The main reason I started this blog was to have another outlet to talk about the books I’m reading. As much as I’d love to write a full review for every book I read, it’s not logistically possible for me. But that doesn’t mean those books aren’t worth reading or talking about!
That’s where these monthly recap posts will come in. Each month, I’m going to briefly talk about every book I read the previous month, whether they’re speculative fiction or not!
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Speculative Novels
This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone
A beautifully written, intricate love story that unfolds across time and space. The conceit of the “time war” is complex, and the authors are economical with their worldbuilding. While I don’t think that’s a negative, it certainly invites a second reading.
Girl, Serpent, Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust
The publisher describes this book as a “feminist fairy tale,” and in many ways it does feel like the spiritual offspring of Angela Carter’s The Bloody Chamber. I loved the Persia-inspired setting and mythology. The main character’s story arc felt fresh even as it drew on familiar symbols and tropes.
Star Wars: The High Republic: Temptation of the Force by Tessa Gratton
Although this book only came out in June, I’ve already read it twice. It’s a manifesto on love of all kinds: romantic, platonic, familial. If you like Star Wars but aren’t yet reading The High Republic, I encourage you to pick up the first book in the series: Light of the Jedi by Charles Soule. Thank me later!
Star Wars: Dooku: Jedi Lost by Cavan Scott
I run a Star Wars book club, and this was our pick for July. It’s an audio drama that provides some backstory on why Count Dooku left the Jedi Order and eventually turned to the dark side. My favorite parts of this one were Asajj Ventress sleuthing to learn more about her new master and the interesting Force lore Scott adds to the canon (some of which shows up in The High Republic!).
Speculative Comics
Descender (reread) and Ascender by Jeff Lemire and Dustin Ngyugen
Like all good stories about robots, this is really a story about humanity—and what happens when we lose sight of what binds us together. Ngyugen’s watercolor art on these two books is breathtakingly gorgeous, and I love the mix of science fiction and fantasy elements.
Sweet Tooth by Jeff Lemire
In a post-apocalyptic world where a deadly sickness is killing humans, an animal-human hybrid named Gus may hold the key to a cure. As Gus’s story unfolds, he gathers a motley crew of humans and hybrids around him, including the gruff and abrasive former NHL player Jepperd. This found family has to overcome their past traumas and survive long enough to reclaim some slice of happiness.
The Underwater Welder by Jeff Lemire
This graphic novel feels closer in tone to Lemire’s breakout book Essex County than his more overtly speculative books like Descender or Sweet Tooth. Like Essex County, it does a deep dive into one character’s emotional state using elements of magical realism to explore the pressure of impending fatherhood and the many ways the past hangs over us.
Contemporary Fiction and Nonfiction
Beach Read by Emily Henry
A fun, breezy book that has a lot to say about writing and why we do it, and lots to say about love, too. My favorite parts were when the two main characters discussed their respective novel genres and why they felt drawn to writing them. I also enjoyed how writing in each other’s genres helped them understand each other better—as a writer myself, I felt seen in these scenes.
Squeeze Me by Carl Hiaasen
A funny, irreverent romp of a mystery set in Palm Beach, Florida, during the Trump presidency. I had no idea this was part of a series, though you don’t need to have read any previous books to enjoy this one. If you happen to be a Warren Zevon fan like I am, you’ll find two Zevon lyrics sprinkled in. I’ll leave you to discover what and where they are.
Lifelines: A Doctor’s Journey in the Fight for Public Health by Leana Wen
Overall, an interesting look at the role public health organizations play in our lives. The middle felt too much like a political campaign message in parts, but the first and final thirds of the book were fascinating. Before reading this, I never thought much about the role of my city’s public health department in keeping residents healthy and happy. Now I have a whole new appreciation for them!
What did you read in July? I’d love to hear about it on Instagram, Threads, or Bluesky!