books i read in july (part two)! 📖🌷
continued from what i read in july (part one), here’s part two! my unsolicited, honest takes:
1. ripe (by sarah rose etter)
- literary fiction about a woman in an incredibly stressful job that’s eating at her, and a black hole that follows her around.
- i feel like this book will garner mixed reactions and i could see people disliking this, but i liked it! the main character’s emotions really seeped through the pages and i could feel how stuck and trapped and depressed she felt. it took me a little while to get into but i ended up reading this in one sitting which doesn’t happen often for me!
- ⭐️: 4/5
2. the wind in the willows (by kenneth grahame)
- a children’s classic about a mole, a rat, a badger and a toad, and their adventures along the river
- i feel like i might not have been able to read this book on my own as a child bc the author used advanced diction (for a children’s book imo, or maybe just quite British phrases!) but it would have been lovely to hear it read to me as a child; still, this was lovely too as an adult, his vivid descriptions of scenery and nature is what sticks with me the most, even weeks after finishing the book. there isn’t very much of a plot, so it might not be for everyone, but overall i enjoyed it.
- ⭐️: 4/5
3. happy all the time (by laurie colwin)
- literary fiction, romance novel that explores love and friendship through two couples
- i went into this not having heard of laurie colwin and now i want to read all her books. i don’t even really know what it is about it specifically but i found myself wanting to read this book slowly so it wouldn’t end; so i could savour it. i loved the writing, the characters, their thoughts and feelings, and maybe it’s because i felt i could relate to some of the characters, and have had uncannily similar feelings and thoughts that i’d never been able to describe spelt out before me, but this book really hit all the right bits for me. i don’t really understand why exactly but i just really loved it.
- ⭐️: 5/5 my second five star read of the year!!!
(first five star read was from february!)
4. if cats disappeared from the world (by genki kawamura)
- magical realism, japanese literature about a man who finds out he only has a few days to live, but that he can extend his life by removing things from the world
- this was pretty interesting and told in a humorous tone, quite a cute concept and overall enjoyable!
- ⭐️: 4/5
5. yeonnam-dong’s smiley laundromat (by kim jiyun)
- korean literature about a mysterious diary left behind in a laundromat and strangers who write their concerns and troubles within it, and how it brings them together
- this was a bit unrealistic but quite sweet, i loved the old man character so much. quite sappy but could be a nice pick-me-up, hopeful read.
- ⭐️: 3.5/5
and those are the ten books i read in july! june and july had so many great reads overall and i’m excited for the rest of the year~
let me know your book recs as well! happy reading! 📖📚🔖
#BookReview #bookrecommendation #readwithme #readwithlemon8 #readingcorner
This article reviews a diverse selection of notable books read in July, spanning genres like literary fiction, classic children’s literature, romance, magical realism, and international works from Japanese and Korean authors. 'Sarah Rose Etter’s "Ripe" is a literary fiction novel praised for its evocative portrayal of a woman overwhelmed by stress and emotional turmoil. Its darkly gorgeous narrative captures the complexity of depression and entrapment, portraying the heroine’s struggles with deep psychological insight. This book’s impact lies in how it blends intense emotional experiences with metaphorical imagery, such as the black hole that follows the protagonist, making it a compelling read for those interested in psychological depth in fiction. Kenneth Grahame’s "The Wind in the Willows" remains a timeless classic that, while tailored for children, uses advanced British diction and rich natural descriptions highlighting friendship and adventure through the anthropomorphic characters of Mole, Rat, Badger, and Toad. Its vivid portrayal of the English countryside and gentle narrative pace invites readers to appreciate nature’s beauty and childhood wonder, even for adult readers. Laurie Colwin’s "Happy All the Time" is a literary romance novel that explores the nuances of love and friendship through two couples, distinguished by its insightful, comedic writing style. Colwin’s nuanced character development and relatable emotional themes resonate with readers who appreciate literary fiction that delicately portrays relationships and human connection. The Japanese novel "If Cats Disappeared From The World" by Genki Kawamura uses magical realism to explore life, mortality, and choices through a plot centered around a terminally ill man who can extend his life by removing things from the world. Its humorous and heartfelt tone delivers philosophical reflections with an accessible, whimsical approach, contributing to its popularity, as evidenced by over one million copies sold in Japan. "Yeonnam-dong’s Smiley Laundromat" by Kim Jiyun is a Korean bestseller featuring a warm, sentimental narrative about a magical diary in a laundromat where strangers share their troubles, fostering unexpected connections. Despite occasional unrealistic elements, its heartfelt depiction of community bonds and hope makes it a comforting read. These books collectively highlight current trends in diverse global literature, blending emotional depth, cultural influences, and imaginative storytelling. For readers seeking rich literary experiences across genres and cultures, these selections offer thoughtful engagement with human emotions, relationships, and existential themes. To enrich your reading list, consider exploring more works by these authors or similar books in international literary fiction, magical realism, and classic children’s literature. Join online reading communities with hashtags like #BookReview, #bookrecommendation, and #readingcorner to share recommendations and discover new titles celebrating authentic storytelling and diverse voices.