The Book Salon ~~ June 2026 > Likes and Comments

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What books are you starting June reading ?

Remembering Collen McCullough on her birthday. 🎂


Colleen McCullough was an Australian author. Raised in Sydney, she trained as a neurophysiologist and spent her early career working at hospitals and universities in Australia and overseas. In 1974, while working as a research assistant at the Yale School of Medicine, she published her first novel Tim. Her second novel, The Thorn Birds, was published in 1977 and became an international bestseller. It sold more than 30 million copies worldwide and was adapted into a successful television miniseries.

---- Wiki Bio
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colleen...

--- Books

The Thorn Birds

Caesar

The First Man in Rome

The Grass Crown

Colleen McCullough

I'll be starting June continuing my reading of:

eBook
American Patriarch: The Life of George Washington by H.W. Brands

Audiobook
The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead

I might read The Silver Swan by Benjamin Black for the book challenge, but if it doesn't do it for me, I reserve the right to change my mind. LOL

I feel I should read something more tropical, my sunny for the beginning of June, but maybe later in the month, I'll read a "Blandings Castle" book by P,G. Wodehouse. It's always high summer there.

I will continue
Crazy Rich Asians
Moloka'i

In 5 days I will be done with work for the summer and will start my big summer read, Paris. Along with whatever else strikes me as I'm sure you know by now I tend to read multiple books at once and finish a half dozen all at once

Denise wrote: "I will continue
Crazy Rich Asians
Moloka'i

In 5 days I will be done with work for the summer and will start my big summer read, Paris. Along with whate..."

I'm looking forward to your review of Crazy Rich, Denise.

I hope this week goes quickly for you !

Bella wrote: "I might read The Silver Swan by Benjamin Black for the book challenge, but if it doesn't do it for me, I reserve the right to change my mind. LOL

I feel I should rea..."

Whatever book you choose I hope it is another winner for you, Bella.

I am on the home stretch of The Mysteries of Udolpho. It's definitely not for readers who like plot-driven books, with loooong descriptions of nature and a lot of poetry. In my opinion pretty banal poetry at that. However, as I am a fan of gothic literature, there are compensations for the elements I haven't taken to.

I'm officially back from our 2+month holiday. Things are still amiss for us but the regularity of this board is welcoming. I will go back & read all the threads i missed while gone next week. This week (as far as this group goes), i will post about the books i read, both for my Challenge & not, while away.

This month's reading begins with three works i began for our ocean cruise last week but lost, due to some Libby issues.

The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America’s Shining Women--Kate Moore. Nonfictional accounting, set in the 1920s about female employees who painted luminescent numbers on clocks and military equipment, while exposing themselves to radium when they wet their brushes with their mouths, as instructed.

Bog Queen--Anna North, a novel. While i've learned some good info about bog body recovery, i find the triple "character line" frustrating. The Bog is one of the characters, btw.

The Long Tomorrow--Leigh Brackett, is one of the first novels to look at a post-nuclear world. Written in the mid-50s, the story begins with two "New Mennonite" boys. I'm having trouble getting engaged but, as i hadn't heard of this author or book, which is considered special, i want to try to continue.

Oh! I forgot that i downloaded a book written by Ellen Burstyn, Poetry Says It Better: Poems to Help You Wake Up – A Poetry Anthology for Wisdom and Inspiration. I thought it was a book of her own poems. Instead, she shared poetry which has enhanced her life and/or otherwise pleased her. It's a neat way to present facts about her life.

KeenReader wrote: "I am on the home stretch of The Mysteries of Udolpho. It's definitely not for readers who like plot-driven books, with loooong descriptions of nature and a lot of poetry. In my opinion..."

I've seen this book mentioned several times in books of the early 19th century. I think it is one of Catherine Moreland's favorites in Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey. I will have to get around to reading it sometime.

KeenReader wrote: "I am on the home stretch of The Mysteries of Udolpho. It's definitely not for readers who like plot-driven books, with loooong descriptions of nature and a lot of poetry. In my opinion..."

I read that when I was a teen. Loved it then. I think, for me, it was the descriptions of nature I loved.

madrano wrote: "I'm officially back from our 2+month holiday. Things are still amiss for us but the regularity of this board is welcoming. I will go back & read all the threads i missed while gone next week. This ..."

Welcome home! We have some terrific new members. I can't remember if they joined us before or after you left.

I am continuing with We Live Here Now by Sarah Pinborough.

I loved watching The Thorn Birds. Never read the book though.

madrano wrote: "The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America’s Shining Women--Kate Moore. Nonfictional accounting, set in the 1920s about female employees who painted luminescent numbers on clocks and military equipment, while exposing themselves to radium when they wet their brushes with their mouths, as instructed...."

This book tells such a heartbreaking tragic story. And the factory owners (of course) try to shirk all responsibility.

Another book along these lines is The Cyanide Canary: A True Story of Injustice by Robert Dugoni and Joseph Hilldorfer

Denise wrote: "I've seen this book [[book:The Mysteries of Udolpho|93134]] mentioned several times in books of the early 19th century. I think it is one of Catherine Moreland's favorites in Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey. I will have to get around to reading it sometime"

Yes, The Mysteries of Udolpho is one of Catherine Moreland's favourite books and Northanger Abbey sends it up, although not in a mean-spirited way. I'm planning to re-read Northanger Abbey soon after finishing Udolpho now I will be able to see exactly what Jane Austen was about when she wrote it.

Therese wrote: "I am continuing with We Live Here Now by Sarah Pinborough.

I loved watching The Thorn Birds. Never read the book though."

I love The Thorn Birds, too, Therese, and I have read the book. The difference, to me, is that the book concentrates on the other characters, other than Meggie and Ralph, a lot, too. Like Fee and her sons.

I think I actually preferred the movie. That could be because I had a huge crush on Richard Chamberlain. ;-) I actually bought some 8x10 photos of Richard, had them framed and kept them in my room. LOL The things we do as kids are nuts!

Alias Reader wrote: "I'll be starting June continuing my reading of:

eBook
American Patriarch: The Life of George Washington by ..."

I look forward to your review of Brand's book, Alias. I've read one regular bio of GW but several which include him in different aspects of his public life, including his willingness to pose for so many artists. Fascinating man.

I read Colson Whitehead's first few novels, liking them, but haven't read any of his better known and popular books, such as Nickel. (The Intuitionist and Zone One, a zombie novel.)

Enjoy your reading month, Alias.

KeenReader wrote: "I am on the home stretch of The Mysteries of Udolpho. It's definitely not for readers who like plot-driven books, with loooong descriptions of nature and a lot of poetry. In my opinion..."

I remember reading about Udolpho but it seemed incredibly long to me, so didn't follow up or even add it to my TBR. Now that Denise & you mention it from Austen's novel, i suspect this is where i first heard about it. Continued success on this work, KeenReader.

Bella wrote: "I might read The Silver Swan by Benjamin Black for the book challenge, but if it doesn't do it for me, I reserve the right to change my mind. LOL

I feel I should rea..."

I know you are a fan of John Banville, so this sounds up your alley. Keep us posted, Bella

Denise wrote: "I will continue
Crazy Rich Asians
Moloka'i

In 5 days I will be done with work for the summer and will start my big summer read, Paris. Along with whate..."

First off, happy reading days ahead for you, Denise. Any other plans? I know you love the beach.

I think John introduced me to the Crazy Rich Asian line of novels several years back. Should i be embarrassed to admit i gobbled three up within i week? Enjoy!

#17 Barbara wrote: "Another book along these lines is The Cyanide Canary: A True Story of Injustice by Robert Dugoni and Joseph Hilldorfer

.."

Thanks for the title, Barbara. It's sad reading the stories of these young women with their vibrant personalities and their slow deaths.

I had a crush on Richard Chamberlain as well Bella and also Christopher Plummer. I loved him in The Sound of Music, which is my favourite movie.

I found The Thorn Birds on Google Play Books, so I am going to read it. I always seem to prefer the books over the movies.

madrano wrote: "Denise wrote: "I will continue
Crazy Rich Asians
Moloka'i

In 5 days I will be done with work for the summer and will start my big summer read, Paris. A..."

Definitely plan to hit the beach several times a week

madrano wrote: "I'm officially back from our 2+month holiday. Things are still amiss for us but the regularity of this board is welcoming. I will go back & read all the threads i missed while gone next week. ..""

WELCOME BACK, Deb. Looking forward to a re-cap and assessment of your travels.

Therese wrote: "I had a crush on Richard Chamberlain as well Bella and also Christopher Plummer. I loved him in The Sound of Music, which is my favourite movie.

I found The Thorn Birds on Google Play Books, so I ..."

Let us know how you like the book, Therese. I had a friend in Austria who was crazy about RC, too. He was very handsome.:-)

madrano wrote: "Bella wrote: "I might read The Silver Swan by Benjamin Black for the book challenge, but if it doesn't do it for me, I reserve the right to change my mind. LOL

I fee..."

Thank you, Deb. Yes, Banville is my favorite writer. I've started The Silver Swan now.

It's a long way off, but I am looking forward to this book NEXT MARCH!!!

For all of us noctonauts!

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/nigh...

As a fellow noctonaut I am intrigued
Only 4 more work days before I begin my 7 weeks of noctonauthood

Denise wrote: "As a fellow noctonaut I am intrigued
Only 4 more work days before I begin my 7 weeks of noctonauthood"

Love it!!!

KeenReader wrote: "I am on the home stretch of The Mysteries of Udolpho. It's definitely not for readers who like plot-driven books, with loooong descriptions of nature and a lot of poetry. In my opinion..."

I hope the last part of the book picks up for you, Keen. Sometimes a good ending can make the book worthwhile.

#12 madrano wrote:
The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America’s Shining Women--Kate Moore. Nonfictional accounting, set in the 1920s about female employees who painted luminescent numbers on clocks and military equipment, while exposing themselves to radium when they wet their brushes with their mouths, as instructed. ..."

I was thinking of using Radium Girls for our Book challenge. However, I decided to go with The Nickel Boys

Prompt 19
~~Read a book whose title contains an element from the periodic table. (Iron, Gold, Silver, Neon, Oxygen, Copper, Silicon, etc) -- F/NF

#20 madrano wrote: "
American Patriarch: The Life of George Washington by ..."

I look forward to your review of Brand's book, Alias. I've read one regular bio of GW but several which include him in different aspects of his public life, including his willingness to pose for so many artists. Fascinating man.


For our U.S. Presidents challenge I've only read a few books on Washington.

6/2013 --Martha Washington: An American Life-Patricia Brady
8/2013-- Washington: The Indispensable Man-James Thomas Flexner
9/2020 --You Never Forget Your First: A Biography of George Washington-Alexis Coe
11/2025 --Franklin & Washington: The Founding Partnership

American Patriarch: The Life of George Washington is very detailed. I wasn't expecting 150 pages on the French Indian war, so that slowed my reading a bit. It's interesting and something I knew little about. It's key though to learning about GW and his military leadership etc.

I like that he quotes from Washington's journals quite a bit. I think that gives one a good idea of the man. Though the old fashion language does slow the reading down a bit.

I am only on page 300 of this 770 page book. I fear I am not going to be able to finish before the library takes it back. So I will have to wait for it again or buy it. I'll see. I do have a lot of notes/highlights.

Since I was reading the presidents out of order, I thought I would try to read them in order. So that is why decided on the H.W. Brands book. I also enjoy his writing. Recently I read his
America First: Roosevelt vs. Lindbergh in the Shadow of War and thought it was very good.

Remembering Thomas Hardy on his birthday. 🎂

Thomas Hardy was an English novelist and poet. A Victorian realist in the tradition of George Eliot, he was influenced both in his novels and in his poetry by Romanticism, including the poetry of William Wordsworth.

Born---June 2, 1840, Stinsford, United Kingdom
Died---January 11, 1928 (age 87 years), National Trust - Hardy's House Max Gate, Dorchester, United Kingdom

--- Wiki bio
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_...

--- Books

Tess of the D’Urbervilles

Jude the Obscure

Far From the Madding Crowd

The Mayor of Casterbridge

The Return of the Native

Thomas Hardy

Alias Reader wrote: "Remembering Thomas Hardy on his birthday. 🎂

Thomas Hardy was an English novelist and poet. A Victorian realist in the tradition of George Eliot, he was influenced both in his novels and in his poe..."

One of my favorite authors. :-)

Bella wrote: "Alias Reader wrote: "Remembering Thomas Hardy on his birthday. 🎂

Thomas Hardy was an English novelist and poet. A Victorian realist in the tradition of George Eliot, he was influenced both in his ..."

I've read Jude the Obscure & Far From the Madding Crowd. I read them years ago so I don't recall much anymore.

Bella wrote: "Alias Reader wrote: "Remembering Thomas Hardy on his birthday. 🎂

One of my favorite authors. :-) ..."

Thomas Hardy is one of my favorite authors too. I read all the books on Alias's list above. 💝📔💝

I really enjoyed reading The Vanishing Cherry Blossom Bookshop and We Live Here Now and gave them 5/5.

I also read People We Meet On Vacation by Emily Henry and gave that 3/5 because it was an easy read.

I am now reading Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid for Pride Month in the Goodreads Spring Challenge.

Alias Reader wrote: "Bella wrote: "Alias Reader wrote: "Remembering Thomas Hardy on his birthday. 🎂

Thomas Hardy was an English novelist and poet. A Victorian realist in the tradition of George Eliot, he was influence..."

Jude is a very sad book,but then Hardy wrote tragedy. Yes, very much a realist.

Barbara wrote: "Bella wrote: "Alias Reader wrote: "Remembering Thomas Hardy on his birthday. 🎂

One of my favorite authors. :-) ..."

Thomas Hardy is one of my favorite authors too. I read all the books on Alias's..."

I've read all those, too, Barbara. Loved them all.

I've also read Far From the Madding Crowd and The Woodlanders.

I've seen the movie version of "Tess" but I liked the book much more.

Therese wrote: "I really enjoyed reading The Vanishing Cherry Blossom Bookshop and We Live Here Now and gave them 5/5."

I read that one for the BNC 26-book challenge, Therese, and liked it very much. I think the cover is gorgeous, not that I care as much about covers any longer since I read ebooks.

I love the cover as well Bella. I love pretty book covers that catch my eye.

#26
Denise wrote: "Definitely plan to hit the beach several times a week.."

YaaaWooo! Or is it Cowabunga?

Yes, Gidget fan here.

#27
JoAnn wrote: "WELCOME BACK, Deb. Looking forward to a re-cap and assessment of your travels ..."

Thank you. I'm not sure how long it will take me to work up a few words about the long trip, but i'm working on it. Best to do when fresh, but it's harder to stay fresh long nowadays!

JoAnn wrote: "It's a long way off, but I am looking forward to this book NEXT MARCH!!!

For all of us noctonauts!

Count me in!

#34
Alias Reader wrote: "I was thinking of using Radium Girls for our Book challenge. However, I decided to go with The Nickel Boys

Prompt 19
~~Read a book whose title contains an element from the periodic table. (Iron, Gold, Silver, Neon, Oxygen, Copper, Silicon, etc) -- F/NF..."

Clever idea, Alias. I didn't figure that out when you first posted.

#25
Therese wrote: "I had a crush on Richard Chamberlain as well Bella and also Christopher Plummer. I loved him in The Sound of Music, which is my favourite movie...."

Oddly, i didn't get crush on male actors as a kid. I was all about the females--Sandra Dee was my favorite. This kicked in when i posted the word "Cowabunga" in a post above. I don't think i missed a single film starring her. Later, after she married Bobby Darin, i got a crush on him. Hmmm.