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June Book Corner

July 11, 2021 By nextphaseinfitness 20 Comments


It’s been a while since I’ve written about the books I’ve been reading, so I thought it was about time, I started doing more regular updates. I love reading about the books that other bloggers are reading, as they often give me inspiration for my next book. I do have a pile of books on my bedside table to be read, but it’s not unusual for me to put a must read book at the top. I think most readers would understand that frustration. Anyway, I hope you get some inspiration from at least one of the books that I’ve read over the past month.

The following books aren’t all that I read, but are just those that were highlights for me. You’ll notice there are a couple of re-reads there also. I know some people hate re-reading books, but not me. If I’ve loved a book, I will usually read it again. I listen to many audio books, and if I come across one that really calls to me, I will get a paper copy and read it. Usually when I re-read a book that I’ve really loved, it will still be a highlight on the second reading.

I used to have a book review blog, but it didn’t work out as I thought it would. When I choose a book to read and begin to read it, I never, ever read the back cover. I’d rather read the book knowing nothing about it. I’ve never come across anyone else who does this, so maybe I’m a bit weird. When I was writing my book reviews on the blog, I kept them minimal for this reason, but I still didn’t feel right about writing about the story lines and themes of a book, so eventually stopped writing the reviews. For that reason, I’ve only written a sentence or two here about each book.

The Exiles by Christina Baker Kline
From London in 1840, across the seas to Australia. This is the story of Evangeline, who has been found guilt of stealing a ring, which was given to her by the son of her employer. She was sent on a convict ship to Australia. As well as Evangeline’s story the book is also about her daughter, her friend Hazel, a fellow convict, and an aboriginal girl who was taken in by the governor of Tasmania and his wife.  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Letters From Berlin by Tania Blanchard
This novel is my favourite genre, World War 2 historical fiction. Throw in a story line about the resistance, and it’s a book  that I couldn’t possibly resist. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 The Last Dingo Summer by Jackie French MatildaSaga #8 and Clancy of the Overflow by Jackie French  Matilda Saga #9
The Matilda Saga is a series of nine YA books. Each book covers a particular time period from the mid 1800’s until early 21st century. Based on historical research, these books tell the history of Australia, using well known Australian poetry and Australian themes. I’ve read all nine books in the series, and feel quite sad that there isn’t a book 10. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Mistake by K.L. Slater
The story of a young boy who goes missing, and was found murdered, and the affect this has on his sister for many years. As the murderer was never found, Rose hasn’t recovered from the trauma. Everything unravels and goes from bad to worse as the story unfolds. A psychological thriller that was unputdownable. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Secret Within by Lucy Dawson
A psychological thriller with so many twists and turns that it feels like a roller coaster. I’ve read and enjoyed one of Lucy Dawson’s books previously, which is why I picked up this one and it didn’t disappoint. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah (re-read)
This family drama really affected me. I found myself feeling almost every possible emotion as I read of one drama after another. I originally picked the book up, because it was the story of a family, who went to live off the grid, in the wilds of Alaska. Alaska is on my bucket list to visit, and we live off the grid, so it was a must read. I remember reading it originally in January 2020, and giving it five stars, knowing that already I had read my highlight read of the year. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Chocolate Maker’s Wife by Karen Brooks (reread)
Set in the 17th century, this is the story of Rosamund, who finds that after her dire circumstances change, she eventually presides over a chocolate house, and becomes loved by all. When I saw on Twitter that one of my friends had read this book, I couldn’t resist going back to it. I can’t remember who it was that posted on Twitter, but if it was you, big thanks for reminding me of this wonderful book. I enjoyed it just as much on the second read. Historical fiction ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Good People
by Hannah Kent (re-read)
Set in Ireland in the early 1800’s The Good People is about three women who are brought together by certain events.  The myths and beliefs of the time add to the drama of the story. I decided to re-read The Good People when I saw that Hannah Kent’s new book will be released in October. I’ve been waiting for her next book and just thinking about it had me longing to read her beautiful words again. This was the third time that I’ve read this book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Favourite Book of the Month

I’ve tried, but I can’t choose just one book from this list. I have decided to choose two books and this month they are both historical fiction. I purposely haven’t chosen re-reads as my favourites. My top two equal favourite reads in June were:

The Exiles by Christina Baker Kline and Letters From Berlin by Tania Blanchard

Please note that my star rating system isn’t at all based on literary merit. For me a book that gets five stars,  is a book that I really enjoyed and found difficult to put down.

This post is linked to Denyse’s Life This Week and Natalie’s #WeekendCoffeeShare

Images: Goodreads, Canva, Pic Collage

 

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Filed Under: Book Review Tagged With: books, reading

Comments

  1. Joanne Tracey says

    July 12, 2021 at 7:09 am

    I’m a shocking reviewer – for me, it’s all about the enjoyment rather than the merit, and that can change depending on the circumstances when I’m reading. I too enjoy the occasional reread. A couple on here that I think I’ll be adding to my TBR pile…

    Reply
    • nextphaseinfitness says

      July 13, 2021 at 8:38 am

      The process of reviewing did take away from the enjoyment of reading for me also Jo.

      Reply
  2. Debbie Harris says

    July 12, 2021 at 3:19 pm

    Hi Jen, there are some great books listed here, some I’ve read and some I have on my TBR list. I find it interesting that you don’t read the back covers so you know little about the book, do you base your reading on the covers or the recommendations from others?

    I might take credit for mentioning Karen Brooks The Chocolate Maker’s Wife as I loved this one and mentioned it in a few places. I’ve just read her latest The Good Wife of Bath which was another great read, I love the history research she does and her way of telling the story. Thanks for some new ideas of what to read next too. #lifethisweek

    Reply
    • nextphaseinfitness says

      July 13, 2021 at 8:32 am

      I remember now that is was you Deb. I saw it on Twitter. I didn’t realise her new book was out so thanks for that tip. As for how I choose a book, my ears are always open to recommendations from friends and book groups on SM. Comments on the front cover from other authors always call me and I’m a S clear for a great cover. But I’m usually late to reading bestsellers because of my little idiosyncracy.

      Reply
  3. Joanne says

    July 13, 2021 at 11:24 pm

    I love re-reading favorite books too! You have some really great sounding ones on here; I love a good WW2 historical fiction and the Exiles sounds fantastic too. Pinned… to add to my ever growing pile of books!

    Reply
    • nextphaseinfitness says

      July 15, 2021 at 7:55 am

      That pile doesn’t ever seem to get any smaller Joanne. Thanks for pinning my post

      Reply
  4. Denyse Whelan says

    July 14, 2021 at 5:13 pm

    How interesting that you never read the blurb on a book. I couldn’t not…and I admit I will at times read the first page to see if the style and content is of interest.

    I listen to books these days more than read them and like you, if one resonates, I will buy the hard copy. Very few are fiction. I mostly enjoy non-fiction and often about other people’s lives via memoir style too. Learning about human behaviour is another drawcard for me.

    I am reading a non-fiction book I sought …bit cheekily…to have a review copy sent to me and they did. Now I have to read, note and finish it. It’s a discipline for me to do so I guess.

    Thank you for linking up for LifeThisWeek. It’s always good to see you link up a post. Next week, the optional prompt is 29/51 Please. 19 July. I will be sharing a post about Head and Neck Cancer in the lead up to World Head & Neck Cancer Day 27.7.2021. Gotta keep the awareness happening! Take care, Denyse.

    Reply
    • nextphaseinfitness says

      July 15, 2021 at 7:55 am

      I do love non fiction also Denyse. Usually they are historical so I mainly mention them on my other blog. Interested to hear that you requested and received a review copy. I’ve often thought of trying to get one. Not sure though that I’m disciplined enough to honour it.

      Reply
  5. Natalie says

    July 17, 2021 at 11:24 pm

    Hi Jennifer, Like you, I’d rather read the book knowing nothing about it so that makes us two weird people 🙂 I also re-read books or chapters that I like, and I rarely write book reviews. I enjoyed The Great Alone very much. Thank you for sharing your cozy Book Corner June 2021 with #weekendcoffeeshare.

    Reply
    • nextphaseinfitness says

      July 18, 2021 at 7:14 pm

      It’s great to find a fellow bookworm with slightly weird habits, Natalia. The Great Alone was unforgettable to me

      Reply
  6. Maria says

    July 18, 2021 at 3:56 am

    Thank you for all these book ideas!

    Reply
    • nextphaseinfitness says

      July 18, 2021 at 7:13 pm

      Hope you find something that interests you here Maria

      Reply
  7. Kirstin says

    July 18, 2021 at 2:29 pm

    Those sound interesting. I’ve never done what you do but it does sound kind of fun to pick a book that way. Love your reading corner

    Reply
    • nextphaseinfitness says

      July 18, 2021 at 7:13 pm

      I’m pleased you enjoyed my reading corner Kirstin

      Reply
  8. Sanch @ Sanch Writes says

    July 18, 2021 at 3:34 pm

    I do think book reviews are very subjective and books speak to us in different ways and at different times. I know I veer towards contemporary and literary fiction and if books move me, make me think, they’re generally a 5-star read. I do read other genres too but am always mindful that it’s subjective to me. From the list you’ve mentioned, I’ve only read The Good People (and enjoyed it too!)

    Reply
    • nextphaseinfitness says

      July 18, 2021 at 7:12 pm

      Sounds like we have a bit in common regarding books Sanch. Happy reading

      Reply
  9. Gary Wilson says

    July 19, 2021 at 2:00 am

    Book reviews are an interesting device given that I too prefer to know very little about what the book is about before sitting down to take it on.
    I have decided that I like to know some things about it though because my interests have narrowed with the amount of time I have to read for pleasure. Genera has become important because there are some story types I just don’t care to invest the time in.

    Fantasy and zombies and dystopian stories just no longer interest me but a good book review helps me quickly isolate exceptions like the Chronicles of Narnia from any number of wizards and magic tales.

    So, I do appreciate a well done review. The good ones spark my interest without ruining the story of course.

    Thanks for the visit.

    Reply
    • nextphaseinfitness says

      July 19, 2021 at 9:12 pm

      Thanks for visiting Gary and for sharing your thoughts. Fantasy isn’t for me. The covers usually give them away

      Reply
  10. Julie says

    July 20, 2021 at 12:20 am

    I’ve heard great things about “The Great Alone.” I’d be interested in the Matilda Saga.

    Reply
    • nextphaseinfitness says

      July 20, 2021 at 2:40 pm

      These are all great books Julie. Hope you get to read them

      Reply

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