Phew, it’s been a while since my last wrap up post (in January)! I’ve been meaning to do them each month, but then time gets away from me and before I know it, another month has passed.
Life Update
So far, it’s been a pretty stressful and emotional year with COVID happening! If you told me this time last year that a global pandemic would happen where everyone would be expected to stay 1.5 metres from each other and to stay home 24/7, I would’ve laughed. I’ve been working from home since March, which means I’ve also been getting lots of quality time with Amelia. There were a few months there when we weren’t able to visit anyone or our parents, so it was pretty tough then too. But things are slowly returning back to normal, and I’m kind of relieved. Although I’m also kind of glad that I got to spend that quality time with just the family!
Amelia started daycare in June, and it was really emotional leaving her behind in someone else’s care – especially when she starts clinging to me and crying! Oh my gosh, it really pulls at the heart strings hey. But slowly but surely, she seems to be having fun and I’m so so relieved. She’s walking and running around and full of so much cheekiness and personality which I absolutely adore (I say that while she’s screaming at me to pick her up). There’s always something new everyday.
June Reading Wrap Up
This month, I got my reading mojo back in full force! Because there were so many stressful things happening in life, I just found my sanctuary in reading. I’ve been focusing a lot on growing my IG platform lately and totally loving it at the moment, which has contributed to my reading again too. It was also a pretty good reading month for me!
5 stars
The Heart Forger & The Shadow Glass by Rin Chupeco – This is book 2 and 3 of The Bone Witch trilogy and I fell deeply in love with the characters and the world. I think this series is so underhyped, there’s a whole world built around dark magic, necromancy and a refined art of ashas (who are reminiscent of geishas). The Asian-inspired mythology and the side characters are also lovely and Tea’s motivations are in the grey area. I loved this series so much and I definitely want to reread it again!
We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – A short, powerful essay about feminism from a Nigerian woman and how she experiences it in her personal and professional career. This should be mandatory reading taught in schools.
4 stars
In the Vanishers Palace by Aliette De Bodard – An incredible tale inspired by Vietnamese mythology with elements of Beauty & the Beast. I loved the all Vietnamese cast of characters and the f/f growing romance between Yen and Vu Côn, a draconic serpent. I’m so glad we read this for The Name of the Book Club this month!
A Song Below Water by Bethany C. Morrow – This book couldn’t have been released at a better time. It talks about racism, police brutality, and even protesting against the injustice of the death of a young Black person. Loved the strong sisterhood between Effie and Tavia, and the strong character voice as both of them navigate high school and their magical identities kept hidden. While the world building wasn’t very strong, it really packed a punch especially after the recent #BlackLivesMatter protests.
3 stars
The Prince & the Dressmaker by Jen Wang – My heart is melting from this super cute graphic novel with a genderqueer Prince! It was everything that I wanted to be and I loved the wonderful, bright illustrations with a lot of detail and heart. Loved the gorgeous dress designs and the lighthearted plot.
The Dark Tide by Alicia Jasinka – My full review will be up on this one soon, but I was rather disappointed by this read. While it had an interesting premise, there wasn’t that much depth or character development and by the end of the book, it felt like there was something really lacking in the storytelling. Full review to come.
Havenfall by Sara Holland – I loved the premise for this one too, about a inn that is a neutral ground between three magical realms. There was a bit of a murder mystery to it as well, and I loved how Maddie became the innkeeper. Full review to come too.
The Court of Miracles by Kester Grant – I recently reviewed this one, but while I liked the Les Mis settling and the Parisian influence, I felt like some of the plot was rather reaching and also a bit confusing.
Want some gorgeous bookmarks?
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Use my code HAPPY15 to save on any of the bookmarks in her store until September at bookbookowldesigns.com
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How many books did you read in June? What was your favourite read?
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I’m happy that despite everything happening you got some quality family time <3 I hope that everything has been getting a little better down there, I'm sending you all the love <3
I really enjoyed A Song Below Water as well! Such a relevant and beautiful book 🙂
OOOH you read so much last month Jeann! I’m happy to see so many five star reads, hehe. I admit, I haven’t read Chupeco’s trilogy past book, so it looks like I need to hop on that.
I’m also glad things are winding down for y’all over there in Australia!! I hope you and the fam stay safe and healthy <3
Aila @ One Way Or An Author recently posted…Unravel the Dusk by Elizabeth Lim | a review showcasing my love for this duology
I’m glad things are getting better for you <3 and that Amelia is getting used to daycare <3 And those bookmarks really are gorgeous!! Congrats on being a rep! 🙂 Thats so cool!
Brittany recently posted…Second Quarter Wrap Up – 2020
This year has been nuts. It’s surreal.
You had such a good reading month!! I’m jealous. I’m still in a bit of a funk, binging romance novels (they’re nice and easy with happy endings). I’m hoping some of your mojo rubs off on me. I’ve run out of YA reviews haha
Aw I’m glad you got this time with your family though and that Amelia is growing and conquering the world covid is so so stressful and it’s hard watching so many countries not…take it…seriously. But anyway YAY for these reads I loved The Dark Tide’s writing! And A Song Below Water was SO beautiful but gut wrenching too? So glad it exists.