Here’s what I read in July
The five-star weekend by Elin Hilderbrand
Every summer I eagerly await Elin Hilderbrand’s latest book. I thought this one was a fun premise, the premise is a blogger gathers a group of her closest friends for a special weekend together in Nantucket after her husband passes away. It took a little while to get things going because there’s a large cast of characters and it all takes place over one weekend. I’ve always enjoyed it…and I still dream of going to Nantucket for my own little five-star weekend away.
My rating: 4/5 stars
On Fire Island by Jane L. Rosen
I will devour any book that takes place on Fire Island. This one in particular is a real gem Although the premise is a bit sad, a woman dies at 37 but spends a final summer caring for her husband and loved ones, I found this really heartwarming and heartwarming . a unique vision of death. I particularly liked all the characters, it’s an eclectic group that comes together despite their differences every summer.
My rating: 4.5/5 stars
And don’t do stupid things! by Maria Elena Fernández
I listened to this oral history of RuPaul’s Drag Race in audiobook form. It features interviews with RuPaul, various producers, judges and contestants over the years.
As a huge fan of RuPaul’s Drag Race, I so enjoyed this deep dive into the show and how it came to be. It’s full of interesting little anecdotes and I think even super fans will find something new in it. My only complaint is that the audiobook is read by only one person. Although I’m sure it would have been impossible to round up everyone who gave an interview for the book, I found it confusing at times coming from the same voice.
Nicolas Didomizio’s gay best friend
I found this book super fun. It’s a bit of a romance, but it focuses more on the complicated friendship dynamics between the gay main character and his best friends who are a heterosexual couple. It’s sometimes very funny, but there are also very tender moments.
My rating: 4/5 stars
Another Now by Sarah Everett
I’m looking for books that *look* The summer I became pretty. This book has some similarities: it takes place during the summer, there are two brothers, their mother is a mother figure to the main woman, and it stirs up big feelings. However, something missed the mark for me. I generally like double delays, but this one seemed like it needed to be forever to go there. I also thought there would be more of a summer vibe and it just wasn’t there for me. I enjoyed where it ended, I just wish it didn’t take so long to get there.
My rating: 4/5 stars