June Wrap-Up + July TBR

I can't believe it's already the end of June and we're halfway through 2020!

I read 2 new favorites this month! I kind of branched out of my comfort zone for a bit during the beginning of the month and picked up some historical fiction. I even picked up a classic! Last month I realized that I haven't read any historical fiction since the time I started reading again earlier this year. I was kind of shocked since I actually really enjoy historical fiction, so I thought I'd start the month off by picking up some historical fiction. Also, adhering to what is currently my brand, I tried to catch up with another series that everyone else in the bookish community really loves by picking up The Infernal Devices. 

And, after months and months of putting it off, I FINALLY PICKED UP A LITTLE LIFE!!

Here are the books I read in the month of June!

Books Mentioned

• The Color Purple by Alice Walker
• The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi
• The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
• Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
• Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare
• Heartstopper (Vol. 1-3) by Alice Oseman
• Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare
• Radio Silence by Alice Oseman
• A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

**summaries taken from the book but might be slightly altered

Genre: Classic, Historical Fiction

Trigger/Content Warnings: domestic abuse, rape, child sexual abuse, racism

The Color Purple by Alice Walker

Summary

Set in the deep American South between the wars, t is the tale of Celie, a young black girl born into poverty and segregation. Raped repeatedly by the man she calls 'father', she has two children taken away from her, is separated from her beloved sister Nettie and is trapped into an ugly marriage. But then she meets the glamorous Shug Avery, singer and magic-maker—a woman who has taken charge of her own destiny. Gradually, Celie discovers the power and joy of her own spirit, freeing her from her past and reuniting her with those she loves.

Rating: ★★★★+(0.75) (4.75/5)

I generally don't really enjoy classics, but wow. This one was absolutely stunning. I've never really felt like I really understood the impact of classics until I read this book. This is one of the best classics I've ever read.

The Color Purple tackles some very dark topics and handles them very well. I really loved its discussion and criticism of sexism, racism, and all kinds of abuse. The only thing that really unsettles me is how profoundly relevant it still is to America today. Despite the fact that this book was written decades ago, we still see women being abused in their own homes and looked down upon by men. We still see Black people being discriminated against and abused by the system that's supposed to protect them. We still see men abusing women and never suffering any consequences for their actions. There are so many things this book picks apart and criticizes, yet nothing has changed over the years. And just thinking about how little we've progressed is unsettling and disheartening.

I absolutely loved the characters in this book. I loved everything that Sofia stood for. I loved how strong she was and how she completely defied what the men of that time felt was "appropriate behavior" for women. And Sofia also represents how much society tries to control women who are strong and unafraid to speak their mind. I absolutely loved Celie and how much she grew throughout the book. I loved how she grew into her sexuality, her voice, and her religion. Her character development had me so emotional at times.  I absolutely adored Celie and Shug's relationship. I loved how much they loved each other and how they supported each other.

Overall, this is such a powerful read. It's very dark, so I understand that it's not for everyone, but if you can, I highly highly recommend picking this book up. Celie's narration provides a brutally realistic perspective on what it is like being a Black woman in America. The racial prejudice she and her family face continues to affect countless Black people today.

Genre: YA Fantasy, Historical Fiction

Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of loved ones, mentioned suicide & self-harm, racism

The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi

Summary

No one believes in them. But soon no one will forget them. It's 1889. The city is on the cusp of industry and power, and the Exposition Universelle has breathed new life into the streets and dredged up ancient secrets. Here, no one keeps tabs on dark truths better than treasure-hunter and wealthy hotelier Séverin Montagnet-Alarie. When the elite, ever-powerful Order of Babel coerces him to help hem on a mission, Séverin is offered a treasure that he never imagined: his true inheritance. To hunt down the ancient artifact the Order seeks, Séverin calls upon a band of unlikely experts: An engineer with a debt to pay. A historian banished from his home. A dancer with a sinister past. And a brother in arms if not blood. Together, they will join Séverin as he explores the dark, glittering heart of Paris. What they find might change the course of history—but only if they stay alive.

Rating: ★★★+(.5) (3.5/5)

This book is extremely clever. As a STEM major who loves art & humanities, this book really appealed to me due to its science-like magic and its historical setting. I really enjoyed trying to solve the puzzles in the book before the characters gave the answers, and seeing if I knew the mythology mentioned throughout the book. 

I also really loved and appreciated how diverse this book is. I loved how Chokshi took the often forgotten minorities and put them at the forefront of the narrative, giving us a very different perception of France during La Belle Epoque. I actually watched this review earlier about how The Gilded Wolves is often criticized as being a "rip-off SOC" and how a lot of people don't give it a chance because of how many people have been repeating this opinion. The review also touched upon how disappointing it is that many people don't give this book a chance because other have been saying it is a "plagiarized concept" from a book a white person wrote when in reality The Gilded Wolves is a book that is rich with representation and tackles topics such as the negative effects of colonialism on people of color, and it's a book written by an Indian-Filipino woman whose ancestors probably have been directly affected by colonialism.

I really loved the characters in this book. Séverin, Hypnos, and Enrique are all biracial, and I really loved how Chokshi portrayed their struggle to fit in and their want to belong. I also really loved all the references to each of their cultures, especially Laila's. I learned a lot about Indian mythology from Laila's narrative. I love Laila and Zofia a lot. And the last of the group, Tristan, is such a sweet character. I'm always so soft for the cinnamon rolls. 

One thing that I'd have to critique would have to be the fact that the story had a lot going on, and sometimes it got a little confusing. I'm not sure if this is because I read this in the middle of finals season and my brain was full of FINALS rather than putting my 100% focus into the book. But I found that I had some trouble following the progression of events; sometimes it took me a while to understand why they were doing what they were doing.

Overall, this was a very fun read that I held close to my heart. I really loved and heavily related to a specific character, Enrique, when reading and I loved how The Gilded Wolves was essentially a commentary on colonialism spun into a gripping, historical fantasy story. 

Genre: Adult Historical Fiction

Trigger/Content Warnings: rape, child sexual abuse, loss of loved ones, suicide & attempted suicide

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

Summary

The unforgettable, heartbreaking story of the unlikely friendship between a wealthy boy and the son of his father's servant, The Kite Runner is a beautifully crafted novel set in a country that is in the process of being destroyed. It is about the power of reading, the price of betrayal, and the possibility of redemption; and an exploration of the power of fathers over their sons—their love, their sacrifices, their lies. This is a sweeping story of family, love, and friendship told against the devastating backdrop of the history of Afghanistan over the last thirty years.

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

"For you, a thousand times over." 

This was, by far, one of the easiest 5 stars I've ever given. Since I started goodreads and revived this blog, most books were a struggle to rate. So much so that I've started giving quarter stars to appease myself. But this book was such an easy 5 stars, I'm not even sure how to talk about it because does this book even have any flaws?

Everyone and their mother has probably heard of this book, even if they haven't read it. And it is well-deserving of its fame. Every single story arc was beautiful. There were story arcs where I thought I wouldn't be as interested, since I didn't know how Hosseini could possibly top the previous arc, but he delivered every. single. time. Amir's childhood, his new life in America, his journey back to his home country, Sohrab...everything about this story was amazing. I only have praises to sing.

"There are a lot of children in Afghanistan, but little childhood."

This was one of the most painful reads of my life. I've read one of Hosseini's books before, A Thousand Splendid Suns, and in true Hosseini fashion, he really laid it all out there—all the pain, agony, and hopelessness that people experience during war. There were several parts in the book that were really hard to get through because of the horrible things some of these characters had to go through. Hassan and Sohrab's stories made me feel as if my heart was being torn out of my chest and run through the wringer. I absolutely loved Hassan's character. He was so selfless and loyal and just so so good. 

I guess if I had to critique anything it would be that this book is so draining. I personally don't mind books that are draining but I caution those who do mind that this is a very heavy book. Terrible things just keep happening one after the other, and some parts of this story had me feeling sick to my stomach, so if you're not a fan of those kinds of books, this book might not be for you. 

Overall, The Kite Runner is such a beautiful and powerful read. It's emotionally draining, but I enjoy a good emotional roller coaster. I feel like this review is just a huge ramble but that's honestly all I can manage because this book has left me absolutely speechless with how good it is. I might even go so far and say it's perfect.

Genre: YA Urban Fantasy

Trigger/Content Warnings: violence, torture

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Summary

In a time when Shadowhunters are barely winning the fight against the forces of darkness, one battle will change the course of history forever. The year is 1878. Tessa Gray descends into London's dark supernatural underworld in search of her missing brother. She soon discovers that her only allies are the demon-slaying Shadowhunters—including Will and Jem, the mysterious boys she is attracted to. Soon they find themselves up against the Pandemonium Club, a secret organization of vampires, demons, warlocks, and humans. Equipped with a magical army of unstoppable clockwork creatures, the Club is out to rule the British Empire, and only Tessa and her allies can stop them.

Rating: ★★+(.5) (2.5/5)

Look at me giving Cassandra Clare a second chance! It was definitely better than The Mortal Instruments (TMI) books. I liked the characters in The Infernal Devices (TID) so much more. To be honest, I wasn't a fan of Clary and Jace; the only characters I liked were Magnus and Alec and Isabelle 😔 However, I found that I really loved Tessa, Will, and Jem! Especially Jem! What an angel 👼

I also really liked the other characters as well. I found myself especially fond of Charlotte and Henry, and I even sympathized a bit with Jessamine. I hope they develop Jessamine's character more in the later books because I see a lot of potential in her character. And, of course, I really really loved when Magnus, my Indonesian warlock KING, made an appearance. 

I thought the first 30-35% of the book was decent. I was interested in getting to know the characters and reacquainting myself with the world and magic system since it's been a good 8 years since I've last visited the Shadowhunter world. However, I'd have to say the middle part, though the plot was starting to move, was quite slow. Things were happening, but the things that were happening just weren't exciting or shocking enough to have me invested. My attention kept wandering after ever other page I read. It took me quite a while to get past these parts. But things started picking up about 60% in? 

I thought the writing was just okay. I kinda felt like the writing was lackluster, which is probably why the middle felt so slow. The plot was moving things were supposed to be exciting but the writing wasn't able to capture my attention as much as I wanted it to. 

Overall, I thought Clockwork Angel was okay. I wish I had enjoyed it as much as everyone else seemed to, but for someone who was previously turned off from the Shadowhunters franchise, I thought it was decent. Clockwork Angel is a huge improvement from The Mortal Instruments, and I only hope that I'll continue to enjoy this series moving forward. 

Genre: YA Urban Fantasy

Trigger/Content Warnings: violence, mentioned suicide

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

Summary

In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street—and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa's powers for his own dark ends.

With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister's war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, but her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will—the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do?

As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart.

Rating: ★★★ (3/5)

(I heavily edited the summary because it was SO LONG)

This was so much better than Clockwork Angel! I actually liked it quite a bit :") I adored the Lightwood brothers a lot and I love Tessa, Will, and Jem even more. I was also really happy with the fact that there was more Magnus Bane!

Though I've read reviews that said this book was slower than Clockwork Angel and that it could be boring at times, I found it more interesting and engaging than Clockwork Angel since it was more emotionally gripping, and I love books that make me feel lots of emotions. I found that I like the beginnings and the endings of both Clockwork Angel and Clockwork Prince, but I found myself feeling quite bored in the middle. However, Clockwork Prince was able to keep me a lot more invested with the more frequent presence of Magnus Bane the emotional turmoil Cassandra Clare put these characters through. Especially Will. I loved reading about Will 💖

I loved how most of the relationships were developed in this book. I found myself even more attached to Charlotte and Henry and I was super invested in their relationship. The only relationship I was a bit disappointed with was the development of Tessa and Jem's relationship. I honestly fail to see the chemistry between the two of them. Though I adore Jem more than any other character in this series, I just couldn't follow the progression of his relationship with Tessa. However, I really love Tessa and Will (they quote literature at each other how could I not love them) and I really really love Will and Jem's friendship. 

I stand by what I said earlier about Cassandra Clare's writing; it's quite simple, which makes the books easy to get through, but it's not particularly engaging.

Overall, Clockwork Prince was a pretty fun read! I really love the characters and the relationships, both platonic and romantic, and I'm very excited to read more! I only hope that Clockwork Princess is as good as they all say it is!

Genre: YA Contemporary Romance

Trigger/Content Warnings: emotionally abusive relationship, non-consensual kiss, homophobia & homophobic slurs, mentioned past bullying, eating disorder, mentioned past self-harm

Heartstopper (Vol. 1-3) by Alice Oseman

Summary

Charlie, a highly-strung, openly gay over-thinker, and Nick, a cheerful, soft-hearted rugby player, meet at a British all-boys grammar school. Friendship blooms quickly, but could there by something more...? 

Charlie Spring is in Year 10 in Truham Grammar School for Boys. The past year hasn't been too great, but at least he's not being bullied anymore. Nick Nelson is in Year 11 and on the school rugby team. He's heard a little about Charlie—the kid who was outed last year and bullied for a few months—but he's never had the opportunity to talk to him. They quickly become friends, and soon Charlie is falling hard for Nick, even though he doesn't think he has a chance. But love works in surprising ways, and sometimes good things are waiting just around the corner...

Rating: ★★★★+(.75) (4.75/5)

Taking a short break from The Infernal Devices, I decided to pick up a graphic novel and read Heartstopper! And it was so lovely and addicting I read all 3 volumes in one sitting 😅

I honestly have no idea how to properly rate graphic novels, but this one was just so heartwarming and lovely. I love Nick and Charlie so much. Their relationship is just so adorable and Nick is so wholesome and loving and sweet, and I just want to bundle Charlie up in a blanket and hide him from the world. I also really loved reading about their families, especially Charlie's. His parents and siblings are all so supportive I love Charlie's family.

The side characters are also so amazing. Tara and Darcy are adorable I love them so much. And ohmygod Tao and Elle were so cute. And Aled. Needless to say, the representation in this series is amazing. When there was that one end note saying we could learn more about Aled in Radio Silence, I immediately bumped it up on my TBR. I am going to read Radio Silence soon because I need to read about Aled. And I've pretty much only heard amazing things about it so I am excited!

Overall, this is such a feels-good read. It does briefly touch on darker topics such as bullying, homophobia, self-harm, and eating disorders, which Oseman warns of at the beginning of each section. The art is adorable and the format is easy to follow and I highly recommend this series. I really loved these books, and I can't wait to read the next volumes 💖

(Currently wondering if there are any Nick and Charlie cameos in Radio Silence)

Genre: YA Urban Fantasy

Trigger/Content Warnings: violence

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

Summary

A net of shadows begins to tighten around the Shadowhunters of the London Institute. The Magister plans to use his Infernal Devices to destroy the Shadowhunters. He needs only one last item to complete his plan: Tessa Gray. Charlotte Branwell, head of the London Institute, is desperate to find him before he strikes. But when he abducts Tessa, the boys who lay equal claim to her heart, Jem and Will, will do anything to save her. As those who love Tessa rally to rescue her from the Magister's clutches, Tessa realizes that the only person who can save her is herself. But can a single girl, even one who can command the power of angels, face down an entire army? 

Rating: ★★+(.5) (2.5/5)

I FINALLY FINISHED!!! And honestly I'm not sure what to say...I've never felt so conflicted on rating books until I read this series because it wasn't bad but it also wasn't great? And I've changed the rating time and time again because sometimes I feel like I'm being too generous. I don't want to spoil anything so I'll keep this short and save my thoughts for the series review! I think my expectations were through the roof for this one, since I've read so many raving reviews. But I found this one lacking—I actually liked Clockwork Prince the most in the series. 

I honestly didn't feel as much for the romantic relationships in this one. Until the very end when I read the epilogue. But besides that I didn't feel much? I did eventually warm up to Tessa and Jem, but I wish I warmed up to them sooner. I did, however, really fall in love with Charlotte and Henry. They were so cute and they love each other so much :") 

I was here for the character development of Gabriel Lightwood and Cecily Herondale. But there were other characters that I wished were developed better, but they never got their development :( I once again thought that it was pretty slow even though things were happening. I guess I found the storytelling to be kinda dry? I wasn't fully paying attention for a chunk of it—only for the very beginning and the very end.

However, I loved the epilogue. To me it was the most emotional chapter out of all three books. I actually read the entire series just because people told me the epilogue made them cry. No tears were shed here, but I did find the ending extremely bittersweet and satisfying.

Overall, Clockwork Princess was okay. There was a good part of it that I felt was pretty slow, but there were also parts that were quite riveting. I recommend this series to anyone who is looking for a very easy and action-packed read.

Genre: YA Contemporary

Trigger/Content Warnings: anxiety, animal death, emotionally abusive parent

Radio Silence by Alice Oseman

Summary

You probably think that Aled Last and I are going to fall in love or something. Since he is a boy and I am a girl. I just wanted to say—we don't.

Frances Janvier spends most of her time studying. When she's not studying, she's up in her room making fan art for her favorite podcast, Universe City. Everyone knows Aled Last as that quiet boy who gets straight A's. But no one knows that he's the creator of Universe City, who goes by the name Radio Silence. When Frances gets a message from Radio Silence asking if she'll collaborate with him, everything changes. Frances and Aled spend an entire summer working together and becoming best friends. They get each other when no one else does. But when Aled's identity as Radio Silence is revealed, Frances fears that the future of Universe City—and their friendship—is at risk. Aled helped her find her voice. Without him, will she have the courage to show the world who she really is? Or will she be met with radio silence?

Rating: ★★★★ (4/5)

Earlier today I wrote my series review for The Infernal Devices and said that Will & Jem's friendship is one of the best friendships I've read. I'm revising that statement: Aled and Frances' friendship is the best friendship I've read.

"Hello. I hope somebody is listening."

I've always believed in platonic soulmates. People, friends, who understand you wholly when others might not. I believe I've found my own platonic soulmate. And I just really loved how perfectly Oseman portrayed Aled & Frances' friendship. It's such a pure and lovely friendship. To be completely honest, there were parts where this book was so stressful. But I credit that to how intensely Oseman made me feel for Aled & Frances' friendship. Whenever their friendship was strained, I was so distressed. Also, I was really happy to read more about Aled after falling in love with him in Heartstopper.

I really loved the portrayal of how toxic the education system can be. I personally went to a school that measured your worth by your grades and your future university and your future success. There were a lot of things that Frances and Aled brought up that really got me questioning what I'm doing with my life and whether or not I'm going through the motions of what's expected of me or if I'm doing things because I want to do things. I really empathized with Frances when she was talking about how she felt obligated to go to university—the best university—because she's smart and it would "be a waste" if she didn't do what was expected of her. I also wanted to say that I adored the characters in this book. All of them. I loved Aled & Frances so much. And I also loved the side characters: Frances' mom, Daniel, Carys, Raine.

So why isn't this a 5 star read? Honestly,part of it is personal preference. I think I'm getting increasingly picky as I continue to pick up more and more books. I felt that the writing was good but too colloquial for my tastes? 

Overall, I really loved the overarching message of this book. I highly, highly recommend this book to every student out there. This is such a beautiful book. I really loved how it really emphasized that you should do what you want to do with your life, and how everyone has different paths and moves down those different paths at different paces, and that's okay. 

Genre: Contemporary Literary Fiction

Trigger/Content Warnings: child sexual abuse, rape, suicide, self-harm, grooming, loss of loved one, violent accident, substance abuse, verbal abuse & gaslighting, physical abuse

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

Summary

When four classmates from a small Massachusetts college move to New York to make their way, they're broke, adrift, and buoyed only by their friendship and ambition. There is kind, handsome Willem, an aspiring actor; JB, a quick witted, sometimes cruel Brooklyn-born painter seeking entry to the art world; Malcolm, a frustrated architect at a prominent firm; and withdrawn, brilliant, enigmatic Jude, who serves as their center of gravity. Over the decades, their relationships deepen and darken, tinged by addiction, success, and pride. Yet their greatest challenge, each comes to realize, is Jude himself, by midlife a terrifyingly talented litigator yet an increasingly broken man, his mind and body scarred by an unspeakable childhood, and haunted by what he fears is a degree of trauma that he'll not only be unable to overcome—but that will define his life forever.

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

I tried to be extensive with the trigger/content warning section, because this book is extremely dark and I don't want anyone to go in blind. I'm hoping that I've covered most if not everything, but just in case I've missed anything I would double check with other reviews.

"Wasn't friendship its own miracle, the finding of another person who made the entire lonely world seem somehow less lonely?"

Okay I don't even know what to say about this except for, like The Kite Runner, this was one of the easiest 5 stars I've ever given. If I could give it infinity, I would. I think I'll have to name this my favorite book of all time now. While I was reading "The Happy Years (V)" I was already certain this was going on my list of favorite books. But when I got through "Dear Comrade (VI)" and "Lispenard Street (VII)" and I felt like my heart was being physically torn out of my chest bit by bit, I knew that this story was going to stay with me forever. 

There's just so much I loved about this book. First of all, the writing style was gorgeous. It was a work of art itself. There were so many lines that really just made me feel so much just through diction and syntax. I also really loved the achronological storytelling. Though this method of storytelling, if not done well, can be a little confusing and disorienting, Yanagihara handled it extremely well. She was able to weave different timelines in at the most perfect times.  

However, as much as I loved this book, I can see why people refer to this as "torture porn" since there were things that happened that were just cruel. So cruel to Jude. Not just his childhood, but also things that happened in the present that were just absolutely terrible and it makes you wonder how so many horrifying things can happen to a single person. And sometimes it gets too painful to read because Yanagihara was really successful at making readers feel for Jude, and watching him go through so much was absolutely terrible. 

Overall, A Little Life is a beautifully written masterpiece about Jude and his life—from the horrifying years, to the awful years, to the happy years. I really felt like I was there, following these characters through decades of their lives, and by the end I felt as if I knew this group of friends and loved them as if they were my own. I shed so many tears reading this—both happy tears and sad tears. This is one of the most touching novels I've ever read in my life, and it truly is an unforgettable story.

((Also I was keeping a cry count & I counted 10. I was crying on and off for hours towards the end of the book))

This Month's Stats:

Total Books Read: 11📚

Average ★ Rating: 3.88🌟

Total Words Read: 1,093,630

**excluding graphic novels

Total Pages Read: 5,104

July TBR:

A short list of books that I would like to get through for next month!

What Happened To Goodbye by Sarah Dessen

So back in 2017 I read this fanfic loosely based off of this book and I wanted to see who did it better, Sarah Dessen or cityboys on ao3. Sarah Dessen has some real competition here because 2 A.M. by cityboys is one of my all-time favorite fanfics. I rarely re-read multi-chapter fanfics and I read this one twice—once when I was super into bnha, and once when I was no longer that into it—and I enjoyed it both times.

Beartown by Fredrik Backman

I've been wanting to read this for a while now, since I've seen nothing but praise for this book, so I'm hoping to read this next month! I've heard it's kinda heavy and pretty emotional so I'm really excited to read it. I've also been reading at least one series per month, so maybe this will be my series of the month.

Also I just found out there's a TV show coming out soon?! 

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

I spent most of the month reading some of the most distressing literary fiction novels to exist...so I think I'm due for a fun fantasy read. Also I've been wanting to read this series for a while now since it's so popular among the booktube community. It's time for me to pick up another hyped series, as I've been doing pretty much every month since I've started reading again.

—璇