July was full of 5 ⭐ books & popular books not for me

July was quite the month for reading, filled with a mix of highly rated gems and a few popular books that didn't resonate with me as much as I expected. I tracked my reading journey carefully, inspired by the detailed reading trackers and reviews floating around social media platforms like Lemon8. One thing that stood out was how diverse my choices were—from New York Times bestsellers like Kathryn Stockett's works to indie thrillers by Riley Sager. I found the experience of reading multiple genres within one month incredibly refreshing. It gave me a sense of balance between familiar favorites and bold new voices. However, not every popular book lived up to the hype for me. Some well-known titles, although critically acclaimed, felt a bit overhyped or simply didn’t connect with my current tastes. This made me reflect on how subjective reading enjoyment can be, and how reviews and ratings don’t always tell the whole story. Additionally, audiobooks played a significant role in my July reads. They allowed me to enjoy stories during commutes or household chores, making the most out of my time. This month, titles like "The Calamity Club" and "The Only One Left" proved to be fantastic audiobooks that enhanced my engagement with the stories. If you’re keeping a reading tracker like I did, it can help identify patterns in your preferences and discover hidden gems. I’d suggest trying a mix of highly rated bestsellers, indie picks, and audiobooks to broaden your horizons. Most importantly, don’t shy away from putting down a book if it doesn’t resonate—it’s okay to DNF (Did Not Finish) without guilt. I’m looking forward to hearing about the books you’ve enjoyed or found disappointing recently. Sharing honest opinions helps build a supportive reading community where everyone can find their next great read. What were your standout books this month? Any recommendations that surprised you?