What Did you Read Through June? Here’s my List…

I’d been wanting to read this book for a long time. Published by Harper Collins in 2011 I decided I’d waited long enough. I ‘read’ this book via AudioBook.

It’s a very powerful story told from the point of view of an 11 year old West African girl who is kidnapped and taken to the U.S. on a slave ship.

The story, for me. was reminiscent of Alex Haley’s Roots. The brutality, fear, and control that is exercised over other human beings is sickening.

Everything came down to the almighty dollar. Even for the African workers who stole, belittled and dehumanized their own countrymen–they were in it for the money.

It’s a look at the strength of the human spirit and the will to survive regardless of hardship. The history is one that has left trauma deep within communities around the world.

The AudioBook narrator spoke with a beautiful and clear African accent. The emotional story of Aminata is one to read and embrace.

---

I love thrillers and suspense. This book, The Push, had elements of both.

It’s written in first person though interlaced with second person references.

So there were times when the narrator would refer to “you” and it pulled me out each time as I had to remind myself who she was talking to.

The story was disturbing enough to keep me reading. Did it happen or didn’t it? Do we trust the mind of our narrator or not?

That part was well done.

This was a very quick read.

It’s not a book for everyone as it could be triggering in that there is neglect and past injuries that shape the main character.

Overall, if you like a contemporary read that’s got some bite to it, then this will do it for you.

Okay.

The only, and I do mean *only*, reason I listened to this on Audible was because it was short and it was free.

I didn’t realize it was meant for children. I guess that makes everything make a little more sense.

It’s very saccharine and not anything like I’d normally listen to or read.

The narrator had a lovely British lilt and I suppose the story would be exciting for kids.

I listened to this before going to sleep…it did the trick.

I thoroughly enjoyed this Audible Original. Mel Robbins is a no-nonsense, calm talking bundle of great information, advice, and technique.

This book is all about conquering your fears.

She shares parts of private counseling (I think she calls them coaching) sessions with real clients. This puts the spin of reality to the narrative and allows the reader to participate from start to finish.

The one thing I really liked about this book was the take-aways.

Often, if you read self-help books, you’re left to your own devices to sit down and write things out or questions your actions/thoughts etc.

Here she uses concrete language to actually “do” something. If you listen or read this then you’ll hear about the “block by block”…. or the “chair wiggle” (or that’s what I call it). These are physical things that make sense to me and reground me or assist in the regroup.

Highly recommend this Audible. Sorry I have no idea whether it’s in book form. Great to listen to though.

I’ve had BONE BLACK on my TBR for way too long. This book is about Indigenous twin sisters and the aftermath of what happens when one goes missing.

The tragedy leads down a road of revenge.

This book was a great surprise.

I finished it in a day and a half and found myself cheering for the stalker/murderer. Believe me when I say, that doesn’t happen very often. lol.

In Canada there are many issues that are coming to the forefront lately especially to do with residential school, the Catholic church, Government, RCMP, abuse, rape, missing Indigenous women just to mention a few.

While this book touches on many of these topics, the book is about the sister left and her journey to find peace.

The book is not overwhelming in any way but is fiction and even a little bit magical in the sense of spirit memories.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this book. Really enjoyed it.

The last book I read this June was EVERGREEN.

This is a book of demons, horror, and the unexplained.

The author, Stephanie Galay, paints a picture of mayhem in the town of Evergreen as a mysterious toxic fog envelopes the area every night.

This is a very quick read as the action ramps up as we get to know the different players involved.

The characters were well developed and relatable.

While this is not a genre that I normally read it was a great break from routine.

Bravo Ms. Galay on your first novel.

Can’t wait for the next one.

If you enjoyed this post please like and comment. You can follow below.