I’m not sorry to see the back of July – it was a rough month. On the positive side, as I’ve seen many UK bloggers commenting, we’ve had the best weather I’ve ever seen in this country this month. We’ve had some absolutely beautiful days, with the temperature reaching into the low 80’s and weeks of sunshine. My cold-blooded body has been soaking up every minute, and particularly enjoying the opportunity to wear dresses without worrying about leggings, tights or cardigans. We skipped summer last year, but we’ve had it in earnest this year. The sunshine has gone a long way towards boosting my spirits and I hope those of others, too.
Can’t ask for more than reading in the sunshine right outside the York city walls!
I’ve still been reading, though! I’ve tried to post at least twice a week to catch up with some book reviews, which has been working decently. I’m also doing my best, as usual, to come up with some different post ideas. Hopefully I’ll have the brain power to invest in those soon.
I finished a total of 16 books this month.
Fiction
- Revealed, Kate Noble
- The Darkest Edge of Dawn, Kelly Gay
- The Engagements, J. Courtney Sullivan
- On Basilisk Station, David Weber
- Once Upon a Tower, Eloisa James
- Greywalker, Kat Richardson
- Me Before You, Jojo Moyes
- Madame Serpent, Jean Plaidy
- The Brides of Rollrock Island, Margo Lanagan
- Valor’s Trial, Tanya Huff
- Truth of Valor, Tanya Huff
- The Long Earth, Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter
- The Ill-Made Knight, Christian Cameron
- Cobweb Bride, Vera Nazarian
Non-fiction
- Cooked, Michael Pollan
- The Astronaut Wives’ Club, Lily Koppel
Favorites of the Month
I loved this series such an absurd amount that they win over everything else, although I did read some wonderful other books this month too. It appears that my new favorite genre is character-focused sci-fi, especially featuring amazing women. (On Basilisk Station is pretty good too, and also happens to be offered by the publisher for free in ebook form.) I’m writing a series love post, so you will be hearing more about these books very shortly.
What’s Ahead for August
I have a few books for review in that list up there which you’ll be seeing in August.
I also have this lovely pile which I plan on getting through:
I hope I’ll manage to read all 8 of those, plus the two I’m currently reading – The Wild Girl by Kate Forsyth and Witchling by Yasmine Galenorn.
In addition, I’m planning to post about my upcoming trip to Spain. I think I’ve mentioned it before, but now I’ve gone ahead and booked hotels, planned flights, and worked out costs, so it’s actually happening and I can get properly excited. I’ve already picked out a couple of books that I’d like to read beforehand, but any suggestions on books set in medieval Spain, especially Andalucia, are much welcomed.
How was your reading month? What’s ahead for August?
That book of spells sounds intriguing. Have a lovely holiday.
Mystica´s last post …THE YUMMY MUMMY by POLLY WILLIAMS
July was a great reading month for me. Although your 16 books is an amazing amount! I’m so glad to hear the sun has cheered you up. I think seeing the sun has done that for a lot of people.
jessicabookworm´s last post …Monthly Reflection: July
Glad the summer weather was nice — you’ll get some nice heat in Spain, no?
Beth F´s last post …Thoughts: Jack of Fables Volumes 6 to 9 by Bill Willingham
Enjoy your holiday and hope you’re enjoying The Wild Girl! I think your list of books itself shows how good the weather’s been, it was about time we had a summer (I heard someone say this is the first time in seven years and I don’t doubt it!)
Charlie´s last post …Appreciation And Maturity