I like to share what books I finished last month and what I’m reading now. I also love to hear what others are reading. Share your own book recommendations in the comments or friend me on Goodreads!

Finished in July

I read several novels in July, none of which I loved. So, it was a disappointing month, book-wise. I thought I wanted some fluffy, non-challenging stories, but not all fluff is appealing to me.

Here are a few titles worth mentioning:

Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine. This steampunk/alternate history/fantasy series starts off with a strong premise: Imagine the Library of Alexandria was never destroyed, but instead grew into a global power that controlled all access to information. This book was fun, fast-paced, and original. But…

Paper and Fire by Rachel Caine. Unfortunately, this second book in the series fell flat for me. The characters did a lot of running around, but nobody was getting anywhere. I finally lost interest and had to put the novel down even though I was only 50 pages from the end. I doubt I will pick up the third title in this series.

Gone with the Whisker by Laurie Cass. This is book 8 in a cosy mystery series about bookmobile librarian Minnie Hamilton and her cat, Eddie. Although I have enjoyed the other books in the series, the appearance of Minnie’s whiny teenaged niece, Katrina, threatened to sink this novel. But, I most likely will pick up book 9 because the residents of Chilson, Michigan have grown on me.

The Shop on Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber. This is the first in the wildly popular Blossom Street series by Macomber. She is such a popular novelist that I have been wanting to read one of her books for a long time. In this story, Lydia Hoffman opens a yarn shop on the titular street located in Seattle. And, it tells the stories of the eclectic group of women who sign up for her first knitting class. I finished it, but I did not love it.

The Shape of Ideas by Grant Snider. This collection of illustrations about the creative life was easily the best book I read in July. I have enjoyed Snider’s Incidental Comics for many years, and this collection did not disappoint. I plan to pick up his most recent collection, I Will Judge You by Your Bookshelf, soon.

Reading Now

The Universe Has Your Back by Gabrielle Bernstein. New age self-help guide. Although the advice is overly simplistic at times, the subtitle — “transform fear into faith” — describes the kind of comfort reading I’ve been needing in these pandemic times.

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Links in this post go to The Book Cellar, one of my favorite Chicago bookstores. Indie bookshops have been hit hard by the pandemic closures this year. Try to support your favorite indie shops.

What are you reading right now? I’d love to get your recommendations in the comments!