Around the Year in 52 Books discussion
Reading Discussions
>
Best Books of June 2025
date
newest »
newest »
- Title: Wild Dark Shore- Author: Charlotte McConaghy
- Rating: 5++++++
- Format: Print
- ATY Prompt you used it for: #5 - A book with waves on the cover
- Brief reason why it was the best: author's writing is wonderful, kept the pace moving and the tension taut. Family dynamics, climate change, future food supply discussions.
- Title: We Need New Names- Author: NoViolet Bulawayo
- Rating: 5
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): print
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): Not sure yet
- Brief reason why it was the best: Because the writing is absolutely beautiful. The book is told through a young woman from the ages of about 10-16 and the voice the author creates for her is perfect.
Mod
Title: A Gentleman's GentlemanAuthor: T.J. Alexander
Rating: Four stars, but I'm famously stingy with stars
Format: Audiobook
ATY prompt: Two books with a connection from different genres (I'm reading a lot of Queer books)
Brief reason why it was the best: It's a nice cosy read with remarkably good characters. Also, it's one of the first times I've seen Queer representation in the Regency era of historical fiction. Think Bridgerton, but gay.
I read 40 books in June. These are my top three - two fiction and one non-fiction:- Title/Author/Rating:
Endling by Maria Reva - 6/23/25 - 5* - My Review
- Format: eBook & Audio
- ATY Prompt you used it for: na, but it would fit: 13. A book involving a "group" with at least 4 members that's not a family, or 43. A book whose title has ten or fewer letters
- Brief reason why it was the best: Set in Ukraine, this is a metaphysical book that brings attention to both environmental concerns and the impact of war. I think it will eventually become a classic, since it was written during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
- Title/Author/Rating:
Galatea 2.2 by Richard Powers - 6/19/25 - 5* - My Review
- Format: eBook & Audio
- ATY Prompt you used it for: na, but it would fit 24. A book with a main character who is a brain, an athlete, a basket case, a princess, or a criminal, or 26. A book by an author with a common noun in their name
- Brief reason why it was the best: I love books that explore the ways in which a mind constructs itself through language, memory, and interaction with other minds, so this blend of science and literature is right up my alley.
- Title/Author/Rating:
Watergate: A New History by Garrett M. Graff - 6/5/25 - 5* - My Review
- Format: eBook & Audio
- ATY Prompt you used it for: na, but it would fit 15. A book of secrets, lies, or deception, or 24. A book with a main character who is a brain, an athlete, a basket case, a princess, or a criminal, or 32. A mystery or true crime book
- Brief reason why it was the best: Provides a thorough analysis of Watergate up to date with the latest info. The book highlights how various American institutions, such as journalism, the judicial system, and Congress, eventually worked to check presidential abuses of power, which seems particularly relevant in today's world.
Title: OrbitalAuthor: Samantha Henry
Rating: 5 stars
Format: Kindle
ATY Prompt you used it for: 2025 List: A book involving a "group" with at least 4 members that's not a family
Brief reason why it was the best:
If someone had said, "Read this book that is a poetic observational philosophy in the framework of astronauts/cosmonauts on the International Space Station" I don't know that I would have immediately picked it up. But fortunately it was this month's choice for one of my IRL book groups. I guess I was lucky that I was apparently in the mood for this sort of book, because I can see how one might not be. Reading it was a beautiful, eye-opening experience.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Title: A Closed and Common Orbit (Wayfarers #2)
Author: Becky Chambers
Rating: 4 stars
Format: Kindle
ATY Prompt you used it for: 14. A science fiction or fantasy novel written by a woman
Brief reason why it was the best:
Second in the series, but a completely new story featuring just one main character (sort of) and one minor character from the first. Because of this the book felt both fresh and familiar. Becky Chambers is a wonderful storyteller.
- Title: Broken- Author: Jenny Lawson
- Rating: 4 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): print
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): A book with a main character who is a brain, an athlete, a basket case, a princess, or a criminal
- Brief reason why it was the best: This book had me laughing so much in places that I had tears in my eyes. Other chapters broke my heart - like how much she has to fight with her insurance company to get treatments.
Mod
K.J. Charles and Cat Sebastian have gay Regency romances, as well as some set in other eras.
Mod
Two top picks this month- Title: Unboxing Libby
- Author: Steph Cherrywell
- Rating: I don't rate
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): print
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): so far, placing it under A book with a main character who is a brain, an athlete, a basket case, a princess, or a criminal
- Brief reason why it was the best: AI meets American Girl dolls meets My Little Pony set in space on a Mars colony! Come for the nostalgia, stay for the smart sci-fi.
- Title: Lovely War
- Author: Julie Berry
- Rating: still don't rate
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): print
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): undecided, maybe A book by an author with a common noun in their name
- Brief reason why it was the best: WWI love and war story narrated by Greek gods. Expertly crafted characters woven into an original narrative.
After having no 5-star reads in May, I had three this month and they were all unexpected!- Title: Sky Daddy
- Author: Kate Folk
- Rating: 5 Stars
- Format: Audiobook
- ATY Prompt you used it for: ATY Summer #1E- a humorous book
- Brief reason why it was the best: Who knew a book about a woman who is sexually attracted to planes had heart? The premise may be too absurd for some, but if you're looking for something offbeat yet unexpectedly moving, this may be the book for you!
- Title: Disappoint Me
- Author: Nicola Dinan
- Rating: 5 Stars
- Format: Audiobook
- ATY Prompt you used it for: ATY Summer #4B- a book with a wedding
- Brief reason why it was the best: Picked this up because of the cover and was pleasantly surprised by how much it delivered. Through alternating timelines and points of view, you get to know both characters in the relationship. I loved how the book doesn't offer easy, black-and-white answers to its central conflict. It leaves you thinking long after you finish, making it a great pick for anyone who enjoys books that spark reflection and discussion.
- Title: The Slip
- Author: Lucas Schaefer
- Rating: 5 Stars
- Format: Audiobook
- ATY Prompt you used it for: ATY Summer #5A- a book with more than one point-of-view
- Brief reason why it was the best: I found this book through a Goodreads Editors’ article, picked it up for Pride Month, and honestly, it might be my favorite read so far this year! It has such a unique plot centered around a missing boy, but what really sold me was how it’s told through the perspectives of a diverse, intriguing cast all connected to a boxing gym in Austin. The book tackles themes of identity, reinvention, and belonging in such a compelling way, with twists and turns, humor, and genuinely heartwarming moments. Such a pleasant surprise. I can’t recommend it enough!
- Title: The Life We Bury- Author: Allen Eskens
- Rating: 5*
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Audio
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): 41. A book that involves digging up the past
- Brief reason why it was the best: Got this free on Audible, wasn't expecting much, but found a gem. Captivating characters, engaging storyline, and awesome narrator, just kept me going!
* Title: Long Island* Author: Colm Tóibín
* Rating; ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (five stars)
* Format: audio and ebook
* ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): 2017 (anniversary list); A book whose title doesn't contain the letter "E"
* Brief reason why it was the best: The novel is a somewhat rueful account of middle age based on the themes of loss, loneliness, and home—and the tension between hoping for a better life and clinging to the comfort of the familiar.
* Title: Still Life with Bread Crumbs
* Author: Anna Quindlen
* Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (five stars)
* Format (Print, eBook, Audio): ebook
* ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): 40. a book you'd consider a comfort read
* Brief reason why it was the best: Anna Quindlen has a way of getting inside my head whether it is her fiction or non-fiction writing; Rebecca Winter, the protagonist, is a smart, strong, and talented woman, and Quindlen spins a compelling tale around her.
* Title: Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy
* Author: Katherine Stewart
* Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (five stars)
* Format (Print, eBook, Audio): print
* ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): summer challenge prompt 5d. Deviled eggs - A book with challenging subject matter
* Brief reason why it was the best: Eye-opening and provocative investigative journalism by a respected chronicler of the intersection of religion and various aspects of society, Stewart's book, published before the 2024 election, provides an eerily prophetic explanation for today's political chaos created by "reactionary nihilists" under the MAGA banner, who denounce the current prevailing inclusive, tolerant social and political climate.
- Title: The Book of Life- Author: Deborah Harkness
- Rating: 5 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Audio
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): N/A
- Brief reason why it was the best: This book is the third in a series involving witches, demons, vampires, and a lot of tricky situations dealing with the politics of all three. I also love the main characters. All three books have been 5 star reads for me.
- Title: The Memory Keeper of Kyiv
- Author: Erin Litteken
- Rating: 5 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Audio
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): N/A
- Brief reason why it was the best: This book has two timelines. One is in 1930s Ukraine when the Russians invade. The other is the granddaughter in 2004. Without spoilers, the granddaughter is living with her grandmother. They both have stories of loss, and the granddaughter starts to piece together her grandmother's past in Ukraine. The part of the book that is in Ukraine, is a hard read. Stalin purposefully starved 10 million people, and the story is set - very realistically - during that time.
- Title: Daughter of No Worlds
- Author: Carissa Broadbent
- Rating: 5 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Audio
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): N/A
- Brief reason why it was the best: This book is the first in a romantasy trilogy. My other five star read of month - my honorable mention - is book 2 of the trilogy: Children of Fallen Gods. I really enjoyed the third and recommend the trilogy. Book 3 is my least favorite of the trilogy though. A woman has been enslaved since she was a child. The things she experiences as a slave are a driving force behind her fight for change.
Title Malibu RisingAuthor Taylor Jenkins Reid
Rating 5 stars
Format Print
ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable) Author with 3 names.
Brief reason why it was the best The way TJR writes just sucks me in. The characters seem real and complicated, the story keeps you on edge and yet it's all so satisfying in the end. The books live up to the hype.
Mod
-Title: A Gentleman in Moscow=Author: Amor Towles
-Rating: 5 Stars
-Format: Print
-ATY Prompt: Book 2 of two with opposites in their titles (Paired with A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Murder, by Dianne Freeman)
-Why best: I just loved it and think it will become a classic; it beat out To the Lighthouse for me which was also excellent, as well as more innovative, but the Towles book was more enjoyable.
My best June reads:Hungry: The Inspiring Tale of Three Donner Party Survivors
He Gets Us: Experiencing the confounding love, forgiveness, and relevance of Jesus
- Title Crooked Kingdom- Author Leigh Bardugo
- Rating 5 Stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio) Audiobook
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable) A book involving a "group" with at least 4 members that's not a family
- Brief reason why it was the best What a great group of characters
- Title Flowers for Algernon
- Author Daniel Keyes
- Rating 4 Stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio) Print book
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable) A book with an animal, vegetable (plant), or mineral in the title
- Brief reason why it was the best This was a short read but really complex and emotional.
Title: So Let Them BurnAuthor: Kamilah Cole
Format: Print
ATY Prompt(s): Waves on the cover (ATY 2025); Military character (ATY 2025 Summer Reading Challenge)
Brief Reason: This book is so immersive in its storytelling that you almost feel like you’re right there with the characters.
- Title: The Future- Author: Naomi Alderman
- Rating: 5/5
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Print
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): Advanced 2025: A book involving a "group" with at least 4 members that's not a family
- Brief reason why it was the best: It was very suspenseful and I couldn't put it down! Even though it was about the "future", it was very timely to today's world and was very hopeful.
- Title: The Jackal's Mistress
- Author: Chris Bohjalian
- Rating: 5/5
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Print
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): #33 A book by an author you enjoyed but haven't gotten around to reading again for some time
- Brief reason why it was the best: I loved the strong female main character and also that it was historical fiction about the civil war rather than WWII.
Title: Men Who Hate WomenAuthor: Laura Bates
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Format (Print, eBook, Audio): e-book
ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): None
Brief reason why it was the best: Chilling about the incel (and other manosphere) culture. This books feels even more relevant now than when it was published a few years ago, and really helps open your eyes to what is happening in there fora.
Turid wrote: "Title: Men Who Hate WomenAuthor: Laura Bates
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Format (Print, eBook, Audio): e-book
ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): None
Brief reason why i..."
Thanks for posting this. I just found out that it is in the Audible Included catalog right now. I downloaded it.
- Title: The Underworld: Journeys to the Depths of the Ocean- Author: Susan Casey
- Rating: 5/5
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): ebook
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): 25. A book with waves on the cover
- Brief reason why it was the best: just such a fascinating look at a subject I didn't know very much about. Does exactly what a non-fiction book is supposed to do, getting you interested and informing you.
- Title - Atmosphere- Author - Taylor Jenkins Reid
- Rating - 4 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio) - ebook and audio
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable) - 24. A book with a main character who is a brain, an athlete, a basket case, a princess, or a criminal
- Brief reason why it was the best - Jenkins Reid writing has always been fun. Her stories are good but her characters are what really do it for me. I think that even though this was clearly a love story (based on the title), the way it starts, I really hoped it was about the friend group. But it really was a love story, and that was nice as well. I think because of my unreasonable desire for the friend story, it kind of hammered my experience a little, so not quite a 5-star read.
Mod
Title: The Anthropocene Reviewed: Essays on a Human-Centered PlanetAuthor: John Green
Rating: 5 stars
Format: Print
ATY Prompt you used it for: Serpentine element on cover
Brief reason why it was the best: This collection of "reviews" of different elements of life (examples include kentucky bluegrass, scratch and sniff stickers, and the yips) managed to be more engrossing, informative and touching than I expected. I got this book from the library, but think I will be purchasing my own copy, because it seems like the perfect remedy for a blah or down day would be re-reading a few of these essays.
Dubhease wrote: "- Title: Broken- Author: Jenny Lawson
- Rating: 4 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): print
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): A book with a main character who is a br..."
Thank you for the recommendation! I'll look into them.
So I had a really good reading month and would like to add 8 or so books but that's too much. I've thought on it for the month to try and narrow it down.Title: It's All or Nothing, Vale
Author: Andrea Beatriz Arango
Rating: 5 stars
Format (Print, eBook, Audio): eBook
ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): n/a
Brief reason why it was the best:
Middle grade novel in verse about a young fencer learning to accept her new normal after injury.
Title: Onyx Storm
Author: Rebecca Yarros
Rating: 5 stars
Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Hardcover
ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): n/a
Brief reason why it was the best:
I was dumb and saw lower rating reviews for this and it stalled me on reading this since January. It lived up to my expectations and I need the next one.
Title: Murder by Memory
Author: Olivia Waite
Rating: 5 stars
Format (Print, eBook, Audio): eBook
ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): n/a
Brief reason why it was the best:
I picked this to get a goodreads bookmark because it was short. This novella is a sci-fi cozy mystery and I'm usually a nope when it comes to a 'cozy' label. The plot moved and the characters didn't seem to have unreasonable reactions to things which is usually my biggest complaint about cozy books.
When the World Fell Silent by Donna Jones Alward4.5 stars
I used it for books related to each other from different genres.
This was my best book of the month because it’s a historical fiction novel that made me have feelings but was completely unrelated to the other 58 historical fiction books I’ve read.
Mod
My only 5 star from June was Good Material by Dolly Alderton. I don't actually remember much about it at this point, but at the time I was very enthusiastic! (I rarely give 5 stars.)
- Title Swordheart
- Author T Kingfisher
- Rating 5
- Format Print
- ATY Prompt you used it for: None.
- Brief reason why it was the best
I read this book in January and then again in June. It ticks so many boxes for me: great world-building, characters dealing with interesting situations, engaging LGBTQ romances. T Kingfisher is often a winner for me.
- Title How We Learn: The Surprising Truth About When, Where, and Why It Happens
- Author Benedict Carey
- Rating 4-1/2
- Format Print
- ATY Prompt you used it for: 16. A book that fits a prompt from the 2016 list: 14. A book with one of the five Ws or H in the title
- Brief reason why it was the best
What if what we're told about how we learn is mostly wrong? And what if there are better ways? Fascinating and applicable to everyone, not just students in school (though to them, too).
- Title The Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch
- Author Melinda Taub
- Rating 4-1/2
- Format Print
- ATY Prompt you used it for: 10. A book about witches, goddesses, or nuns
- Brief reason why it was the best
A fun look at Pride and Prejudice and its aftermath from a wildly different point of view!
June was a great month:- Title: Summertime: George Gershwin's Life in Music
- Author: Richard Crawford
- Rating: 5*
- Format: ebook/audio
- ATY Prompt you used it for: n/a
- Brief reason why it was the best: If you are at all interested in the life of George Gershwin and his musical legacy, this is a top rate biography. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It will appeal to Gershwin’s fans, music students, and those interested in the creative process.
- Title: The Glory of Their Times: The Story of the Early Days of Baseball Told by the Men Who Played It
- Author: Lawrence S. Ritter
Rating: 5*
- Format: audio
- ATY Prompt you used it for: n/a
- Brief reason why it was the best:
This audiobook contains the author's actual recordings of interviews with old-time baseball players who played the game during the 1890s to 1930s. All these guys are gone now (and have been for many years), and it is just wonderful to listen to them talk about their experiences. If you are at all interested in baseball history, this book is an absolute gem.
- Title: The Hobbit, or There and Back Again
- Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
- Rating: 5*
- Format: Audio
- ATY Prompt you used it for: n/a
- Brief reason why it was best: I originally read this classic years ago and decided to listen to it on audio. It was just as good the second time. Tolkien was an amazing storyteller. It would make a great choice of audio book for a family vacation!
- Title: The Seed Keeper- Author: Diane Wilson
- Rating: 5
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Audio
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): none
- Brief reason why it was the best: Lovely story about an indigenous family over the generations.
- Title The Ladies' Paradise
- Author: Émile Zola
- Rating: 5
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Audio
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): none
- Brief reason why it was the best: Classic novel about the beginnings of the department store in Paris.
- Title: Sisters by a River
- Author: Barbara Comyns
- Rating: 5
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Audio
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): none
- Brief reason why it was the best: A vivid story of childhood growing up on the River Avon in Warwickshire. Semi-autobiographical.
Jackie I freed up the last 10 votes for you
Title - Run for the Hills- Author - Kevin Wilson
- Rating 4.5- 5 stars
- Format Audio
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable) -breakfast club, fits 2026 road trip/travel
- Brief reason why it was the best - an anxious man sets off on a road trip around the US to find his half siblings, and maybe confront the father who abandoned each one. The characters (and settings) were all fascinating in different ways. Fun and emotionally satisfying.
- Title: Renegades - Author: Marissa Meyer
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Print
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): 13. A book involving a "group" with at least 4 members that's not a family
- Brief reason why it was the best: I enjoyed the twist on Superhero/Villains
Added to listopia
Mod
Thank you!
- Title: The Night She Disappeared- Author: Lisa Jewell
- Rating: 5 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Print
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): a book by an author you love (for another challenge, not ATY)
- Brief reason why it was the best: Very compelling and kept my attention easily the whole was through. I always love this author's writing style
Ooh, I also read The Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch. It is fabulous!
- Title - Maynard's House- Author - Herman Raucher
- Rating - 3.5 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio) - ebook
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable) - A book title that could be a country song
- Brief reason why it was the best - Some of the content hasn't aged well, but damned if I don't love a forgotten pulp horror classic. Genuinely spooky at times.
Around the Year in 52 Books
Books mentioned in this topic
Maynard's House (other topics)The Night She Disappeared (other topics)
Renegades (other topics)
Run for the Hills (other topics)
Sisters by a River (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Herman Raucher (other topics)Lisa Jewell (other topics)
Marissa Meyer (other topics)
Kevin Wilson (other topics)
Diane Wilson (other topics)
More...
Answer the following questions:
- Title
- Author
- Rating
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio)
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable)
- Brief reason why it was the best
Best Books Listopia (2025)