Everyone else is putting out their June reading list so why shouldn’t I do the same?

(Please don’t give me the old, “if everybody else jumps off the bridge would you?” question. . .)

I make a goal every year to read 2 books per month. That’s very attainable for me as I am a pretty avid reader. Of course I’m not as thorough as some but I generally end up reading 4-5 books per month. I try to have a mix of genres. I read both fiction and nonfiction. I read for both fun and education. This year I’m really attempting to read more of the classics because, quite frankly, I’m surprised at how many I haven’t read. So here’s my June reading list:

The Jungle by Upton Sinclair https://www.amazon.com/Jungle-Upton-Sinclair/dp/1503331865

Probably most of you have read it or at least bits and pieces picked out by a high school lit teacher. But reading this from start to finish was a new experience for me. It was eye-opening, horrifying and intense. I highly recommend this book if you’re like me and somehow missed it.

Southern Lady Code by Helen Ellis https://www.amazon.com/Southern-Lady-Code-Helen-Ellis/dp/0385543891

I’ve read a few pieces by Helen Ellis and she never disappoints. This is a memoir/short essay collection of a Southern gal relocated to NYC. She is unapologetically southern and, like me, loves to entertain (is she a 2, too?). She’s spot on regarding hostessing, maintaining harmony in a marriage and being a true friend.

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Tom-Sawyer-Original-Illustrations/dp/1948132826/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=10BOFE7RIJX93&dchild=1&keywords=tom+sawyer+by+mark+twain&qid=1625330627&s=books&sprefix=Tom+sawyer%2Cstripbooks%2C182&sr=1-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzOTJJVkNQMDJHWDJIJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzA2NzQwMjVWWDVFUjAxN0JTViZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwODQ1MjExM1RMN0lTUUIyVTFYUCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

Well that was a long link! Sorry. Y’all know of this book. I had read it as a student and glad I picked it up again as an adult. Marshall and I read it together as part of his summer reading list and we both laughed out loud is multiple sections. That boy!

Up From Slavery by Booker T. Washington https://www.amazon.com/Up-Slavery-Booker-T-Washington/dp/1660050243/ref=pd_lpo_14_img_0/139-9665196-9950853?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1660050243&pd_rd_r=0057aa79-3fd0-4946-afea-798cf9b593bf&pd_rd_w=6EqQX&pd_rd_wg=p8M6E&pf_rd_p=3b5203d9-bdd0-47f6-97e5-387010fc3251&pf_rd_r=FR9B10TQX2C7DQTB0JNV&psc=1&refRID=FR9B10TQX2C7DQTB0JNV

I bet a lot of y’all haven’t read this book and it was voted the #3 nonfiction book of the 20th century! I can’t even describe this book with words. But know Washington, his words, values and ideals have changed my life. I have quoted this book incessantly since I finished it. We need this book in our world today! I can’t recommend it enough.

Whirligig by Paul Fleischman https://www.amazon.com/Whirligig-Paul-Fleischman/dp/0312629117

This was another book Marshall and I read together for his summer reading. I joined in because I hadn’t read it and I believe good things come from reading with your kid, even if he’s able to read and you’re just spending time together. I mean, we watch movies together so why not read together?

Anyway, this is a delightful book! It’s rough in the beginning to be sure. The main character deals with alcohol use at a young age as well as attempted suicide. But Fleischman takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery into maturity. We see our main character grow, learn and take responsibility that comes from hard work and wisdom gained through experiences. But do know before you read it with super young kids there is some underage drinking and a suicide attempt in it. I still recommend it if the reader is mature though.

Is This Anything? by Jerry Seinfeld https://www.amazon.com/This-Anything-Jerry-Seinfeld/dp/1982112697

I’m so glad our local library had this book in stock! I bet it would be amazing on audible if Jerry reads it because it’s basically his stand up routines beginning in the 1970s until now. He wrote it during the pandemic and has some neat insights and take always from his career as a comedian. I loved it!

The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell https://www.amazon.com/Family-Upstairs-Novel-Lisa-Jewell/dp/1501190105

This is my book club pick for the month. I flew through this book! I had to know what was going on! I liked the different points of view from different characters as well as the non-consecutive timeline author used. I won’t say much because I think this is a book you should go into blindly.

So that’s my list for the month! Have you read any of these? What did you think? And do you have recommendations for me? I love to talk books so please, if you have any recommendations, give them to me! Leave me a message here or hit me up on Facebook, Instagram or call/text/email me.

Have a great weekend!

Aliceson