Sharing the books I read in July and if I’d recommend adding them to your collection. 

Hi friends! Happy Monday! How was the weekend? I hope you had a great one! We’re back in town after an amazing trip to Hawaii to finish out the summer. I’m splitting my recap into two posts: our favorite places to eat and a review of Aulani, the Disney resort in Oahu. If you have any questions you’d like me to answer in the recaps, please lmk!

One of the benefits of a couple of long flights and some time lounging on the beach: I had lots of time to read!

In today’s post, I wanted to share the goods with you and also hear what you’re reading right now!

July 2024 Book Recap

Throne of Glass

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas is a fantasy novel that follows the journey of Celaena Sardothien, a notorious assassin who has been imprisoned in the salt mines of Endovier. When Crown Prince Dorian offers her a chance at freedom, Celaena must compete in a deadly tournament to become the King’s Champion. Her path is fraught with danger as she faces ruthless opponents, navigates court politics, and uncovers dark secrets lurking within the glass castle.

As Celaena trains for the competition, she forms unexpected alliances with Prince Dorian and the stern Captain of the Guard, Chaol Westfall. Amidst the grueling trials, she discovers a hidden power within herself and a mysterious, ancient evil threatening the kingdom. Celaena must rely on her wits and skills to survive, all while confronting her own haunted past and the looming danger that could destroy everything she holds dear.

This book was HIGHLY recommended online, and I’ve read another one of Sarah J Maas’ books (A Court of Thorns and Roses), and this one wasn’t it for me.(Maybe a 4/10) It started off quickly, but dragged in the middle. I had to force myself to finish it, and while I liked the ending, it just wasn’t as vivid of captivating as I expected. From what I’ve heard, this was the first book she ever wrote (so major props for that), but I’ve realized this isn’t my fave genre. Give me my sweeping historical dramas with deep character development and gorgeous writing, which brings me to the next book….

Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See

Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See is an evocative historical novel that delves into the life of Lady Tan, one of the pioneering female doctors in 15th-century China. The story weaves a rich tapestry of Lady Tan’s journey as she navigates the complexities of her time, breaking barriers and defying societal expectations to become a respected medical practitioner.

Set against the backdrop of a patriarchal society, Lady Tan’s Circle of Women highlights the challenges and triumphs of Lady Tan as she forms a supportive network of women from various walks of life. Together, they share their knowledge, experiences, and resilience, fostering a sense of community and empowerment. Through her medical practice, Lady Tan not only heals physical ailments but also uplifts the spirits of those around her, challenging the traditional roles assigned to women.

I SAVORED this book and didn’t want it to end. I finished it about a week ago and still have a major book hangover. All the stars, highly recommend, 10/10.

For the Family’s Sake: The Value of Home in Everyone’s Life

For the Family’s Sake: The Value of Home in Everyone’s Life by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay was recommended on IG by my friend Jenna. I’ve always admired how she juggles so much things (3 kids, homeschooling, making beautiful meals each day), so I wanted to check this out. This book dives into creating a nurturing home environment, blending Charlotte Mason’s educational philosophy with Christian values. The author emphasizes routines, real-life relationships, outdoor time, leisure activities, nutritious food, and community. She explains it like beads on a string – while we all need the same basics, how we arrange them is unique to each family.

At times, the book felt overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling a million things and can’t quite find time for every suggested activity. For example, I can’t imagine singing songs to the kids after bedtime stories (they’d beg me to stop anyway lol). When am I supposed to fold laundry mountain??

Instead of feeling like I need to do ALLTHETHINGS, I want to approach family life like health and wellness. Focus on what works for you and your family. Her perspective on community magnified my gratitude for our neighborhood here in Tucson, reminding me of the importance of our daily routines and connections.

The book is rich in Christian messaging and scripture, which might resonate with some but feel heavy for others. She also advocates for a smack on the kids’ hands, which I’m not into at all. The language can be a bit old-fashioned, too.I would give it a 6/10. I felt like it could have been much shorter, and didn’t find all of her suggestions to be timely for modern lives, especially when many women have to work in and out of the home to contribute financially to the family. (In addition to being the default parent… it’s a lot.)  I say just take what works for you and delete the suggestions that don’t.

The Burnout by Sophie Kinsella

I was so excited to read this because Sophie Kinsella is the one who made me fall in love with reading *for fun* during the drudgery of college textbooks. Confessions of a Shopaholic was my favorite series, and I love her writing style.

The Burnout by Sophie Kinsella is a total gem that perfectly captures the chaotic, hilarious, and sometimes overwhelming journey of trying to balance work, relationships, and self-care. The main character, Sasha, is feeling the heat from every direction and is right on the edge of cull burnout. In a moment of clarity (combined with desperation), she decides to hit the reset button and dives into a journey to find herself again.

Kinsella’s signature humor and relatable characters make this book a delightful escape. Sasha’s story will hit home for anyone who’s ever felt like they’re juggling too much at once. It’s a perfect cupcake of a book, and many parts made me snicker to myself. I also internally read this in Bridget Jones’ voice, and find myself thinking things like, “Sod off,” and other amazing British slang. 10/10 definitely read it for something light, witty and fun.

Ok, friends: What are you reading this month? Anything you can recommend to help my Lady Tan’s Circle of Women book hangover?

xoxo

Gina