides, though they were certainly present.
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I read Station Eleven and wasn’t feeling it. I preferred The Singer’s Gun by her much more. Happy July!
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Interesting, as nearly everyone seems to love it. I’ll have to check out The Singer’s Gun.
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Well done on so much reading, especially as you weren’t blown away by some of it, and for already finishing your Spin book! I have not long started mine! Will you be doing a review of Lucky Jim? I also like the sound of A Man of Genius. I wish you more happy reading in July 🙂
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Yes, I was pretty impressed that I’ve finished the spin already. I should be posting my review of Lucky Jim later this month.
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I had never heard of Station Eleven before but I looked into it and it seems interesting! I’ll have to look into some of the others you mentioned. I’ve literally never heard of any of them… xD
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Station Eleven was a very interesting, very readable book – try the first chapter and see if you don’t get sucked in.
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I just read the excerpt on Amazon — yep, I’m going to get that book. Definitely hooked lol
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I am very worried to read Station Eleven as I also have to avoid post-apocalyptic books (and movies and TV shows). Everyone keeps saying I can do it — but they aren’t bothered by it like I am. I think you may have given me some courage!
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I am VERY squeamish, so if I can read it, I think you can too.
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What a wide variety of books. I have just been exploring your New England challenge. What a great one and would make you read such a variety. I always think of NE as a beautiful part of the world – experienced from TV haha! Looking forward to visiting in July.
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And I always think of New Zealand as a gorgeous place – mostly from the movies. I’d like to read more NZ books — I read Green Dolphin Street this year but am not sure that counts as the author had never actually been there.
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I loved The Children…and I’m curious about Station Eleven. Enjoy your July reading!
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Glad to hear of someone else who liked The Children. And Station Eleven got all the buzz for good reason. Enjoy your reading as well!
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I’ve heard fantastic things about Station Eleven – I really need to read that one!
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You really should. I think you would love it.
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Four new releases in a row would be a feat for me. I tend to bounce back and forth a ton. Sounds like you had a good run with it though.
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Not my usual pattern, but it worked out well this time.
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