As reading goes, this was a fairly quiet month. Days were busy, and I didn’t have much extra time for reading. My only concentrated time spent reading was en route back to Canada from London. I do love reading on a plane!
In case you’re interested in what I’ve read so far in 2026, here are other monthly recaps: January, February, March, April, and May.
NONFICTION READS IN JUNE 2026
Things in Nature Merely Grow by Yiyun Li *not rated
I’m not rating this memoir because it’s full of deeply personal content.
Yiyun Li is a writer, academic, and most sadly, the mother of two boys who committed suicide in their late teens. She has also suffered from depression and grew up in a repressive, emotionally abusive household.
The writing was beautiful, though her emotional detachment was a bit challenging to wrap my head around. She is very clear about designating herself a “thinker” and not a “feeler” and the memoir is definitely written from a more detached, less emotional perspective than one might expect.
It’s deeply sad. I can also see why it won the Pulitzer Prize. It’s a unique look at grief, mental illness, and navigating everyday life after unthinkable personal loss.
Content warnings. This is a memoir by an author who tried to take her own life and lost two sons to suicide. While nothing is discussed in graphic detail, those themes are central to the entire book.
Under the Tuscan Sun: At Home in Italy by Frances Mayes *4 stars
This was a delightfully quiet, relaxing read that came at the perfect time for me.
Certain parts were a bit meandering and I did skim some of the historical portions of the narrative but, for the most part, this was a feel-good memoir about renovating a derelict old house in Tuscany.
I don’t love recipes that are written into the main text of books, but I gladly skipped most of those so it didn’t impact my overall reading experience very much. (It reminded me a lot of My Good Life in France + Picnic in Provence).
Under the Tuscan Sun is a classic for a reason!
Content warnings. Can’t think of any? Might inspire someone to throw caution to the wind and sell all their possessions and move to Italy? I WANT TO!
My Life in France by Julia Child, Alex Prud’homme *5 stars
This is a slow and meandering book and was exactly what I needed when I read it. I’m not particularly keen on fine dining or cooking, but Julia Child has had a fascinating, alluring life and I loved reading about her evolution as one of the most famous chefs in the world. I especially appreciate that she started cooking in her early-to-mid 40s which is inspiring. It’s never too late to “reinvent” yourself.
The book offers a lot of behind-the-scenes details about moving to France (and then other places in Europe/back to the USA), the process of writing a number of bestselling cookbooks, and some of her family history. There is, as one might expect, a lot of talk of food.
There’s nothing earth-shattering, but it was a gentle read and very calming to my nervous system!
FICTION READS IN JUNE 2026
The List of Suspicious Things by Jennie Godfrey *3.5 stars rounded down to 3.
I appreciated that this book was a work of historical fiction and tied in to the author’s own experiences of living in Yorkshire during a time of racial tension while there was a serial killer on the loose.
That said, this book had way too many side plots and started feeling complicated and weighed down I really enjoyed the first third, but in addition to the story dragging on (and on), the ending was too frenetic and sensational. The author tried to tell too many different stories. She had a great idea, I’m just not convinced about the execution.
(It’s also incredibly depressing.)
Content warnings. Strong language. Domestic, sexual, and racial abuse. References to serial murders.
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck *4.5 rounded up to 5.
This book is a classic for a reason. I feel conflicted about Steinbeck because his books are tremendously depressing (and not necessarily something I “enjoy” reading), but they’re also incredibly well-written and pull me in completely.
Of Mice and Men definitely ticks both those boxes: tragic and gripping. While it’s not necessarily a story I want to read frequently, similar to my feelings with regard to The Grapes of Wrath, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to forget this story. And maybe that’s the mark of an incredible writer. For the most part, once I read a book of fiction, I forget the main plot points. But Steinbeck’s works are so memorable and unique that they basically tattoo themselves into my psyche.
Content warnings. So many. Persistent strong language. Graphic descriptions of death. Physical abuse. Racial stereotypes and racial slurs.
Theo of Golden by Allen Levi; 3.75 stars rounded up to 4
I wanted to love this book. Originally, I was hooked. I loved, loved, loved the first third of the book. But the middle section plodded along at what felt like a glacial pace. At times, I actually debated DNFing the book, but kept going because this book seems to be universally beloved and is having a “moment” right now (top of the NYT bestseller list which is incredibly impressive for a self-published book).
I think the author could have easily shaved 100 pages off the book and would have been left with a more compelling novel. That likely has more to do with my preferences as a reader. I liked the ending, but didn’t love it, partially because it felt like it took forever to get to that point!
I felt like the book leaned into some social/racial issues in stereotypical—and potentially (to a certain readership) insensitive—ways.
I did not expect the book to have such overt faith themes, so that caught me unaware, mostly in a good way, but it also felt a bit forced at times.
Overall, it was a mixed bag for me, but I know many people who adored this book!
Content warnings. Some moderate language. Sad themes (mental illness, accidental death).
TOP PICKS FOR JUNE
- Fiction: Of Mice and Men. This is a sad story, but fantastically well-written.
- Nonfiction: Tie between Under the Tuscan Sun and My Life in France.
Your turn:
- What was your favourite book in June?
- I’d love your input on any of the books I mention above!
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