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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Thanks for this lineup of books, I was interested to hear about Yiyun Li’s memoir. I read a profile about her in the New Yorker or the Atlantic when this came out. Her experience is so tragic, I can’t imagine how hard things have been for her. I don’t think I could read more about it than I have. Of Mice and Men is also not light! I love Steinbeck, I had a beautiful hardback Steinbeck anthology in high school that I carted around with me for years. I agree he was a great writer.
It was a very sad memoir and definitely not one I would widely recommend. Everyone grieves differently, so I’m sure it has been tremendously helpful for some, but there is a sense of emotional detachment to the book.
Of Mice and Men is NOT light. I think because it was a novella, the heavy subject matter felt… a bit easier to get through?
I loved Of Mice and Men- I even used it for one of my honeschool semesters for my son. ( tied it in with Flowers for Algernon and the Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime.).
I read a bunch of forgettable books. I did read Good People which I didn’t love; it was a compelling read. Tried The Slient Patient and DNF it. Wolf Worm by T Kingfisher- good but it’s horror so do not read.
I tried a few of Freida McFadden – interesting but everyone’s a psychopath, so I’m a little turned off by that.
I think I read The Silent Patient a few years ago and gave it 3 stars. Definitely wasn’t a win for me.
I JUST started Good People last night.
I think I’ve read Of Mice and Men, but it was a long time ago. I know that I saw the movie (also a long time ago). I’ve been hearing a lot of buzz on Theo of Golden but for some reason I find the title to be annoying and now that I have your take, well, let’s just say that I feel good about staying out of the Libby hold list so that it can go to folks who will appreciate it.
My big hits of June were Whistler, Show Boat, and Big Time. Lately I’ve been in a reading lull. I started Tom Lake last night, but it’s too early to tell if it’s going to take.
Theo of Golden is having a MOMENT.
I am on the wait list for Whistler!
I never did manage to get through Tom Lake. Other books were more compelling and my hold ran out… I should try again and I’ve heard good things about the audio book… though I mostly don’t do audiobooks. WHICH I SHOULD, because I really liked listening to Heartwood and The Correspondent.
I read Of Mice and Men *does the math* 32 years ago and to this day, I tear up thinking about the ending. I very, very rarely cry when I read books – almost never – but WOW that book! I actually cried for like three days after, probably because my older brother knew I was upset and would say in this stupid voice “Tell me about the rabbits, George.” Man, I am welling up right now thinking about it. I am a huge rereader but that book sits on my shelf, never to be read again. IT’S TOO MUCH.
I hesitate to tell you how much I didn’t like Under the Tuscan Sun! I thought it was so boring – AND I read it in Tuscany! I felt weird because it seems everyone (including one of my writing friends) loves it so much. I just…didn’t. Well, there are many books for many people, right?
I cry a few times a year over books. Ironically enough, I didn’t cry at the end Of Mice and Men (but am pretty sure I did the first time I read The Grapes of Wrath). But it is TRAGIC and so, so memorable. I don’t think I’ll ever need to re-read it (though I did a re-read of The Grapes of Wrath a few years ago and didn’t love it nearly as much the second time; but goodness, that first time I was floored by the ending; Steinbeck knows how to write an ending!)
Books are so fascinating: we can read the exact same words and have wildly different responses. I think I needed something that was slow and calming to my nervous system and Under the Tuscan Sun did just that. Happy to agree to disagree 🙂
Ooh, we both wrote about books today. My favorite book of June was Margaret Atwood’s The Blind Assassin. I haven’t read any of yours, except of course for Of Mice and Men, which I read in high school. Just out of curiosity, how do you choose your books? i can see how a couple of them came on your radar, traveling in Europe, but for the rest you seem to have a random assortment!
I am on the wait list for The Blind Assassin. Would you believe I haven’t read a single Margaret Atwood book? And I call myself a Canadian.
My book selection is a mix of recommendations and thinks that are available to borrow on Libby when I need a new book. Generally, for fiction I’m reading newer releases, but for things like memoir (my FAV genre), I’ll just filter on Libby to see what’s available now and then listen to what seems to be calling my name.
I read Of Mice and Men years ago and loved it. I did not enjoy Under the Tuscan Sun and gave up on it.
I enjoyed Good People, Finding Flora and The Guncle, a book club pick that I went into skeptically and ended up really liking.
You and Nicole are in good company 🙂
I have Good People on my Kobo, and am now on the waitlist for Finding Flora!
Ooh, interesting. My mom gave me Theo of Golden for my birthday in May, and I hadn’t heard any of the hype about it, nor had I any idea of the plot! It took me a little while to get into it, and I agree that it could have been shorter. But, I loved the ending!! Overall ended up really liking the book.
The ending was good; I feel like the book had potential to be a 5/5 for me, but it was just too long and meandering. I tend to like my fiction on the shorter side, which may speak volumes about my attention span?
I loved “My Life in France” when I read it many years ago. Julia Child is such a fascinating person. I find it inspiring that she did not learn to cook until she was in her late 30s, I believe? I have thought about reading Li’s memoir but it is such a tough subject… And I also read and loved “Of Mice and Men” many years ago. I also saw the movie adaptation which was quite good.
Our book club is reading Theo of Golden later this year, I think in September?
We both love France, so this makes sense. I find Julia Child both endlessly fascinating and inspiring. She had so much enthusiasm for life. I also didn’t know she had tried to have children and wasn’t able. That would have almost certainly completely changed the trajectory of her career, which I thought was an interesting element to consider.
I will be curious to see what you think of Theo of Golden. I think if it hadn’t been so hyped and hadn’t been so long it would have been a 5/5 for me. It’s a bit crazy how popular it’s become!
I am a little suspicious of “Theo of Golden” (I am usually suspicious about extremely popular books) but I could get into reading about Julia Child’s life. Thanks for these reviews.
My favorite read in June was “Holes” by Louis Sachar (older elementary/young adult lit). I read it (for the second time) for book club. For one meeting in the summer, we invite the elementary-school-aged children of the adults in the book club to pick a book and lead the discussion. It’s got great characters and plot. Highly recommend it.
Ha! I tend to either love or loathe popular books; I seem to rarely fall somewhere in the middle.
My kids both have read Holes in school and both really like it, I think!
I picked up Theo of Golden from our Little Free Library but haven’t started it yet. I don’t know what it’s about but everyone’s talking about it.
I think my favorite book in June was The Husbands – it was funny, fun, and contemplative.
I haven’t read a Steinbeck in years, but East of Eden is on my list to read this year as part of a Classics Reading challenge.
I’ll be curious to see what you think of Theo of Golden.
I think I started East of Eden and it was very long; felt like a bit too much Steinbeck for me in one dose. I tend to really enjoy novella’s and Of Mice and Men was a great length but packed a HUGE punch for such a short book.
Of Mice and Men began my lifelong love affair with the work of John Steinbeck when I was in eighth grade. I have gone on to read everything he ever wrote. I have seen mixed reviews of Theo of Golden. I’m undecided whether I want to read that one or not.
I’ve only read two, but that’s been plenty to realize he was extraordinarily talented. That said, his subject matter is NOT light by any stretch of the imagination.
I think you’d like Theo of Golden!!
I couldn’t finish The List of Suspicious Things. I was on the library waitlist so long that I broke down and bought it, and now I don’t want to read it! I am going to try to pass it off to a friend or little free library.
I adored My Life in France when I read it a few years ago. It was the first book that my mom’s book club read it and she passed it on to me, which has become a very sweet way of connecting with her (we live in different states and don’t get to see each other as often as I would like.)
I also want to read Theo of Golden but share some of the same skepticism of the hype as others here have shared.
My favorite book in June was a Jane Austen-inspired cozy mystery, Murder at Donwell Abbey. I don’t have strong feelings about Jane Austen; I can see big fans being delighted at more to read with the characters or annoyed with the new stories.
I wasn’t a big fan of Suspicious Things 🙁
Theo of Golden was good, but I think all the hype detracted a bit from the experience for me because I was expecting… I don’t know what. It was a good book. There were some really lovely story angles it just felt a bit… long and meandering in the middle.
Oh! I haven’t read Of Mice and Men in YEARS (I think I last read it in middle school) – but yes, the story IS tattooed onto my brain; and I can barely remember what I read yesterday. Thanks for the reminder, adding both Of Mice and Men and Grapes of Wrath onto my hold list now.
They are classics for a reason. Both are heartbreakingly sad, but SO memorable. I will admit I didn’t find the Grapes of Wrath as good the second time I read it. I think knowing what was going to happen did impact how I perceived the book. But goodness… Steinbeck could write!
Under the Tuscan Sun sounds like a great summer read! Theo of Golden has been on the fringes of my mind for a while so that may be an eventual read for me, but I am not a fan of too-long books! Maybe I’ll listen to it on audio.
I think you would like Theo. It’s a good book… just drags a bit in the middle. It’s a gentle read, mostly, and think it would likely be great on audio?
Clearly Under the Tuscan Sun is divisive, but I think you’d really enjoy it. I found it calming to my nervous system 🙂
I’ve not read any John Steinbeck, but maybe I should? Sometimes those books with such a long history feel as though they may be daunting to me. This is for sure a Suz thing.
I enjoyed Theo of Golden, but it wasn’t my fave. I honestly hated the stereotyping that was going on regarding the South. Ya know, some of us are sensitive. 🤷♀️😆
No, I get it. Classics can be a bit of a slog and there’s an invisible weight attached to them of often feeling like I should enjoy them because they’re classics. His writing is SAD, so prepare for that.