Everything I Read in June 2023
This month, my reading was heavy on the historical fiction — just the way I like it! From mythological retellings of Medusa’s sad tale to sapphic Victorian vampires, the books I read in June really ran the gamut, timeline wise. I can’t truly pick a favorite here, but the one that stood out most to me was Weyward by Emilia Hart, which I discuss first below. I think this is so for two reasons. First, I literally couldn’t put it down, read it in a day. And, second, the author has a law background like me. Just on that fact alone, I should have known I’d like it. Anyway, here is everything I read in June — I hope it helps fill up your TBR list!
P.S. to track my reading, I started using the StoryGraph website and app. This reading tracker is really cool and gives you all kinds of interesting stats about your reading style. Plus, the app gives great recommendations based on books you’ve previously read and loved. Check out everything I’m currently reading and add me on the app here!
June 2023 in Books
Weyward by Emilia Hart
Emilia Hart’s debut novel Weyward had shown up a handful of times on my Instagram feed before I picked up the book for myself. It’s been critically acclaimed across the board as a great new historical fiction novel.
So, I had built the novel up in my head. And I am pleased to say that it certainly lived up to the hype!
Weyward follows women in a relatively remote family line, telling three different stories from three very different time periods. The first pillar of the novel is a witch hunt, the second a war-time awakening, and, the third, a contemporary woman’s escape from an abusive relationship. The writing was fantastic and the narratives of each character weave together with ease. I read it in a day. Couldn’t put it down!
Weyward by Emilia Hart is available from Amazon and Bookshop.org.
My Contrary Mary by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows
I don’t remember how I came across this book, but I’m very glad I did. Written by a trio called the Lady Janies, My Contrary Mary is a YA fantastical historical fiction account of Mary, Queen of Scots (AKA: my favorite historical figure ever).
If you’re looking for hard hitting historical writing, then this one’s probably not for you. But, if you are such a huge history lover that you want a lighthearted rom-com style account of how Mary’s life should have gone — IE: not so many dead husbands, less murdery vibes, heavy on the shape shifting — plus amusing social commentary and pop culture references, then I highly recommend it.
In fact, I think part of what makes this fantasy world of Mary Stuart so entertaining is that it is clear the writers do know the history. They know the details of her life, her demise, and they create basically a fanfic of how they wish it had gone. All of this makes me very excited to read more from the Lady Janies trio!
My Contrary Mary by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows is available from Amazon and Bookshop.org.
SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome by Mary Beard
A freebie with my Audible membership, I was inspired to check it out because I had enjoyed the Empress of Rome fiction series by Kate Quinn so much.
If you’re a general history lover, Mary Beard’s SPQR is a very engaging history of Ancient Rome. The book feels like the perfect mix of everyday non-fiction writing and college level course book. There are explanations where there need to be, but it doesn’t take itself too seriously. I listened to it on Audible and found it to be easy to follow and well-read by the narrator.
SPQR by Mary Beard is available from Amazon here.
Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes
If you’re a fan of Madeline Miller’s mythological retellings, or mythology in general, you’re sure to enjoy Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes. In many ways, the novel reminded me a lot of Circe, but with a bit more nuance and humor thrown in.
The chapters bounce around from character to character, so it is easy to get a little confused at times, but it’s almost by design. It’s as if the narrative style mirrors the chaos of the characters and the cosmic influence of the gods.
Plus, it will revolutionize how you view the mythological figure of Medusa.
Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes is available from Amazon and Bookshop.org.
A Long Time Dead by Samara Berger
I have stayed up way too late the last two nights reading Samara Breger’s A Long Time Dead. I finished it last night and had to sit there for a few minutes reflecting on just how much had happened in the mere 349 pages!
This book feels like an epic adventure tale, full of newly made vampires, elder vampires with great stories to tell (one was a confidant of Catherine of Aragon!), romantic love (it is a spicy one!), companions as chosen family and…well, the list goes on.
A Long Time Dead by Samara Berger is available from Amazon and Bookshop.org.
Clytemnestra’s Bind by Susan C. Wilson
What a fantastic book! A quick, engrossing read that was challenging as well as beautifully written.
Susan Wilson covers the many tragedies of Clytemnestra’s life with a renowned sense of humanity, really bringing the character — and those around her — to life.
Those familiar with her story will know of the sorrows in store for her, but they are no less poignant for that knowledge. In all, an incredible book — I almost wish it was longer! Luckily, it’s the first part of a three-part epic series.
Clytemnestra’s Bind by Susan C. Wilson is not yet available in the U.S., but you can check out retailers offering the novel from the publishing house here.
P.S. if you’re interested in Clytemnestra as a historical figure, you may also enjoy this novel about her.
My Murder by Katie Williams
Released early this month, Katie Williams’ My Murder is an emotive and brain-bending novel that blends murder mystery with just a touch of uncanny futuristic fantasy.
The main character in the novel, Lou, is not what she seems. She is a remade version of herself, a clone of the original Lou, who fell victim to a local serial killer. But coming back to her life isn’t an easy process, and the growing pains she experiences just might be indicative of something else. Something darker.
Honestly, the whole book gave me that feeling of working through a difficult word puzzle or sudoku game. By the end of it, everything made sense, and I just had to sit there for a moment in awe of the author’s storytelling (and creative!) ability.
My Murder by Katie Williams is available on Amazon and bookshop.org.
What have you been reading lately?
Share your favorites in the comments so I can add them to my TBR pile!
Still searching for your next favorite read?
Check out everything I read last month for your next favorite book!
*Some of the novels featured here were gifted to me as part of various book review programs that Cats & Coffee is a part of. I was not required to post about the novel in exchange for getting a copy to read. All thoughts and opinions are my honest own.
