the best books i read this month

July has come to the close and the summer is quickly passing us by. Summer for me is a great time for fun reads, and for romance (you can read more about my recent love for romance books here). There are definitely some of these in here this month as well as some non-fiction and a few more serious books.

Summer is also the time of a few trips and while I haven’t been going anywhere too crazy it is nice to take a bit of time away from work and relax with a good book, which I have definitely been doing.

Without further ado, here are my top reads from the month of July, Check out all my book reviews and ratings at my goodreads profile here

The Quiet at the End of the World by Lauren James

Last year I read James’ book “The Last Girl in the Universe” and absolutely loved it and knew that I wanted to read more from this author. “The Quiet at the End of the World” did not disappoint and was absolutely riveting from beginning to end. The story centers around Lowrie and Shen, the youngest two humans on earth after a disease made all humans infertile. They spend their days exploring what used to be the bustling city of London with the rest of the aging population until one day something happens that rocks their entire world. When secrets are revealed it is up to Lowrie and Shen to save what is left of humanity and the world.

Motherhood So White: A Memoir of Race, Gender, and Parenting in America by Nefertiti Austin

One of my goals in reading (and life) is to read and listen to voices that aren’t my own; whether that is voices of colour, of different viewpoints, and of different sexualities. This book is a memoir of a single black women’s quest to adoption and what that meant for her community and for her future son. This is a look into a world that I am never going to experience and the story is a very eye opening and teachable one.

Unladylike: A Field Guide to Smashing the Patriarchy and Claiming Your Space by Cristen Conger

This book is such a fun, educational, and colour filled look into feminism in many forms. I love how this book is both informative but in a way that involves flow charts and drawings. This is a great introduction to women’s rights but also a comprehensive one. It doesn’t get too bogged down, but it also isn’t too fluffy. A very good mix.

The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary

This is a book about roommates, not weird until you realize that the roommates share a space, and even a bed, and yet they have never met. The two of them work separate schedules, only communicating through post it notes around the flat and go for months without meeting. This is such a cute book and one that definitely gave me the warm fuzzy feelings. It is such a crazy concept but it just gave even more to the book.

Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane

I love a good family drama book and for those who love Celeste Ng you will love this book as well. This book involves two families, friendship, marriage, and the intricacies that bond them all. I love how well explored all of the characters are in this as you see how deep and real they and their interactions are.

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuisten

What would happen if the First Son of the United States falls in love with the Prince of England? Well it will be a little bit of a state secret, and a lot bit sexy. This book is full of adventures, sneaking around, and was a very fun read. It was the perfect book to take to the beach or on your vacation in August.

Well Met by Jen DeLuca

This is another fun summer read, but this time taking place at a Renaissance Fair. This book is very cute and it had one of my favourite tropes of Romance books with the guy who is a jerk at first but then has is outer shell peeled away and becomes more caring. I loved the fun setting of the Renaissance Fair and the main characters were very enjoyable.

City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert

I was excited for this book, but I was not expecting to be 5 star excited about it and it ended up being one of the best books this month. This book reminds me in some ways of “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” with the older women looking back on her life. I loved the look back into the 1940’s and beyond and how Vivian grows in her life and becomes the woman that she is at the end of her life.