Wow. I don’t think I remember a month where I only got through 4 books – but that’s what happened in June. It doesn’t mean I wasn’t reading – I read a lot for work, academic articles and book chapters. But I don’t count these here unless I ever read the whole book cover to cover. So, four books it is.
Books for Children
The Silver Donkey, by Sonya Hartnett (Walker Books, 2005). I read this one some years ago, and was surprised to realise it first came out in 2005. A beautiful story set in France during World War 2.
A Little Piece of Ground, by Elizabeth Laird with Sonia Nimr (Haymarket, 2006). Another war story, this one set in Gaza. The location, and the terrible events happening there at present made this confronting, but it is good to be confronted, to see what life might be like for a child living in Gaza, or in any place under constant attack.
Books for Young Adults
A Wreck of Seabirds, by Karleah Olson (Fremantle Press, 2024). I couldn’t put this one down. Set on the West Australian coast, with gothic tones, mystery, grief and more.
Books for Adults
Inciting Joy : Essays, by Ross Gay (Algonquin Books, 2024). This book definitely incites joy. This is the second Ross Gay book I’ve read since he was recommended to me by my friend Sally. Very readable essays, about how we find joy during hard times.
This brings my total for the year so far to 58. Here’s to more reading for pleasure in July!