For years—ever since starting university—my reading stats have absolutely tanked over the summer months.
Because I was doing so much intensive reading during the academic year, I wasn’t thrilled at the thought of reading for pleasure. Also, I worked in research positions each summer and they were incredibly time-consuming and didn’t follow a normal Monday-Friday, 9-5 cadence.
Then I had kids and… well, you can figure out why my reading tanked after that! I’m not much of a beach or vacation reader. In fact, I found I was busiest in the summer with full-time parenting (the preschool our kids went to had dramatically reduced hours over the summer).
So I can tell I am no longer a university student OR a young mother when I look at the number of books I read this July (11). As always, this does represent staying up too late on multiple nights. I continue to struggle to turn my brain off without at least some time reading.
Another interesting note about this month’s selections: I read almost double the number of fiction books than non-fiction, which is highly unusual for me!
Okay, let’s talk about what books I read in July!
(January, February, March, April, May, and June.)
NONFICTION READS IN JULY 2026
A Hymn to Life: Shame Has to Change Sides by Gisèle Pelicot *5 stars
I wouldn’t ordinarily give a personal memoir of this nature a starred review, but I think it was tremendously courageous for Gisèle Pelicot to speak so candidly about the horrific crimes she was subjected to. While her initial desire had been to keep court proceedings behind closed doors and to not publicly announce her name, she ultimately decided it was important to speak out. As she says: Shame has to change sides.
While this book focuses primarily on recent events, she also delves into the traumatic pasts of both herself and her abuser(s). She has become an ambassador for women speaking out about rape and all forms of sexual assault.
In addition to her courage, I thought the book was extremely well-written.
Content warnings. A HUGE ALERT. This book is about a woman who was drugged to unconsciousness and raped hundreds of times over a series of years. I never felt like any details were gratuitous, but the subject matter is incredibly distressing.
Always On Call: Adventures in Nursing, Ranching, and Rural Living by Marion McKinnon Crook *4 stars
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
This was an interesting read, but not as engaging as her first memoir about nursing in rural BC (Always Pack a Candle). She tackles some big topics, but I felt like there were too many loose ends and vignettes that didn’t offer enough continuity.
Content warnings. Frequent discussions of racism and prejudice. Occasional strong language.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot *4 stars
I have a master’s in biology which required passing multiple genetics classes and had never heard of Henrietta Lacks which feels like… a failure! What a crazy story.
The book was a tad long, I think, but the level of research was impressive. The author really got to know the family who will forever be connected to the HeLa cell legacy. And it gave lots of food for thought in terms of medical consent, racism, and for-profit research.
Content warnings. Occasional strong language. Graphic descriptions of medical issues. Discussions of racism and prejudice.
A Thousand Naked Strangers: a Paramedic’s Wild Ride to the Edge and Back by Kevin Hazzard *4 stars
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
This was a compelling read about a paramedic serving gritty parts of Atlanta. It was eye-opening and heartbreaking and a bit concerning all at once.
My main quibble was the writing style. It’s hard to put my finger on why it didn’t quite land right for me, but it felt… almost a bit like ChatGPT had a hand in the text (which I know it DIDN’T because this book came out in 2016).
Content warnings. Strong language. Graphic descriptions of a range of acute medical issues. Frequent references to substance abuse.
FICTION READS IN JULY 2026
Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth *4 stars
This was a great read. It was suspenseful, but definitely not what I would classify as a standard thriller. It reminded me a bit of Thursday Murder Club books although this time, the star character is a convicted murderer! Some of the “twists” I saw coming, but a few I most certainly did not. The book tied up loose ends in satisfying ways. I don’t always love dual timelines, but thought Hepworth did a good job managing that literary technique in Mad Mabel.
Content warnings. Occasional strong language. References to domestic and sexual abuse.
My Husband’s Wife by Alice Feeney *4 stars
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
This book felt fairly predictable; it was the equivalent of psychological fluff and I was mostly here for it.
I didn’t love all the twists equally and some plot points felt a bit laboured and clunky, but it held my attention from start to finish and was an enjoyable lazy summer afternoon read. Mileage would certainly vary on this one. I didn’t love the ending, but what are you gonna do?
Content warnings. Strong language. Multiple references to infidelity. Murder. Primarily closed-door references to sexual activity.
Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke *5 stars
This is a current “it” book and one that has been polarizing.
At various points throughout, I wasn’t sure how I felt about the book. When I turned the final page, the first thing that popped into my head was: This is 5/5.
I tend to be someone who thinks almost all novels could do with significant trimming. For the most part, I think Yesteryear escapes the issue of being too long.
While there is no likeable character in the book, I still felt emotionally invested in the story. The ending is divisive; I LOVED it and while I had an inkling of the twist, not enough for the reveal to not work well for me.
One little quibble: the word nauseous is used frequently in this book. I found the repetition laughable (it reminded me of “Alas” in Isola.)
Content warnings. A LOT. Strong language throughout. References to infidelity. References to domestic abuse. Primarily closed-door references to sexual activity. Substance abuse.
Good People by Patmeena Sabit *5 stars
This book really made me think. It was almost a DNF in the early stages of reading because the “plot” is hard to follow and I wasn’t sure the story was compelling enough. But the layers Sabit creates with a broad range of voices are phenomenal and I will be thinking about this book for a long time.
Content warnings. Discussions of religious and racial tensions. Occasional strong language. References to honour killings.
The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston *4 stars
This is yet another books that reminds me a bit of a (non-mystery) version of the Thursday Murder Club. There was a bit too much toilet humour (which started to feel a bit tired in places), but it was a sweet book and I was genuinely rooting for multiple characters.
There’s a little “twist” partway through the book I didn’t see coming. I mostly liked the ending, and I appreciated that the author has drawn from her own experience working in long-term care with patients diagnosed with dementia.
Content warnings. Discussions of addiction (gambling and alcohol). Occasional language. References to miscarriage and loss of a child. Dementia is a prevalent theme.
Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy *4 stars
This was a sweet, gentle story that tugs at the heartstrings. My only real complaint was that the ending felt a bit rushed in comparison to the rest of the book. My favourite story arc was her interaction with Dr. Jamal.
Content warnings. Can’t think of any? Maybe some occasional language, but I can’t remember anything notable a few days after finishing the book, so I’m assuming it was minor!
Percy Jackson and the Olympians #1: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan *4 stars
For my tween son, it was a 5/5—he loved this book.
I read it out loud to him and we both found it fast-paced and exciting. I get frustrated reading books where the names tongue-tie me, but that’s my problem and I muddled through. To be fair, Riordan was mostly using names from Greek mythology, so I’ll cut him some slack (though I tripped over Annabeth all. the. time, and do wish her name had been Annabelle because that is what I kept defaulting to).
My biggest quibble with the book is the sheer degree of overlap with Harry Potter. The parallels are absolutely everywhere and it felt a bit too close to that storyline.
But the book is entertaining and it made for a number of very enjoyable hours spent reading with my son. It’s not a book (or series) I’d read on my own, but I can definitely understand the hype and it was a lot of fun. We plan to read the rest of the books together. And, it feels mildly virtuous since it incorporates Greek mythology, which is an academic topic I know little to nothing about!
Content warnings. Teen peril. Descriptions of fantasy violence (people being turned to stone, swords with magical powers). References to domestic abuse. While the specific material is different, I’d say these books are highly comparable with Harry Potter in terms of content warnings. If your kids aren’t scared by HP, they should be fine with these books. If they find HP dark and unsettling, they’ll likely feel the same about Percy Jackson.
TOP PICKS FOR JULY
- Fiction. Good People by Patmeena Sabit. It was a slow start for me, but it’s the book I’ve kept thinking about in the weeks that followed.
- Non-fiction. A Hymn to Life by Gisèle Pelicot. Because of the nature of the book, this is not going to be something suitable for all audiences and would in fact be highly distressing for many people to read. But I thought she was tremendously courageous for taking her story public and I have no doubt many people’s lives will be changed (some laws in France have already been changed!).
Your turn:
- What was your favourite book in July?
- Do you read more (or less) in the summer?
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I read Henrietta’s story several years ago, and I was shocked! It was a bit of a slog in places – too long, but worth reading. Although it’s non-fiction, I often find adult novels are overwritten – ie., too long, too much unecessary detail. Adult novelists seem to ignore the rule: “If it doesn’t advance plot or develop character (even slightly), leave it out.” When I’m looking for my next audiobook, the length is definitely a factor – so many are 15-20 hours!
I’d never even heard of the book until a few weeks ago. I was looking for a non-fiction book to read and it happened to be available via Libby.
I’m a big fan of short, concise books. I don’t remember thinking about it much as a younger reader, but now I prefer short books and writing that gets to the point.
You did well last month, Elisabeth. I read seven, which is a lot for me 🙂 Some of these that you listed are on my list to read so I was interested in your thoughts on them.
And vice versa. I am STILL waiting for the new Elizabeth Strout book, which I know you recently finished. It’s fun to have overlapping book experiences with people we know.
Let’s dish! July was a somewhat slow reading month made up of mostly meh books with one knockout: A Hymn to Life. It’s true that what happened to her was horrible, but the way that she rebuilt her life and stood up for herself at the trial really made this one shine through. My plea to everyone is to do this one on audio because you have to hear Emma Thompson’s voice.
I’d also vote for A Thousand Naked Strangers on audio. There was something about the tone of the narrator’s voice that was perfect.
I read Henrietta a very long time ago, but I remember that it was really good.
I’m also Team 5 Stars for Yesteryear. I understand the criticism, but this book hit the mark for me and even though I didn’t like the main character, I understood why she did what she did.
Books you read that are on my TBR: Always On Call. This is the super rare case where I bought the book because it wasn’t available at the library, but since I own it there is no urgency for me to start it. Note to self: I would be smart to read it before I start my Big Fat August Road trip because I know I won’t take it on the road with me. I put my Libby hold in for Good People, because I cannot ignore the dual raves from you and Nicole.
Ohhh! I never even thought about consuming A Hymn to Life on audio!!
I really liked Yesteryear; people seem to either love it or hate it. I felt sorry for the main character. For all of them, actually. It was so sad and twisted.
I’ll be curious if you enjoy Always On Call as much as Always Pack a Candle. I LOVED her first book and enjoyed the second, but not nearly as much.
And I can’t WAIT to hear what you think about Good People.
I am sure I’ve read My Husband’s Wife, but it must have been prior to 2017 when I started tracking my books. It sounds really familiar. Then again, maybe it’s something else.
GOOD PEOPLE!!! It was a top book for me too. I loved it so so so much. I also enjoyed Frederick Fife – just a nice sweet book – and I did like Yesteryear, but it wasn’t a 5 star for me. More like a four star, I guess.
My Husband’s Wife (at least by this particular author) came out in 2026, so you haven’t read it. It was… fine. I don’t think you’d love it.
I am so happy you liked Good People. I love the ideas of having it as a book club book. There is a lot of opportunity for discussion with this book.
I read Henrietta years ago in book club. It was a fascinating story but at times felt like a slog. I had a great discussion about Good People with my daughter. Would make an excellent book club book and I’m sure it will get added to library book club sets.
July reads that I enjoyed were:
Fiction
Whistler – Ann Patchett – loved this one
The Reservation – Rebecca Kaufman
The Good Eye – short stories by Jess Gibson
Nonfiction
Actress of a certain age – Jeff Hiller – was on the show Somebody, Somewhere, which I loved, was cancelled after 3 seasons on HBO. He won the Emmy last year and his speech was touching and hilarious.
Agreed that Henrietta was a bit of a slog in places!
And I would have loved to be a fly on the wall when you and your daughter were discussing Good People! I can’t stop thinking about it and it’s rare I want to re-read a modern fiction book, but I think I want to re-read this one because I’d get more out of it a second time and I wonder if I’d have a clearer vision of what the ending meant.
Now I really want to read Good People- you and Nicole both loved it. And, a huge YES to Yesteryear- it was so good. I had some good reading in July, with several strange books that I liked- Lock In by John Scalzi, Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn, and Strange Pictures by Uketsu. i”ll have to get a July reading recap up soon!
I will be so curious to see what you think of Good People. It takes a while to get into it (or at least it did for me), but it’s worth the wait.
I feel like Ella Minnow Pea sounds familiar for some reason. Did Engie just read that??
I read all the Percy Jackson books last year – my oldest absolutely loved them so I promised him I would read them too so we could talk about them. I agree with your Harry Potter vibes, haha. But I also appreciated the way Riordan brings in the Greek mythology, and what it would mean in everyday life.
The Harry Potter connections are impossible to ignore, but they still stand on their own. And anything that gets my son interested in reading feels like a victory!
I’ve just added A Hymn to Life, Good People, and A Thousand Naked Strangers to my TBR list – thanks!
Yesteryear I had to wait to decide how I felt about it. Ultimately I’m verging on the 4-5 stars, because I had to finish it. I needed to know what happened, and for me to have that reaction, clearly the book is gripping. I felt rage baited the entire book because I was so cranky at all the characters *grin*. Every morning at work I’d vent to one of my colleagues about what happened in the book the previous night, and there were so many gasping and WTF moments.
I think my biggest problem was that I read it was a satire, so I went in with completely different expectations to what I read. I thought it would be more social commentary, than…hmm, would you describe it as a psychological thriller then? But once I got over my grumpiness, I appreciated the book for the value and for my inability to put it down.
There is definitely some rage baiting in Yesteryear, but I could not put it down. I *think* that was a book I read in a single day?
I think it was a psychological thriller of sorts, which is probably why it kept me so locked in.
The man who wrote A Thousand Naked Strangers just published a book this year called “No One’s Coming” and it is one of my top reads of the year- it is SO good! I highly recommend that one for you!
Darn… it’s not available at my library yet. I am making a note of it. Thanks for the rec.
I LOVED Yesteryear. I spoiled myself on the twist, so I don’t know if I would have enjoyed it more or less had I not known I was slightly frustrated by it but I think it worked within the framework of the story. I loathed Natalie and yet I was so invested in her, and I pitied her. I think Burke did an excellent job of showing how an environment like that will produce such a person. I got frustrated with the mother, who got mad at her for not being kind, when throughout all of Natalie’s childhood she was given the message not to be and to live within legalism.
I haven’t read the others! I’ve heard of Henrietta Lacks but I haven’t read more about her; I should pick up that book.
Agreed the twist was a bit… far fetched. And not necessarily fully explained (how much was mental health delusion? how much did Natalie believe about what she was telling herself).
I mostly pitied Natalie, but there were definitely points where I wanted to throw the book across the room.
I also really liked A Thousand Naked Strangers – that story about the guy who stapled his arm to the wall – hilarious even while I squirmed listening to it.
Pelicot’s book is also on my TBR. I don’t like reading about trauma and abuse in general, but I do want to hear her side of the story. Emma Thompson reading the audiobook might be the element that induces me to read the book, though.
Funny story – the Husband and kids listened to Mad Mabel on their last road trip. I think they just picked it randomly off Audible. I haven’t read it myself, but I know that Sally Hepworth writes books that might not be suitable for kids, so I was a little pearl clutch-y when they told me. Apparently they all liked the book and the 14 year old fast forwarded through some of the parts.
I did feel like for a book about extreme trauma and abuse, it was handled with a lot of care and didn’t feel… heavy? Obviously everyone’s reaction could vary on this, but I was surprised how well it was handled.
Mad Mabel was compelling! I’m glad your kids liked it and hooray for fast forward 🙂
I don’t think I have the stomach for Pelicot’s book, but I’m so glad she was able to write her story and speak her truth. Such a strong woman.
I’ve tried to read the Henrietta Lacks book so many times and I always abandon it. Maybe I should try it on audio? I don’t think I was listening to audiobooks the last time I tried to read it. Hmm.
I’m also SO GLAD you loved Yesteryear! The characters are terrible but so compelling.
The Lacks book was good but not THAT good. I wouldn’t bother. It’s a long book and a bit dry in places.
I loved Yesteryear! Such a compelling read.
Good People keeps popping up for me; I should add it to my list.
I’d read about Gisèle Pelicot’s story, and it sickens me. I’d not be able to read it, but I’m happy she was able to share her story.
Sipsworth was so good!!
My fave read in July was Dolly All The Time; it was such a fun little RomCom.
It was so good, Suz!
I’ve heard great things about Dolly All the Time!