I only managed to read three books in June. It was a tough month in many ways and my reading time fell by the wayside. However, the three books I did read were excellent and I highly recommend picking up any or all of them!
Book of the Month
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green - The Fault in Our Stars is an absolutely stunning contemporary young adult novel. The novel follows the story of Hazel, a teenager living with terminal stage cancer. She meets a boy Augustus who changes her life. Yes, the novel is sad at times, but the characters are smart and beautiful. Green grapples with issues of mortality, life, and love in a way that is meaningful and triumphant. I recommend this book to readers of all ages. 7 out of 7 stars. If you want a free copy (kindle or paperback), send me an email (kristenotte1 at gmail.com). The first email I get is the winner!
The Rest
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald - As part of my quest to read more classic literature, I picked up The Great Gatsby this month, inspired by the new film out in theaters. I read The Great Gatsby in high school and college and remember it being one of my favorites I was "forced" to read. The Great Gatsby did not disappoint several years later. Fitzgerald writes in a simple, yet beautiful style. Not a word is wasted, yet the writing sets the scene perfectly. The novel is an allegory of the American Dream and the endless pursuit of money and power, a theme very relevant to today's readers. The Great Gatsby is indeed the great american novel. Another 7 out of 7 stars.
Dark Currents by Lindsay Buroker - Dark Currents is the second book in Buroker's Emperor's Edge series. (I read and reviewed the first book in March). I enjoyed Dark Currents even more than the first book. The book is part adventure, part mystery and fantasy, set in a steam punk era. Amaranthe and her team are on a hunt to figure out why the city water is tainted and how to stop it. Along the way, they encounter magical machines, green eyed animals, and mythical creatures. The character development is great and I love the humor, especially in the dialogue, laced throughout the book. I will definitely keep reading this series. 6 out of 7 stars.