What I Read in June
It’s always interesting to me to look back and see what I’ve read recently. I don’t usually plan ahead, but pick up books that appeal to me at the moment. This could explain why I often have two (or five) books going at once.
Looks like I was in a YA kind of mood for much of June. Plus audiobooks, some of which we listened to as we traveled.
My star ratings are according to GoodReads definitions:
- Did not like it
- It was ok
- Liked it
- Really liked it
- It was amazing
Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission on your Amazon purchase. Also, most books I read and recommend are from a Christian worldview. I make no apology for that.
Fiction:
My Refuge and Fortress by Millie Copper
Book 7 (and the final book) in the Havoc in Wyoming series. I have enjoyed this series that is described as “cozy apocalyptic.” I’m not sure cozy is quite the right word but it’s definitely not as violent as some I’ve attempted to read.
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
A novel about the Dust Bowl era. Not an easy read, but inspiring.
Nonfiction:
Real Food Hits the Road by M.D. Copper
Helpful tips for how to eat healthy meals while traveling.
YA Novels:
Wreath, A Girl by Judy Christie
This one was on my Friday Freebies list a few weeks ago. If you got it then, and haven’t yet read it, I recommend it. It’s the story of a teen girl who lives in a VW bus in a junkyard all alone so she can finish high school.
Wreath in Summer by Judy Christie
Wreath in Summer is the sequel to Wreath, a Girl, and it is equally enjoyable. There is a third book in the series that I plan to read soon.
Dare to Resist by Christine Kersey
Book 1 in the Parallel World series about a teen girl finding herself in a parallel universe where it’s illegal to be overweight.
Dare to Endure by Christine Kersey
Book 2 in the Parallel World series. I mean, I had to find out what happened next, didn’t I?
Dare to Defy by Christine Kersey
Book 3 in the Parallel World series. Okay, yes, I was sucked in.
The Piano Girl by Sherri Schoenborn Murray
It’s probably a marketing gimmick or something, but this book is in 2 parts. Part 1 is (currently) free, but you’ll either need to buy Part 2 or check it out on Kindle Unlimited. It has the flavor of an old-fashioned fairy tale but it’s not a retelling of any that I’m familiar with. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Juvenile books:
A Family in Danger by Colleen L. Reece
This is the story of a family who moved off the grid because the parents were desperate to reform their children. It’s a middle-grade novel told from the kids’ point of view. “Story is based on the drastic steps friends of the author took when their children were out of control.”
Ben’s Revolution by Nathaniel Philbrick
Just a little seasonal reading in my quest to recommend a few kids books for the 4th of July. Worthwhile but not outstanding.
Picture books:
Let Liberty Rise by Chana Stiefel
Cute story of how America’s school children (among others) contributed their pennies and pocket change to pay for the pedestal for the Statue of Liberty.
Blue Sky White Stars by Sarvinder Nabarhaus
I loved the illustrations and word play in this beautiful book.
What’s the Big Deal about Freedom? by Ruby Shamir
I appreciated the idea of this book, but it had a definite liberal bias to it. Those points might go over a small child’s head, and be worth discussing with an older child, but I wouldn’t recommend it without that caveat. Nicely illustrated and very informative.
Audiobooks:
Camino Winds by John Grisham
I love some of John Grisham’s books and others I don’t care for much at all. This is one of those.
King of Torts by John Grisham
Better, but not my favorite.
The Rooster Bar by John Grisham
Obviously, I was on a Grisham kick. This one is an entertaining story of law students who try to get out of paying their student loans.
The Case of the Double Bumblebee Sting by John R. Erickson
Hank the Cowdog stories are long-time favorites for road trip audiobooks. As adults, we find that a little Hank goes a long way… but this one is hilarious and had us giggling as we drove across Montana.
Thunder and Rain by Charles Martin
Well-written story about a Texas Ranger.
Apocalypse by Mark Goodwin
Book 1 in the Days of Elijah series which takes place following the rapture.
Wormwood by Mark Goodwin
Book 2 in the Days of Elijah series.
What have you been reading recently? Any recommendations?
