Happy June!
I am back with another reading update. And more timely for once. 😀 It has been an excellent reading month with titles across genres. And not a single DNF.
As we step into the LGBTQ+ Pride Month, I plan to diversify my reads concentrating on more queer books. Particularly by Asian authors.
Here is the list of books I read last month. Along with my upcoming TBR. Hope you find some picks that appeal to you too.
Books I read:
The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐, Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Format: Audiobook
I have always believed in the healing power of books. They had been instrumental in helping me cope with my father’s death.
The Reading List builds on this following the lives of a varied bunch of individuals and how the books on the Reading List bring them peace and closure. It also explores the important role of libraries in our communities.
I would surely recommend it, particularly the audiobook. But be warned, it can be very triggering.
You Had Me at Hola by Alexis Daria
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐, Genre: Contemporary Romance , Format: Audiobook
After an overwhelming read, I was looking for a light pick and You Had Me at Hola fit the bill perfectly. A Latinx romance set in a world of telenovas.
Two concurrent stories (real-time and telenova), big messy meddling family, emotions, and drama. All the makings for an adorable read. This first book in the Primas of Power series is bound to get you out of a reader’s block.
Onam in a Nightie: Stories from a Kerala Quarantine by Anjana Menon
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐, Genre: Memoir, Format: Audiobook
The author returns to Thrissur, Kerala during the pandemic and needs to undergo the required quarantine. Onam in a Nightie is a compilation of experiences with a generous dose of nostalgia.
The book had potential and started off well. But somehow failed to deliver. The constant “south is better than the north” too got grating after a point. All in all, a decent read.
Beauty and the Besharam by Lillie Vale Book Review
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐, Genre: YA Romance, Format: ARC Ebook
Kavya Joshi is a fiercely competitive seventeen-year-old who does not shy away from speaking her mind. And often labeled besharam. Ian Jun is a cinnamon roll who has his own demons to slay. A sweet guy but definitely not a pushover.
Rivals to lovers. Grumpy girl x sunshine boy. Diverse characters. Realistic relationships. Cute banter. And most important of all, being your unapologetic self. An easy summer read that is full of heart.
Disobedient Girls (The Story Project Book 8)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, Genre: Anthology, Format: Kindle Ebook
In one word, Brilliant!
Disobedient Girls is a collection of short stories and poems that celebrate brave and outspoken women. From an uneducated mother who wishes a better life for her daughter to the feminist retelling of Taming of the Shrew to Abbakka Chowta who history seems to have forgotten.
Be sure to check out the video links at the end of the book for panel discussions. I would be sharing a detailed review soon.
The Living Mountain by Amitav Ghosh
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, Genre: Climate Fiction , Format: Audiobook
A tiny book of just 35 pages that packs a punch. One that stays with you a long after you finish reading.
An Indian climate fiction based on a long lost fable that is relevant even today. The story of the Mahaparbat mountain and the aptly named Anthropoi that wreak havoc stealing its riches.
I am yet to pick the illustrated version but the audiobook too is a must-read.
Currently reading:
The two books I am currently reading are again poles apart.
Ace: What Asexuality Reveals About Desire, Society, and the Meaning of Sex by Angela Chen came highly recommended by Sahi @ My World of Books and is indeed a brilliant read. I am only half way in and would already recommend it. I am planning to do an in-depth review since there is so much to talk about.
Alongside, I am reading the ARC of TJ Powar Has Something to Prove by Jesmeen Kaur Deo, A YA rom-com that discusses body image and euro-centric beauty standards.
Asian Queer Books on my TBR
June is LGBTQA+ month and I have set up a list of books I want to get to not just in June but in the upcoming months.
Set in a world inspired by the history and epics of India, The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri comes highly recommended and would be my first pick. I have been hearing great things about Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao too.
Mulan meets The Song of Achilles in She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan.
And finally The Henna Wars by Adiba Jaigirdar that has been on my TBR for the longest time.
Reading Challenges:
I am glad to have finally made some progress on the Beat the Backlist Challenge. Time for another goal update? Naah!
I am also participating in a fun A2Z challenge. So far, the going has been good.
On the Blog
Given that it has been just a fortnight since the last update, there has only been one additional post.The blog tour review for Beauty and the Besharam by Lillie Vale.
There is a lot more planned for the upcoming months including #CauseAChatter posts. Keep an eye out for them.
From the Blogosphere
You are in for a treat this month since I have an eclectic list of posts from the community.
If you are looking for Asian queer book recommendations, Jayati @ It’s Just a Coffee Addicted Bibliophile has listed 20 Asian Queer Books To Add To Your TBR.
Fanna @ Fanna for Books has compiled an excellent list of 110 Fiction Books by Asian & Pacific Islander Authors. Do check it out.
There are some exciting releases this June and Sahi @ My World of Books (my go-to for non-fiction picks) has some brilliant recommendations for you.
If you request ARCs or are planning to get started, Kal @ Reader Voracious’ ARC Request Templates set you up for success.
If reading classics overwhelms you, be sure to check out Seven easy tips to help you read a classic novel by Tulika @ Beat About The Book. She has also compiled a list of easy reads to get you started.
Buying vs Borrowing Books. I’m all for the latter. Dini @ dinipandareads‘ weekly Let’s Talk Bookish meme posts always raise some pertinent bookish questions.
What have you been reading lately? Do share in the comments below.
I’m participating in the #TBRChallenge by Blogchatter.
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.
Photo credit: Canva.com
June 2, 2022 @ 10:49 pm
Wow that’s a lot of books! I’m at 3 books… 2 not my kind of genre but still trying while the third keeps finishing and changing. hahaha
June 4, 2022 @ 5:47 pm
Glad to see you had a great reading month in may and enjoyed all your reads! I am so excited to read Ace and its great to hear you are loving it! I also adore all the books you’ve mentioned, especially The Henna Wars and She Who Became The Sun and hope you enjoy it too!
June 4, 2022 @ 5:50 pm
These books look good. I’m too searching for books on queer community.
June 4, 2022 @ 8:27 pm
Congrats that you have complete your May list of books. I would like to read Amitava Ghosh The little mountain and the disobedient girl.
June 4, 2022 @ 8:49 pm
Your book suggestions are awesome, this month has different mix of books
June 5, 2022 @ 11:16 am
You are a true blue bookworm, Ritu.The number of books reviewed, shared and suggested are a real mix of different authors.
June 5, 2022 @ 1:59 pm
Amazing Ritu and congratulations on completing another list of good reads. Thank you for your candid review on Onam in a nightie… was about to pick it up😛
June 5, 2022 @ 2:15 pm
It is still an under-explored topic for me. I think reading these books shall help in building some perspective. Thank you for sharing.
June 5, 2022 @ 2:36 pm
Congratulations on completing such a great list
..you are truly a bookworm.
June 5, 2022 @ 3:05 pm
Wow what a list of books you have read in such a short time! I would be lucky to get through one book in a month. Thanks for the list of books for June – will look into one or two that look interesting to me!
June 5, 2022 @ 4:04 pm
So many books you read in a mont. Really great! Each book is so unique and different and I am sure it must have been fun reading them. Bookmarking your list for my reference.
June 5, 2022 @ 5:08 pm
That is quite a lot of books. I enjoyed listening to Living Mountain. It is really good. I am going to pick up Disobedient Girls next.
June 5, 2022 @ 6:34 pm
Such a well compiled and detailed list! I envy your ability to read so much, nowadays I wish I got time to
June 5, 2022 @ 7:49 pm
Superb list…. added few to my reading list… thanks for sharing this.
June 5, 2022 @ 8:29 pm
Lovely list of reads here ritu, onam in a nightie has been in my tbr will read
June 5, 2022 @ 9:00 pm
The Living Mountain has been creating ripples. I liked the title Onam in a Nightie. I’m glad you could get your hands on Disobedient Girls. Thanks for mentioning The Myth of the Shrew. Will look forward to your detailed review.
June 5, 2022 @ 9:12 pm
Onam in a Nightie sounds particularly interesting. Interesting list of reads/ audiobooks. Thanks you!
June 6, 2022 @ 8:02 am
Wonderful books recommendationd, with a sneak peak to decide which one to pick, I would pick Onam in a Nightie.😊
June 9, 2022 @ 12:23 pm
How much time you spend in a day for reading? The list seems perfect and everyone can choose atleast one as per choice. Thanks for the recommendations
August 5, 2022 @ 5:19 pm
I always enjoy your round-up reading posts, it’s like having an intimate conversation with a friend!