This past month, I started work full-time and adjusted to mom-ing and job-ing and wife-ing all at once (OK, still adjusting) …

But I am proud to share that I read THREE books in June … finishing them all within the last week.

Here’s what I read (with a new rating/review system!):

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

What I liked:

• The writing. It was the quirky/quippy, matter-of-fact narration that I enjoy so much in books. Garmus is a smart writer.
• Side characters: I really loved Harriet, Mad, and the inner monologues of Six-Thirty. Six-Thirty was adorable (he’s the dog).
• The discussions/shedding light on sexism and lack of autonomy women faced in the ’60s … (and continue to face)…

What I disliked:

• The book was a little top heavy with the backstory. It started strong, but then jumped to Elizabeth and Calvin’s history. It was a little too much for me. I wanted more of the television show and her relationship with Mad.
• Did she have to be hot? Like was it NECESSARY that she was a skinny, hot scientist? Rolls eyes at that…

Trigger Warnings: sexism, rape, suicide, homophobia, religious cult, death of parents, death of loved ones, assault, domestic violence, incarcerated parents, verbal abuse.

I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston

What I liked:

• LGBTQ representation.
• The lovable characters, particularly the main character, Chloe. She was a great narrator.
• The pop culture references.
• The high school nostalgia.
• The storyline was super fun and interesting.
• Smith. ❤
• Georgia and her bookish ways.
• Unconditional love from parents and friends.

What I didn’t like:

• Shara Wheeler. Yawn. Don’t understand the obsession.

Trigger Warnings: homophobia, repressive religious environments, discussions of racism, threatened outing, off-page outing.

Legendborn by Tracy Deonn

What I liked:

• SEL.
• Diversity in the main characters as well as LGBTQ+ rep.
• The concept of the plot and storyline was interesting.

What I didn’t like:

• … A lot.
• The classic fantasy heroine falls in love with the vanilla hero. She gets all giggly and forgetful and weak around him and he is NOT worth it, Bree. NOT WORTH IT.
• Storyworld/world-building was so convoluted. The King Arthur legend and Deonn’s interpretation of it was not explained. Root, Legendborn, aether, and all of her terminology and monsters, etc., were all just so confusing and rushed. I just didn’t get it.
• The book was soooooooo slow – and not in a good way. I read it just to finish and it felt like a chore.
• Don’t need the silly friend drama.

Trigger Warnings: parental death, death, racism, racial slurs, slavery, violence, rape, possession, traumatic grief/flashbacks, mind control/manipulation, blood/gore.