Book Report Vol. 16
Books I read in May, June new releases, and book-to-screen news
Hi book pals,
May’s not going down as my most impressive reading month (that’s okay, it happens).
For starters, it was a big month for both travel and out of the house plans. But then I also kept doing this thing where I got so excited about new releases and *needed* to start a book the second it came out without finishing what was already on my plate. 0 stars: do not recommend. It left me stressed and with a pile of half-finished books it’s now TBD if I’ll return to.
Let’s get into the reading recap.
Maggie; or, A Man and a Woman Walk Into a Bar by Katie Yee (out 7/22) · Bookshop · Amazon
I’ll admit that I read this book because of its unique title (a first for me, I think; have you ever read anything just because of the title?), so I knew very little going in. But it was a romp, which is probably not the word you’d expect someone to use to describe a novel about the one-two punch of a woman’s husband leaving her followed shortly thereafter by her cancer diagnosis. But the book has immaculate chocolate pretzel1 vibes. In fact, the character’s hilarious in the face of awfulness inner monologue reminded me a lot of Catherine Newman’s writing, except the character’s kids are younger and she’s Asian, so also different fodder to chew on. One more selling point: it’s short! (208 pages!) Is the under-300-page book going to become a trend? I wouldn’t be surprised with our tech-shrunken attention spans.
Silver Elite by Dani Francis · Bookshop · Amazon
If I read the previous book for the title, I read this one for the controversy. It’s the first installment in a dystopian series about a girl with a psychic secret who’s impressed into military service after her guardian is executed. I feel deeply conflicted about it (in fact, this reel is a pretty good summation of my feelings). I was really into the first half, but all the tension went out of it for me after the couple got together. Also, I’m shocked at how closely the plot mirrors Fourth Wing. But despite that, I still enjoyed myself, even if I probably won’t continue the series.
Hazel Says No by Jessica Berger Gross (out 6/17) · Bookshop · Amazon
I’d been hearing some buzz about this debut novel about a family of 4 that moves from Brooklyn to Maine and their chaotic first year as Mainers. The teenage daughter gets propositioned by the principal on first day of school! The father gets low-key cancelled at the small liberal arts college where he’s a professor! The mom has major mid-life career ennui! The middle-school-aged son discovers Ayn Rand! I loved that it was told from all 4 family member’s perspectives, so it’s almost like an interconnected snack plate of stories. You should know that the 2nd half meanders a bit, but I liked the writing, so I didn’t mind. And if any of those plot lines speak to you, I wouldn’t let that turn you off.
The Knight and The Moth by Rachel Gillig · Bookshop · Amazon
I’m cheating here, as I read this in a single sitting on June 1, but I’m hoping for a high volume reading month in June and this review feels timely given it was a Sunday Sundries topic yesterday, so I thought I’d give myself a pass. I’ve been hotly anticipating this romantasy book about a female prophetess challenging the gods since
pitched it during our January book preview podcast episode, and it majorly delivered. This is by far the most unique romantasy book I’ve encountered to date. There are no dragons or fae, and the writing is moody and lushly atmospheric. It’s less steamy than, say, ACOTAR, but I was majorly into the chemistry between the main couple, too. I will for sure be continuing this series, and urge you to jump on the train, too!
What newness do we have to look forward to in June?
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid | Contemporary Fiction | June 3
Female astronauts in love… in space… in the 80’s. The first TJR release in 3 years—this is going to be huge!
The Listeners by Maggie Stiefvater | Historical Fiction | June 3
After a deal with the State Department, a West Virginia hotel must cater to a clientele of captured Nazis.
The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark | Thriller | June 3
A daughter ghostwrites her father’s memoirs about his involvement in an infamous court case over his siblings’ brutal murder.
The Phoenix Pencil Company by Allison King | Fantasy | June 3
A dual-timeline fantasy set between contemporary Cambridge (Mass) and WWII China, about a family’s magical spycraft secret.
Park Avenue by Renée Ahdieh | Contemporary Fiction | June 3
Succession meets the Korean beauty world. Say less!
Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston | Romance | June 17
A struggling songwriter heads back to her small hometown seeking inspiration and finds a grumpy musician who she might have invented in her head.
The Poppy Fields by Nikki Erlick | Speculative Fiction | June 17
Tell your book club about this long-awaited follow up from the author of The Measure about a tech innovation that lets the brokenhearted sleep through grief.
Don’t Let Him In by Lisa Jewell | Thriller | June 24
I honestly can’t parse the flap copy to give you a snappy summary, but it’s Lisa Jewell, so we’ll probably both read this.
Sunny Side Up by Katie Sturino | Romance | June 24
Excited for you to read this romance about a love triangle between a plus size entrepreneur, her lead investor, and her mailman. (I already read and loved!)
Here’s the latest book adaptation news on my radar. Publicists, producers, bookish insiders: if you have tips for next month, my inbox is open.
It’s almost here: We Were Liars is landing on Amazon Prime June 18. Prediction: HUGE!
The adaptation of My Oxford Year by reigning audiobook queen Julia Whelan is coming to Netflix August 1. Who’s ready for a summer sob-fest? (*Raises hand*)
Angelina Jolie and The White Lotus’ Aimee Lou Wood have boarded the adaptation of Fredrik Backman’s Anxious People.
Ryan Murphy is adapting Bret Easton Ellis’ The Shards and tapped Kaia Gerber to star.
More casting announcements on the adaptation of Elle Kennedy’s Off Campus series. I’m curious how these super steamy book series will translate to screen: will they go full soft core porn? Or strip back the smut?
Thrilled that Kate Stayman-London’s latest Fang Fiction is in development as a TV series with Diablo Cody producing. Hoping this will fill The Magicians-size hole in my heart.
At her book festival this past weekend, Jenna Bush Hager teased that she’s working on an adaptation with Elin Hilderbrand.
And that’s this month’s book report. Until next time.
Becca
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Salty/Sweet
Now my TBR tower is a skyscraper and I hate you but not really 🫶🏻
This is such a great list, my TBR hates you but I love it! And I'm beyond excited about the Anxious People adaptation!