Earlier this month I mentioned my concerns over not being able to finish the 8 books I picked out for my August TBR. But not only did I manage that, but I also managed to add a nearly 900 page book to the list! Many of my reads this month were good too – I hope you found the same with your reading!
So here’s everything I read during the month of August:
Uhura’s Song by Janet Kagan
This Star Trek tie-in novel follows Uhura, who many years ago befriended a diplomat from the planet Eeaiuo, and exchanged forbidden songs and secrets. Now the Eeaiuoans are suffering from a plague, and the Enterprise is on it’s way to save them. Uhura’s songs might be the key to ending the plague, but within the song lies mysteries that the Enterprise must resolve first.
I was hoping that Uhura would have been more at the center of this book since her name is in the title, but that wasn’t the case! This book started out so strong, but it sadly didn’t stay that way for most of the book. However, I am still looking forward to continuing reading other Star Trek tie-in novels!
Cinderella is Dead by Kalynn Bayron
It’s been 200 years since Cinderella found her prince, but since then, things have changed. Teen girls are now required to attend the Annual ball where men choose a suitor. But those who are not chosen from are never heard from again. This story follows Sophia, who would rather marry her childhood best friend, and flees the ball. During her escape, she encounters one of Cinderella’s descendants – and together they attempt to bring down the kingdom.
I loved the feminist messages in this creative Cinderella retelling. There were some aspects of the worldbuilding that I thought could have been developed more, but other than that, I really enjoyed this one.
Loveless by Alice Oseman
Loveless follows Georgia, who recently started college and has never fallen in love. She’s convinced she’ll find her happily ever after with the help of her roommate and friends, but after her plans end in disaster, she begins to question her true identity.
I was so excited to be represented by this book. And while I did feel seen in much of this book, there were other aspects of Georgia’s and other character’s representations that struck me as problematic. It’s nice to have an aro-ace OV novel and have so many of us feel seen by it, but if you do decide to pick up this book, just keep these things in mind while reading. I discuss these specifics more in my review.
Forest of Souls by Lori M. Lee
Forest of Souls is a YA fantasy that follows Sirscha, who is training to be the queen’s next royal spy. But after Sirscha’s best friend Saengo is killed by shamans, and Sirscha restores Saengo’s life, she is known as the first soulguide in living memory. Now, Sirscha is summoned as the only person who can confront the Spider King, and in that time it is up to her to master her new abilities to bring peace back to the kingdoms before it is too late.
This was a great start to a new fantasy series! I loved the atmosphere of this book and the worldbuilding, plus the creativity behind the central plot. It’s not super heavy on characterization, but that didn’t prevent me from enjoying the book.
Children of Time & Children of Ruin by Adrian Tchaikovsky
The Children of Time duology follows the last of humankind and their quest to find a new planet to settle on as Earth is in ruins. They find a new planet that seems perfectly crafted for humankind. Little do they know that new masters have turned this planet from an ideal habitat to their worst nightmare.
These books showed a really interesting take on contact! While I much preferred the first book to the second, I read these books way more quickly than I would have imagined. In particular I liked the speculation of humans in our future and how the flaws of humankind play in this scenario.
Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women that a Movement Forgot by Mikki Kendall
Hood Feminism is all about the many issues covered under feminism that are rarely prioritized. It also discusses the lack of intersectionality in much of the mainstream feminist movement and how the lack of inclusion within the movement impacts marginalized groups. This book brings those issues to light and illustrates the importance of solidarity within in order for the feminist movement to benefit more people.
This book is a must-read. So much of what Kendall discusses goes unacknowledged, and the topics that she brings to light are about basic human needs that several movements fail to address. Definitely give this one a read, especially if you’re looking for books about feminism.
Burn Our Bodies Down by Rory Power
Burn Our Bodies Down follows Margot, whose family as she knows it consists of her and her mother. She knows nothing else of her family history until she finds the name of her mother’s hometown and goes there to investigate. Margot wants to find out why she left, but she knows for sure that there’s something wrong regarding her past, and she may never be able to leave.
I wanted to read this book after reading Wilder Girls last year and wanting to try one of Rory Power’s books again. The library ended up not having this one though so I bought it instead.
To Sleep in Sea of Stars by Christopher Paolini
To Sleep in A Sea of Stars follows Kira Navárez, a xenobiologist who finds a previously undiscovered alien relic on an uncolonized planet. First contact was something that Kira dreamed of, but things aren’t what they imagined once the dust begins to move around her. Kira has uncovered much more than just a relic, and she’s the only one that can put a stop to the chaos before it’s too late.
I really liked this book! It had everything I was looking for in a space opera. The only thing I would say is that I wish the characters were fleshed out more. But other than that, I really enjoyed the story and the world here.
That’s everything I read in August. How did you reading month go! Let me know! 🖤
-Julie Anna
#goodreadance2021: It’s Time to Get Organized!
I have a list of admin tasks in my planner that I save for when I have time to complete them. And lately, an overwhelming majority of those tasks that I’ve been neglecting have to do with the blog and the state of my shelves. Luckily, it looks like I have the opportunity to do so with #goodreadance2021! This challenge is hosted by Shealea @ Shut Up, Shealea and this round is running from September to the end of November. This challenge is an opportunity for participants to organize their reading, including their Goodreads shelves, physical shelves, reviews, and more. You can find out all of the details on Shealea’s blog.
Today I’m sharing which goals I’m working towards over the course over #goodreadance2021. I’ll also be wrapping up this challenge once it’s over with my results – stay tuned!
August 2021 Wrapup
With August over, it’s time to share my reading wrap-up. This past month, I read seven books. While this definitely is not a small number of books to have read, I think this is actually the least I’ve read in a month in a long time. I think this month really has been different for me in terms of where I had to set my priorities. Plus, I had to switch my medication, and the fatigue has been real. But with that aside, although I didn’t have any five-star reads this month, I did end up with plenty of four-star reads, and that’s really good too.
Starting this new medication has served as a sort of reset for me throughout August. I’ve been taking the time to really declutter every aspect of my life, not only physically but also mentally – so that I can make space for what really matters. I’ve also been thinking about how I want to take my career from here, which means that I’ve started studying for my next certification (and hope to take the exam this month!). This month has also been spent well with family and friends, which may have also been a contributing factor to less reading this month!
Anyway, here’s everything I read this month. I hope you found some great new books this month too!
September 2021 TBR
August has come to an end, so it's time to share my September TBR! I'm looking forward to the cooler weather and cozier days, and I think my TBR this month will reflect that because there are so many books on it. I don't know if it will really cool down that much in...
I’m excited for Forest of Souls, I didn’t realize it was a series.
I hope you enjoy it! I didn’t realize it at first either but on Goodreads it looks like there’s two more books coming.