Named after Juno, the Roman Goddess of Youth and Protection, June heralds the arrival of summer in the northern hemisphere although it’s the exact opposite in the southern hemisphere when it’s about to be colder than the rest of the year. For bibliophiles all over the world, regardless of which side we are in the equator, a new month is another excuse to begin another reading fest. This June, our craving for some amazing reads is sure to be fulfilled. A plethora of engaging books are all set to be published to appease our reading souls. Let us have a look at one such book from each genre that can easily be added to our to be read (TBR) list for June.
Romance on the Run
Book: Unforgiven (Deep Ops #5)
Author: Rebecca Zanetti
Unforgiven is a thrilling romantic suspense penned by Rebecca Zanetti. Book 5 of the Deep Ops series, Unforgiven is set to hit the bookshelves on the 7th of June 2022. It follows Gemma Falls and Jethro Hanson as they tumble into love. Gemma is on the run hiding from an abusive stalker while Jethro has a chilling secret that can endanger everyone close to him. Their attraction toward one another becomes undeniable when they butt heads at D.C. University. Moreover, Genma’s young daughter forms a beautiful bond with Jethro. However, it is up to them to decide if love is a risk worth taking. Avid followers of the Deep Ops series would not like to miss this book. ‘Unforgiven’ is a perfect blend of suspense and romance ideal for an afternoon read in June.
When Reality is Stranger than Fiction
Book: Rogues: True Stories of Grifters, Killers, Rebels and Crooks
Author: Patrick Radden Keefe
Patrick Radden Keefe is a renowned journalist whose writings in The New Yorker gained widespread recognition. Keefe compiles twelve of his well-researched articles in Rogues: True Stories of Grifters, Killers, Rebels and Crooks. The articles outline the unimaginable acts done by our fellow humans. From swindlers to murderers, this tome puts forward the stories of all. Keefe masterfully brings to us real-life stories from the perspectives of victims as well as perpetrators. His own perception of matters is expertly put as well. Rogues: True Stories of Grifters, Killers, Rebels and Crooks is bound to mark its place as a fine piece of investigative journalism.
An Unexpected Thriller
Book: The Woman in the Library
Author: Sulari Gentill
A story with a story is always intriguing. In Sulari Gentill’s The Woman in the Library, Hannah Tigone, an Australian author, exchanges letters with her beta reader, Leo Johnson, to get insights about Boston for her latest novel. Hannah’s book revolves around four strangers stuck in a library. Winifred Kincaid, Marigold Anastas, Whit Metters, and Cain McLeod form a friendship and become each other’s alibis when a scream pierces the silence of the reading room in Boston Public Library. However, there is a twist. There is a murderer amidst them. Moreover, Leo’s letters to Hannah also have an undertone that seems to hint at something. I can’t wait to unravel all these mysteries when The Woman in the Library is published on the 7th of June 2022.
An Anthology of Short Stories
Book: Ghost Lover
Author: Lisa Taddeo
Set to be published on the 14th of June 2022, Lisa Taddeo’s Ghost Lover, is a collection of nine short stories revolving around today’s women. Even today, the male gaze is prevalent. Whether we accept it or not, we women are our own harshest critics. Lisa Taddeo unabashedly explores this in her collection of short stories. Love, obsession, and grief are the recurrent themes of her stories. I am sure Taddeo’s fans would love to get their hands on this book. I believe this would be a great read for anyone who likes reading contemporary short stories focusing on women and their nuanced worldviews.
YA Queer in a Dystopian World
Book: Hell Followed with Us
Author: Andrew Joseph White
June is also hailed as Pride Month. Hence, I believe Andrew Joseph White’s Hell Followed with Us would be a perfect June read. His gritty dystopian novel follows trans-boy, Benji. Benji had been injected with a deadly weapon by the cult that raised him. It is the same cult that is responsible for the world’s destruction. Benji’s only hope is a bunch of queer teens, also known as Acheson LGBTQ+ Center. White’s book is not for the faint-hearted. In the set-up of a YA dystopia, it explores relevant topics like domestic violence, transphobia, and religious fanaticism, among many others. I reckon this book has the potential to blaze a trail of success once it is published on the 7th of June 2022.
Medieval Fantasy
Book: Lapvona
Author: Ottessa Moshfegh
Ottessa Moshfegh is all set to have us glued to her novel, Lapnova from the 21st June of 2022. The medieval fiefdom of Lapnova is ravaged by poverty and tragedy. Father Barnabas and Lord Villiam are the ones in power. They are the ones supposed to take care of the people. However, their immense riches in contrast to the poor condition of their people shed a harsh light on their self-righteous cruelty. We also have the motherless Marek. Marek’s only solace is the blind crone, Ina. When Marek gets tangled with Villiam’s family, everything changes. Moshfegh beautifully explores today’s relevant issues under the veil of her medieval fantasy. Her vivid portrayal of the disparity of wealth, the deception of religion, and the overall cruelty of mankind is bound to leave a lasting impression on her readers.
Special Mentions
Truly, there are too many amazing books that are about to be released this June. I could not help but add a few more reads that deserve a special mention.
Book: Stuck with You (The STEMInist Novellas #2)
Author: Alia Hazelwood
Fate throws Sadie a curveball when she is stuck in an elevator with her ex, Eric. She is determined to leave the place with her heart intact. Now, the question is whether she would give in to her pesky feelings or stick to her resolve of life-long bitterness. Alia Hazelwood’s Stuck with You promises a delightful second chance romance with a scientific bent.
Book: Last Summer on State Street
Author: Toya Wolfe
Debut novelist, Toya Wolfe, takes us back to relive the year 1999 with Felicia Stevens. Toya’s realistic portrayal of life in Chicago is bound to pull some heartstrings. Last Summer on State Street is a tale of friendship, community, and upliftment.
Conclusion
Many of us are still living in fear of the pandemic. Moreover, it might just be too hot to go out for us living north of the equator or too cold for bookworms in the south. So the best thing to keep us engaged is to immerse ourselves in bookish worlds. There is plenty to fulfill our reading appetite this June. So, let us grab a book and start enjoying our summer or winter with some tantalizing reads.
For more posts like this, here’s the link: https://thechrysalisbrewproject.com/category/bookish-posts/.
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You’re right. It’s sweltering hot in my country, but what better place to read than the beach? I love crime stories and women’s fiction, so I’m adding two books to my TBR. You, dear, are making that list grow each time you post something 😛 And kudos on including a book to celebrate Pride Month. I’m proud of being part of such an inclusive project.