June Book Recap

It's still a little hard for some of y'all to believe, but I didn't really grow up reading. Clif Notes were a lifesaver in high school. I'd read 'enough' to get by, but I didn't enjoy the act of reading so never did it. Maybe I wasn't reading things that held my interest or maybe it was because it was "required", but whatever the reason, I'm glad I took the challenge to add the goal of reading 17 books in 2017 (which became 88 books in 2017, 77 books in 2018, 67 books in 2019, 66 books in 2020, 67 books in 2021, 41 books in 2022, 98 books in 2023, 224 books in 2024 and 136 books in 2025). The majority of my reading recently has been listening to audiobooks, but it still counts! Even still, holding a physical book is my JAM and I hope I can add that back into my routine on a more regular basis. Just like in years past, writing a monthly recap of the books I finish is a great way for me to both record what I'm reading (so I don't forget and in case anyone is curious) and to stay accountable. So, without further ado, here are the books I completed in the month of June:

• Meet Cute by Helena Hunting - Nothing that I had saved for later in my Libby app was catching my eye, so I went scrolling through to romcom section and saw this book. The cover looked cute so I figured I'd give it a try. This was a story told from alternating perspectives - Kailyn and Dax (and narrated by two different actors - my fave!). The pair originally met in law school where they were often sparring partners at the to top the class (but Kailyn actually had a HUGE crush on him because he was an actor in one of her favorite teen shows growing up). The story picks up five years later when Dax's parents unknowingly walk into Kailyn's law office for help on their daughter's trust. After a tragic accident the two are thrown together in a much closer role where they need to suss out their feelings, past betrayals and career aspirations. I thought it was a cute, quick read (that was surprisingly fairly emotional). I'd say it was a slow burn that had me hooked thanks to the witty banter and the heartwarming relationships that each seemed to contain a lot of personal growth. I would give it an 8 out of 10.

• Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman - I had seen the little 'Reese's Book Club' sticker on this book cover while scrolling through my Libby app, so thought I'd give it a try. I didn't know anything about this one prior to checking it out (not a huge shocker there, right?!). It ended up being a thriller about a couple who found 'something in the water' while they were scuba diving in Bora Bora on their honeymoon. I'll say, for me, the beginning felt slow. There seemed to be a lot of build-up, but nothing much really happened. And then the end was a major disappointment. You know those books you read that feel like they've left a lot unanswered or up in the air so there can obviously be a second book... well, that's how I felt, but there is no series. It all felt a bit too tame and predictable. Don't get me wrong, I stuck with it and was intrigued with where the story was going, but I guess it just didn't live up to what I thought it could be. The book ends with the main character saying that she can be patient... yet, the entire book showed she was anything but! I would give it a 6 out of 10.

• Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover - I have read a few books by this author and have tended to enjoy them, so when I saw this book in the 'trending' section of my Hoopla app I was excited to check it out (especially because it mentioned it had recently been adapted into a movie). This story was told in alternating perspectives (read by two different narrators - my fave!) - Kenna and Ledger. Kenna was recently released from prison after serving five years for manslaughter after her boyfriend at the time was tragically killed in a car accident. Ledger turns out to be the best friend of Kenna's boyfriend who died. While Kenna was in prison she gave birth to a baby girl, the daughter of her and her boyfriend. Her boyfriend's parents got custody of the baby and were able to get her parental rights terminated. After her release, she returns to the town where her daughter is being raised in hopes of connecting. In the process, she encounters Ledger and the two become intertwined. It's a story of forgiveness, grief, redemption and much more. It was a quick (yet emotional) and captivating read, that I honestly didn't want to end. I know the movie won't be as good, but I'll definitely watch it when I have the chance because I want to be back in their story again. I would give it a 9 out of 10.

• You with the Sad Eyes by Christina Applegate - I always enjoy a good memoir and this was no different. This is a deep dive into the life behind the legendary actress. I'll be honest and say I didn't watch a lot of her early stuff, but have enjoyed her ever since Anchorman and Bad Moms (and LOVED the Dead To Me series). This is not an easy read (heartbreaking at times), but most people who write memoirs haven't had the easiest road to walk. The book goes into Christina's MS and breast cancer diagnosis, growing up in abusive relationships, living with body dysmorphia and an eating disorder, etc. I so appreciate her openness and candor. She's funny, but serious, real and raw. This definitely didn't feel like a typical celebrity memoir - it is more of a look behind the curtain, showing the battles that most people never know about. I sort of wish I would have listened to the audiobook, since she narrates it, but the physical book was great as well. I would give it a 9 out of 10.

• The Sun Does Shine by Anthony Ray Hinton - I learned about this book a couple months ago when I read the memoir of Lara Love Hardin (a book I would totally recommend as well). She helped this author tell his story. This is the memoir of a man who was wrongfully convicted and spent THIRTY YEARS on death row in Alabama for crimes he did not commit. Don't get me wrong, I know there are a lot of folks 'out there' who claim to be innocent, but this man had the evidence to back it up and yet it still took THREE DECADES for a court to finally look at everything and overturn the original ruling. This is a book about injustice and racism, but also one filled with hope and resilience. This man is special. His circumstances could have led to (justified) anger and hatred, but instead he became a light to those around him (even starting a book club in prison). This is a heart-wrenchingly powerful story that I believe everyone should know. I would give it a 10 out of 10.

• One & Only by Maurene Goo - I had seen this book mentioned a few times on new release lists, so got in line for it at my local library. It is a story about Cassia, an LA-based matchmaker. Her family's matchmaking business isn't the same as others in the field, because her family has the ability to 'read faces' and see someone's 'fated' love - and they have a 100% success rate in finding their client's soulmate (linked to their past lives). The women of Cassia's family have been doing this work for centuries, but when Cassia finds out that there might be more to love than someone's fated match her life gets flipped upside down. I normally am not one into the magical type genre of books, but overall I was immersed in the story. This was all about fate vs finding your own path. For a book I usually wouldn't have picked up, I enjoyed it. I would give it an 8 out of 10.

• Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple - I had seen this book mentioned a couple times and it finally became available on my Libby app so I snagged it. I found it fast paced and fun. It was read by a super awesome actress too, which made me smile to listen to. The story is told in the format of different letters, memos, emails, faxes, standard narration, etc. (It sort of reminded me of The Correspondent that I read last month - although the stories are much different ;)) It is about an eccentric architect, her gifted daughter and intelligent husband. Bernadette keeps you on your toes and always has you guessing about what she might do or say next. I kept wanting to steal time away to listen to the book and see where it would lead next. I would have given it a higher rating, but I did not like/ appreciate the way that the book spoke about the unhoused population (otherwise I would have been singing it's praise from the rooftops). I do have more of this author's books on my 'for later' list, so hopefully I enjoy those just as much (and here's hoping she'll treat marginalized populations with more respect or maybe I won't stick with her as a writer). I would give it an 8 out of 10.

• Bound by Ali Hazelwood - I was surprised when I saw this one pop up in my recommended list on my Hoopla list. Not because I don't enjoy this author, which I do, but because I hadn't seen it before and I feel like I scroll through Ali's catalog on a somewhat regular basis. Come to find out, this book was originally only released on audiobook, which is probably why I hadn't heard of it before. It is a story about a grad student who gets wrapped up in a forging scheme with a vampire-esk professor. Most of this author's books can be spicy with a capital S, but I was pleasantly surprised that this one was pretty tame (I'll be honest and say that I would prefer to leave the sex scenes out of books, but that's probably why I tend to prefer the YA genre to the strictly romance books). I liked Vero as a character, but couldn't completely buy in with Viktor (which may have more to do with the fact that the revenant/ vampire world is a little out of my wheelhouse and not my go-to type book than the character himself). It was a slow burn and had all of the witty banter that you come to expect with this author, but I wouldn't say it would be in my list of top books of hers. I would give it an 8 out of 10.

• The Divorce by Freida McFadden - I needed a book to listen to on the drive up to Mammoth so I snagged this one. It was on the new release list on my Hoopla app and I tend to enjoy the books I read by this author so thought I'd give it a shot. As I've come to expect from this author, nothing is exactly as it seems. This was told from two different perspectives - the first of which was Naomi (the seemingly 'perfect' wife), followed up by Veronica (the 'other woman'). This was fast paced (which normally means you don't have enough time to figure out what is truly happening or what might be around the next corner) and full of twists. I am not sure if it's because I've read a couple of this author's books already or maybe this one just wasn't the best that I've read, but it seemed a little predictable. I may not have guessed some of the big plot points, but once they were revealed I got a sense of where the story was going. I'll be honest and say I wasn't on the edge of my seat, holding my breath or anything, but I was entertained enough to keep listening. I would give it an 8 out of 10.

• Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash - I had seen a few people mention this book recently, so I got in line for it at my local library and it was finally my turn to check it out. I took it up to Mammoth with us for a long weekend and read it while we were relaxing at Lake Mary. I've been on a bit of a rom-com and thriller kick recently, so I have to say, when I read 'just' a novel, it can feel a bit slow at times, but I know sticking with the story will be worth it. This was about a family going through life (but, let's be real, it was all sort of crumbling around them). Each chapter seemed to focus on a different character, which was an interesting way to go about storytelling. The family was definitely dysfunctional, but (and I don't want to ruin anything) I think the last chapter of the book made it all worth it for me. There was a lot going on throughout this book, but the stories all seemed to intertwine and mesh together so well. I saw someone mention Royal Tenenbaums in a review of this one and it was spot on (the hubby LOVES Wes Anderson, so I knew exactly what they meant when the comparison was referenced). This book was filled with dark humor, quirky characters and a bit of unhinge thrown in for good measure. I can see why people are really enjoying it. It may not have been one I would've normally picked, but I'm glad I listened to those friends who knew what they were talking about. I would give it an 8 out of 10.

• The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff - This is another one that I had seen mentioned on quite a few lists recently. It wasn't on either of my audiobook apps, so I grabbed the physical copy from the library and took it with us to Mammoth. This was a similar book to the one I just finished, in that it was a novel about a family (again, with real life crashing down around them). It was told in three parts - each by a different member of the family (the first was by Lillian, the mother, the next by Jet, the daughter, and the final by Ryan, the father). It was about family dynamics, generational trauma, addiction, loss, secrets, love and much more. I saw the phrase 'family saga' thrown around a bit when discussing this book and it makes sense (I guess you'd consider the genre contemporary fiction). The characters felt relatable and their lives felt real. This is the debut novel from a social worker and I imagine we'll see many more books from this author in the future. I would give it an 8 out of 10.

• Do Not Disturb by Freida McFadden - I needed a book to listen to on the drive home from Mammoth so I grabbed this one. I had originally been in line for it on my Libby app, but saw that it was available on Hoopla (you don't have to wait for books on Hoopla, but you only get a limited amount of check-outs per month, so there are definitely trade-offs with the two audiobook apps) so I downloaded it. Now that I've read a couple of this author's books I would say I enjoy them, but they definitely seem to all follow a similar pattern (and now that I've read a few, I'm not sure I'll continue since I've sort of figured out the pattern). This was a story about a woman who killed her husband in self defence and then goes on the run so she isn't caught. Circumstances are against her and she ends up getting stuck in a creepy hotel during a snowstorm. As with most of this author's books, it's told from a couple different perspectives (the woman who killed her husband, that woman's sister and then one of the hotel owners). This one seemed more predictable than others I have read and a bit too obvious (and two fortune tellers in one story... that seems to be a bit much, right?!). Maybe I need to take a break from thrillers for a bit... or maybe just from this author for a while. I would give it a 6 out of 10.

• Conversion Therapy Dropout by Timothy Schraeder Rodriguez - I saw this book pop up in the featured section of my Hoopla app and it caught my eye. I'm always a sucker for a good memoir and I expected this one to be nothing but impactful. This author grew up in the Evangelical movement of the early 2000s, working for churches while struggling with his sexuality. He shares his story of spending eight years in conversion therapy - going to conferences, trying to 'pray the gay away'. This isn't just about his coming out, it's about how much hurt a non-affirming space can have on a person. I so appreciate his willingness to share (and was beyond relieved when he finally found some spaces that welcomed him with open arms and loving hearts). Timothy struggled for years to find somewhere he could be fully known and accepted, so he forged his own path and created the community he craved. This is an important book that I hope gets the attention it deserves - I truly believe it has the power to change people and potentially save lives. I would give it a 10 out of 10.

• Nobody in Particular by Sophie Gonzales - I had this book on my 'for later' list on my Libby app for quite a while, but it always seemed to be checked out. I noticed that it was available the other day so I nabbed it. This is a coming-of-age story about two girls, Rose and Danni. The book follows their secret romance - between a princess (literal) and the new girl at boarding school. It's a cute, quick read with all the YA feels. I appreciate that it touches on serious themes, like grief and mental health, while also being an easy-breezy teen romance. And you know I always love a book with dual perspectives (especially when the audiobook is read by two narrators). It felt lighthearted and deep at the same time, if that's even possible. I would give it an 8 out of 10.

• This Story Might Save Your Life by Tiffany Crum - I didn't know anything about this book when I got in line for it at the library, but I had seen it mentioned multiple times so was hoping it'd be good. It ended up being a bit of a mystery/ thriller with a romance aspect (which, if you couldn't tell by my reviews recently, was right up my alley). It was told in dual timelines and dual narration (and done wonderfully, in my opinion). This was a story about two friends, Benny and Joy. The pair created a (now super famous) podcast where they would chat about life threatening scenarios and how they would potentially get out of them. Benny wakes up one morning to find that Joy and her husband, Xander, are missing and Benny becomes one of the prime suspects in their disappearance. I found the story engaging and fast-paced, the characters felt well developed and complex. There may have been some parts that felt a little predictable or convoluted, but overall I was all in on this book. I could totally see this being turned into a movie (one that I'd totally watch!). I would give it a 9 out of 10.

• Josh & Hazel's Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren - Every few months I will check my audiobook apps and the library catalog for some of my top authors to see if any of their other books have been added. A few weeks ago I noticed that one of my top author teams had added a previous book to my Libby app, so obviously I got in line to wait it out. This one was all about the friends to lovers lovers troupe. Hazel had met Josh in college, but then life happened and the two disappeared from each others lives. A handful of years later (close to ten), the two are reintroduced at Hazel's best friend's house when she finds out that Josh is her best friend's brother. They strike up a friendship that becomes so much more. The two start going on dates together (but not dating each other - setting the other person up with someone else and then going on a double date), eventually realizing that they are perfect for one another. It's a cute little rom-com that had me smiling and rooting for the pair - which is to be expected with this author duo (let's be real, I will probably always read whatever they put out... it's always swoonworthy ;)). I would give it an 8 out of 10. 

• The Guncle by Steven Rowley - I have had this book on my 'to be read' list for quite a while, but my audiobook apps only have the second book available and my library's copy seemed to be getting repairs done on it for months (I had been in line at my library, but there was zero movement, so I doubt they were actually fixing it). Thankfully I noticed that my library had the large print version of the book on its shelves, so I was able to finally get it in my paws :) This is a sweet story about Patrick, who has become somewhat of a recluse after he stopped acting, and his nephew, Grant, and niece Maisie, who come to live with him one summer. Patrick was best friends with the kiddos' mom, Sara, back in college, but then she married Patrick's brother, Greg. Years went by and Sara got sick and unfortunately passed away. At the funeral, Greg tells Patrick that he is an addict and needs to go away to rehab and needs Patrick to take the kids for 90 days. Let's just say that Patrick is reluctant, but eventually offers to help. It's a story about grief, growing up and  family. I enjoyed it immensely and am excited that I can now grab the follow-up book on my Libby app. I would give it a 9 out of 10.

• We Burned So Bright by TJ Klune - When I saw this author had released a new book I was stoked. I love everything he writes and couldn't wait to get in line for the next book at my library. This was a short novella about two husbands, Rodney and Don, at the end of the world. Yep, a black hole was headed towards earth and everyone had about a month left to live. The pair got in their ricketty RV and was making a journey from Maine to Washington in order to put something right before it all ended. I don't want to give anything away, but let's just say that for how short the book was, it truly packed a punch. I was struggling with wanting to continue reading because I wanted to know what would happen next and not wanting to continue reading because I didn't want the story to end. It was heart-wrenching and hopeful, cozy and complex. It felt huge (the world ending), yet so small and personal at the same time. You will feel all the feels, so be ready! I loved the relationship between Rodney and Don (the tenderness, the fully knowing someone else), I loved all of the characters they met along on their journey (from the best of people to the worst of people and how they are all dealing with the end differently). And, just like the rest of TJ's books, I loved it. I would give it a 10 out of 10.

• Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella - I needed an audiobook to listen to while I did some chores around the house and went for a couple runs, so I thought I'd give this one a try (I think I had come across it when I was scrolling through the YA section of my Libby app, but I don't really remember how it ended up in my 'for later' list). This was a story about Audrey, a fourteen year old girl struggling with her mental health. She had gone through an event (she doesn't want to talk about it, so we will respect her privacy) and is dealing with the aftermath. Audrey is having a difficult time connecting with others outside of her safe bubble, so stays inside and wears dark glasses so she doesn't have to interact with the outside world. One of her brothers' friends, Linus, eventually breaks through to her and you see her make some strides towards getting back to who she once was. I appreciate the way this author approached mental health (specifically severe social anxiety and depression), especially in a book written for the younger generation - hopefully it helps folks realize that mental health shouldn't be a taboo subject. I also liked that the focus was on recovery and not necessarily the cause of the main character's anxiety. It felt serious but sweet. I would give it an 8 out of 10.

• Something Like Possible by Miel Moreland - I noticed this book in the YA section of my Libby app and thought I'd give it a try. It centers around a high school election - focusing on Madison, a bisexual student trying to run a winning campaign so she can get into a prestigious internship for the summer. Days before the junior election process is set to begin, Madison is dumped by her girlfriend and fired as her campaign manager. Madison rushes to find another candidate she can support and ends up finding more than she bargained for (a new crush, a skeptical group of friends, a 'club' she never would have chosen to join, etc). Although this is a book for a younger crowd, it definitely has some serious topics discussed - such as sexual assault and harassment, bullying, power imbalances, anxiety/ depression/ PTSD, self-harm, etc. While it isn't all sunshine and rainbows, it is empowering and endearing - a book I'd vote for any day. I would give it an 8 out of 10. 

• The Shippers by Katherine Center - I enjoy everything this author writes, so when her newest release was finally available at my library I snagged it right away (I actually got in line for it while they were still processing it and adding it to their inventory :)). As I suspected, this was another swoon-worthy rom-com. It is told from the perspective of JoJo, a woman who seems to be constantly unlucky in love. The story starts as she is getting ready to walk down the aisle when her childhood best friend busts in and nudges her to fake faint at the altar. Six weeks later she is going on a cruise to celebrate her sister's wedding when said best friend, Cooper, shows up again. JoJo recruits Cooper to help her trick her childhood crush into falling in love with her while on the boat. Loandbehold Cooper has other motives and is working behind the scenes to try and get JoJo to realize that HE is the one for her. Let's be real, it was predictable in the way that most rom-coms are, but that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy every second of it. (I am already in line for more of this author's books on my audiobook apps ;)) Random, but I also really enjoyed the author's note at the beginning. I would give it an 8 out of 10.

• Life's Too Short by Anny Jimenez - When I saw that my Libby app had another book by this author listed, I got in line right away. I may have had to wait for a couple months, but I knew it'd be worth it. I usually love everything this author writes and this book is no different. It is technically the third book in The Friend Zone series, but they are all standalone stories, so you're good if you haven't read the prior books (or if it's been a while, as it was for me). This is a rom-com centered around Vanessa, a travel vlogger, and Adrian, a successful lawyer. The two meet one early morning when Adrian knocks on Vanessa's door after being unable to sleep due to a constantly crying baby. Vanessa is fostering her sister's daughter and Adrian steps in to help when and where he can. The two strike up a friendship, but nothing more because Vanessa 'doesn't date' and Adrian is seemingly married to his job. It's a super sweet romance, friends-to-lovers trope, but with some pretty serious topics thrown in (living with a terminal disease, addiction, parental abandonment, etc). This author's books always weave humor and heartache together so well (you always feel all the feels with her stories). It's a reminder to live every day to the fullest, no matter how many days are left. I would give it a 9 out of 10.

With that, June is done-zo. If you have suggestions, let me know! I'm always looking to add to my "must read" list! 

What's the best book you've read lately? 

Workout Recap - Week 26

Sunday, June 21st – 10.15 mile run

Monday, June 22nd – Rest day

Tuesday, June 23rd – 7.07 mile run

Wednesday, June 24th – 6.26 mile run

Thursday, June 25th – Rest day

Friday, June 26th – 5.05 mile run 

Saturday, June 27th – 10.75 miles of trails with the hubby [Mt Baldy]

The hubby was supposed to run with me on Sunday, so while he was out surfing I got in a few solo miles. Unfortunately, he tweaked something in his back while out in the ocean, so when he got home he was out of commission, which is why my Sunday run was technically broken into two. My midweek runs were both after work, which I have been enjoying (even if running after you've been on your feet all day can be rough). Normally I do more miles on Friday (when I'm not working that day), but this week I kept the mileage low because the hubby and I were planning on tackling Mt Baldy on Saturday. We normally do Mt Baldy once a year or so, and it was about that time. We hike up the shorter, steeper side and then run down the longer, more gradual side. All in we got almost 11 miles, climbed almost 4,200 feet and topped out at a little over 10,000 feet above sea level. It was breezy at the top, but otherwise the weather was almost perfect for it being late June. 

How were your workouts this past week?

Workout Recap - Week 25

Sunday, June 14th – 10 mile run

Monday, June 15th – Rest day

Tuesday, June 16th – 7.25 mile run

Wednesday, June 17th – 6.2 mile run

Thursday, June 18th – Rest day

Friday, June 19th – 8 mile run 

Saturday, June 20th – 7 mile run

Sunday Runday was still up in Mammoth. The weather was perfect, but that doesn't make running at altitude any easier. I felt like I was huffing and puffing almost the entire time, but the views tend to make it a little more manageable ;) Otherwise my runs were all decent. I have been enjoying running after work during the week recently (sleeping in a bit more and then running on my way home from the office). Sure, running after working all day can be a bit difficult (because your body is already a bit fatigued), but it's also a great way to shake off the day from your bones. And I got in almost 40 miles this week - boom shakalaka! I might dial back the mileage next week (by a few miles or so), but only time will tell ;) 

How were your workouts this past week?

Workout Recap - Week 24

Sunday, June 7th – 6 mile trail run with the hubby

Monday, June 8th – 7.2 mile run

Tuesday, June 9th – 6.57 mile run

Wednesday, June 10th – 5.2 miles of hills

Thursday, June 11th – Rest day

Friday, June 12th – 6 mile trail run with the hubby

Saturday, June 13th – Rest day

Almost 31 miles for the week where we were out of town starting Wednesday afternoon... sounds good to me! As you can see, I sort of front loaded my week, knowing we would be up in Mammoth and not wanting to have to force runs when we were maxing and relaxing with friends. None of the runs were anything to write home about, but they were consistent and that's what matters. If I run after work I can get in a mile or two extra, otherwise if I'm running before work I'm still hovering right around the 5 mile mark (due to the time constraints of when I am waking up vs. when I have to leave for work). I'd say I have noticed my paces getting slightly faster, which is always encouraging, especially when it isn't feeling harder. 

How were your workouts this past week?

Workout Recap - Week 23

Sunday, May 31st – 13.13 mile run

Monday, June 1st – Rest day

Tuesday, June 2nd – 5.1 mile progression run

Wednesday, June 3rd – 5.05 mile progression run

Thursday, June 4th – 7 mile run

Friday, June 5th – Rest day

Saturday, June 6th – 7.55 mile run 

On Sunday I ran the half marathon distance for the first time since October! I had to pick the hubby up from the airport, so decided I'd go down to San Diego about two hours early to get in some miles. Everything seemed to align (the body felt great, the weather was wonderful, etc), so I made it happen. I'm pretty proud of myself, especially after coming back from not being able to run with my hip being tweaked in October. Slowly but surely I've built my distance back up and I'm stoked with what my body is able to accomplish. I might not be where I've been in the past (I mean, I have done a 100-miler for goodness sakes), but I'll take what I can get. My midweek runs were all fine (nothing too special to write home about), but by the time I got to Saturday my body felt a bit rundown and fatigued. Next week the hubby, pup and I will be heading to Mammoth for a long weekend, so I will dial back my miles and let the body get some rest and recovery.

How were your workouts this past week?

Workout Recap - Week 22

Sunday, May 24th – 7.5 mile run

Monday, May 25th – 5 mile trail run with the hubby, 5 mile solo run

Tuesday, May 26th – Rest day

Wednesday, May 27th – 6.5 mile run

Thursday, May 28th – Rest day

Friday, May 29th – 6 mile run

Saturday, May 30th – 7.5 mile run 

I only had to work three days this week, which meant more time for running - YAY! The hubby was back in Michigan for our oldest nephew's high school graduation starting Wednesday morning, so my Wednesday run was after work (that's what happens when he has to be at the airport at 5am... you miss your window for pre-work running). Otherwise all of my runs felt surprisingly strong. We will be heading up to Mammoth for a long weekend of camping in a couple weeks, so I will probably dial back the mileage that week, but in the meantime it'll be standard runs and usual mileage. LET'S GET IT!

How were your workouts this past week?

May Book Recap

It's still a little hard for some of y'all to believe, but I didn't really grow up reading. Clif Notes were a lifesaver in high school. I'd read 'enough' to get by, but I didn't enjoy the act of reading so never did it. Maybe I wasn't reading things that held my interest or maybe it was because it was "required", but whatever the reason, I'm glad I took the challenge to add the goal of reading 17 books in 2017 (which became 88 books in 2017, 77 books in 2018, 67 books in 2019, 66 books in 2020, 67 books in 2021, 41 books in 2022, 98 books in 2023, 224 books in 2024 and 136 books in 2025). The majority of my reading recently has been listening to audiobooks, but it still counts! Even still, holding a physical book is my JAM and I hope I can add that back into my routine on a more regular basis. Just like in years past, writing a monthly recap of the books I finish is a great way for me to both record what I'm reading (so I don't forget and in case anyone is curious) and to stay accountable. So, without further ado, here are the books I completed in the month of May:

• This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens - I had read one of this author's books back in January and thought it was cute, so when I saw this one while scrolling through my Libby app I thought I'd give it a try. As expected, this was a sweet rom com about Minnie and Quinn. The two were actually born minutes apart in a London hospital, but their lives couldn't be more different. Minnie grew up being told that she was one unlucky soul, whereas Quinn seemed to have been given everything in life (at least to an outsider). The two randomly meet on their 30th birthday and strike up a friendship realizing who each other are (and even getting their moms back in touch after 30 years of built up resentment on Minnie's mom's part). It was a quick, light-hearted read and I enjoyed seeing how their paths had 'almost' crossed so many time leading up to their eventual run in. I'm always a sucker for alternating perspectives and this one even jumped around a bit with the timeline, which keeps you on your toes. If you're looking for a lot of romance, this might not be the book for you, because it seems to be a little more focused on Minnie's growth as a person instead of a romantic relationship between her and Quinn (although it's slightly there), but, nonetheless, I enjoyed it. I would give it an 8 out of 10.

• Fallout by Ellen Hopkins - This is the third and final book in the Crank series. I read the first book in March and the second book last month. Unlike the first two, this one was not told from Kristina's perspective. It was actually alternating perspectives from her three oldest children - Hunter, Autumn and Summer. It didn't necessarily focus on her addiction to crystal meth, but instead the fallout in their lives from this 'monster'. Each of the teens (they were teens at this point in the story) were living with different people (whether it was grandparents, foster parents or an absent parent) and had different levels of knowledge about their family history. I thought this was a great conclusion for the trilogy and liked how it wrapped everything up (especially with the news blurbs about other characters we met throughout the series). I was rooting for these kiddos, who felt real and raw, and loved being along for the journey of their personal growth. I would give it a 9 out of 10.

• The Bodyguard by Katherine Center - I'm not sure how I came across this book, but it ended up on my 'for later' list and it was available at my local library so I grabbed it. It's a sweet romcom seeped in the fake relationship trope. Hannah is a bodyguard who is hired to protect a famous actor, Jack. Jack wasn't aware of the protective service until she appeared on his doorstep. Jack will agree to the protection detail only if Hannah pretends to be his girlfriend, because he doesn't want to stress out his mother who is currently battling cancer. As you can imagine, feelings bloom and Hannah struggles to keep the relationship professional while trying to decide if Jack is just a really good actor or if his feelings might be real too. This was a quick, clean read (not much spice) that had me smiling and saying 'awwwww' in all the right parts. I would give it an 8 out of 10. 

• It's Not Her by Mary Kubica - This book was highly rated and popped up on my recommended list on Hoopla (after my month of downloads reset) so I thought I'd try it out. It was told from two different perspectives - Courtney and Reese. Courtney is Reese's aunt and they are on a family vacation in Wisconsin with both of their families (Courtney, her husband, Elliott and their daughter Cass, plus Nolan [Courtney's brother], Emily [Nolan's wife and Courtney's best friend], Wyatt and Mae [Nolan and Emily's other two children]). Nolan and Emily had been having marital issues and one night they are murdered in their cabin and Reese goes missing. Courtney does her best to try to figure out who murdered her best friend and brother and where her teenage niece is. Courtney and Reese's timelines are slightly off (Reese's being what happened leading up to the murder/ disappearance and Courtney's after the incident). I'd say it was a decent thriller with a good number of plot twists that kept me on the edge of my seat and guessing what would happen next, but nothing too amazing. I'd also say the reveal at the very end was a little much. I would give it an 8 out of 10.

• Molka by Monika Kim - I had seen this book on a bunch of lists last month, so when I saw it pop up on my Hoopla app I thought I'd grab it. I clicked into the audiobook and saw it was listed as horror and got a little nervous. Normally I am a scaredy-pants when it comes to horror type things, but I did a little googling and it didn't seem like it was supposed to be too scary, so I went for it anyway. This book mostly focused on the problem of hidden cameras and voyeurism in Korea. There were two main characters - Junyoung, an IT tech who becomes obsessed with a fellow coworker after spying on her in the bathrooms at their office, and Dahye, the woman who is being watched without her knowledge or consent. The book focuses on issues such as the dehumanization of women, revenge and misogyny. There are some ghosts and violence thrown in, which is where I'd assume the book turns from thriller to horror, but nothing too terrible. I would give it an 8 out of 10.

• That's a Great Question, I'd Love to Tell You by Elyse Myers - I love following Elyse on social media, so when she released her book I knew I wanted to read it. I noticed that my Hoopla app actually had it available (I figured I'd have to wait until my library got a copy), so I downloaded it right away. This book was exactly what I expected it to be - a collection of raw, funny and vulnerable stories from Elyse's life. She is a comedian and content creator who happens to have anxiety and was diagnosed with autism. Her stories read like her social media posts - short snitbits from her life that are awkward yet endearing. I also love that we get more of a behind-the-scenes look at the early days of her relationship with her now-husband. I would give it a 9 out of 10.

• Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins - I had seen this book on must read lists for many moons, but it hadn't been released on either of my audiobook apps, so I just kept waiting... that is, until I noticed my library had a copy so I got in line for it. If you don't know who this author is, he's a retired Navy SEAL who became an ultrarunner. I was interested to learn more about his backstory (as well as his mentality, since I have heard so much about it) and this book delivered. It dove into his time as a child, his life in the military, his struggles with racism throughout his life, his mindset shifts and so much more. I would say that we are NOT cut from the same cloth, but that's okay. He enjoys beating his mind into submission and getting 100% out of himself, while, apparently, I enjoy the cushy life in my comfort zone ;) I would say that I read this book more as a memoir instead of a how-to guide of becoming a better/ stronger runner. I don't know that I plan on implementing any of his challenges, but I can see how his perspective may be helpful for others. I would give it a 9 out of 10. 

• The Perfect Guy Doesn't Exist by Sophie Gonzalez - I figured it was time for some YA books and came across this one when I was scrolling on my Libby app. I didn't know anything about it, but the cover looked cute so I grabbed it. I would say that had I read the synopsis I probably wouldn't have checked it out, since it was a little more sci-fi-ish than I normally enjoy, but it was good nonetheless. This was a coming of age story about Ivy. She somehow brings the main character of her favorite TV show (and the fanfic that she writes) to fruition in her life. She realizes he is living out the different stories that she has written, a day at a time (for example - enemies to lovers, the soulmate trope, etc). She has to enlist the help of her best friend and former best friend to try and figure out what is going on and how to 'fix' the situation. It was 'good enough', but I wasn't in love with the story. I did, however, appreciate the inclusion of a bi character, because it seems as though they are fewer and farther between, even with LGBTQIA+ characters. I would give it a 7 out of 10. 

• Mate by Ali Hazelwood - I noticed that a follow-up book to one of this author's previous novels was released earlier this year and I knew I had to check it out. I am normally not one for books about werewolves and vampires, but for some reason I get wrapped up in this storyline from Ali. I read the precursor of this book last year and although this one is a standalone story, I knew I'd probably enjoy it just as much. I will warn you, this is spicy with a capital S. Even still, I can get swept away in the plot like nobody's business. This story follows Serena and Koen. Serena is an extremely rare human-werewolf hybrid and Koen is the Alpha of the Northwest werewolf pack. Koen realizes that Serena is his mate, but knows it is unrequited so decides he will do his best to protect her while also keeping her at arms length. As with all of this author's books, there is witty banter, there are deep conversations, there is trauma, growth and dry/ dark humor, there is found family and fated love, there are high stakes and lots of heart and heat. I'll be honest, I'm not one for the paranormal fantasy genre, but if another book in this series is released I'll be in line for it pronto. I would give it a 9 out of 10.

• Say Nice Things About Detroit by Scott Lasser - I was randomly scrolling around on my Libby audiobook app and came across this book. Obviously the title caught my attention and I had to grab it. I think I was expecting it to be nonfiction, but it turned out to be a novel. It was a quick listen, but nothing special to write home about (other than the fact that I loved hearing words like Ypsilanti, Livernois, Gratiot, etc). The story jumps around a lot - to different points of time and to different characters' perspectives. The main character, David, moves back to Detroit because his mom is unwell and has to deal with a lot of racial tension and economic decline in a city that may not be welcoming him back with open arms. There is a bit of a murder mystery thrown in, but I feel like everything was pretty surface-y and there wasn't too much depth (whether in the characters [which there are many] or in the plot overall) to make it an amazing book. I would give it a 7 out of 10.

• Little Movements by Lauren Morrow - I had seen this book mentioned on a few lists recently so thought I'd pick it up from the local library. It was a novel about Layla Smart, a Black choreographer who leaves New York City to move to Vermont for a residency with a prestigious art program. While there, she deals with life - marital problems, losing a pregnancy, the problematic [read RACIST] past of the institution she has been hired to work for, maintaining adult friendships and so much more. The story felt genuine (and maybe that was because nothing was too over-the-top or different from the 'real' world - the characters felt relatable, the struggles from normal) and I appreciated the focus on self-discovery and growth. You could also really tell that the writer was a dancer by the way all of the 'little movements' were so vividly described. I would give it an 8 out of 10.

• Fix Her Up by Tessa Bailey - When I was scrolling through my Hoopla app I saw that there were three of this author's books bundled into one download (there is a limit of five downloads per month on this audiobook app) so I knew I needed to grab the set. The first book is all about the fake relationship trope. Travis, a baseball star whose career was cut short due to injury, moves back home to try and pick up the pieces of his life and runs into Georgie, his best friend's little sister who everyone sees as a joke (both figuratively and literally, as she is a professional clown for children's birthday parties). The two realize a fake relationship could be a win-win for them - with Travis looking a little more wholesome (after years of escapades with rotating woman) and Georgie seeming more grown up (in hopes that not only her family but the community at large would start to take her seriously). As with most of this author's books, this one is filled with spice, but also emotional growth in the characters. It is a swoon worthy romcom that you can't help but smile through. I would give it an 8 out of 10.

• Love Her or Lose Her by Tessa Bailey - This is the next book in the "Hot & Hammered" series (the Castle family owns a construction/ renovation company, so that is technically the backdrop for the books). We left off with Georgie getting her happily ever after, but her friend Rosie is in the throes of a failing marriage. Dominic and Rosie were high school sweethearts (maybe even more like middle school sweethearts), but after his tours overseas, he stopped communicating and their relationship turned into one of just going through the motions. After the Just Us League helps Rosie to see she deserves more, she decides to move out and gives her and Dom a final chance by forcing them into intense marriage counseling. There's loads of humor and chemistry, but also serious emotions throughout. I was pulling for the couple to make it, but also for each of the characters to live their best lives (and for Rosie to get her restaurant). I would give it an 8 out of 10.

• Kin by Tayari Jones - I had seen this book on a few lists recently, so thought I'd get in line for it at the local library. I was excited once it was available to see what it was all about. This novel is a coming-of-age story about two motherless Black girls in Louisiana during the time of segregation and Jim Crow. The two were in different situations (Annie's mom had left her with her grandma to raise and Vernice's mom was murdered by her father before he killed himself, leading to her being raised by her aunt), but were friends through it all. Their lives started to diverge after high school, when Vernice moved to Atlanta for college and Annie moved to Memphis to try and find her mother. The book dives into topics such as friendship, motherhood, class and race (especially in the South). It was told in alternating perspectives, which I always enjoy (I liked Annie's POV a bit more). It's a beautifully written book about found family and imperfect people. I would give it a 9 out of 10.

• The Correspondent by Virginia Evans - A lot of folks had been talking about this book recently, so I wanted to check it out. I grabbed it from my local library and am glad I did. I would describe this as a book about a grandma who enjoyed writing letters... but it was so much more than that too. The story was actually told in the format of letters, emails and notes, which I loved (at times it felt a little disjointed, but I actually enjoyed having to put the puzzle pieces together to see how they fit). Sybil is reflecting on her life through correspondence with different people in her life (whether they be family members, friends, past coworkers, politicians and even famous celebrities). It is a story about grief, family, the power of the written word and leaving a legacy. Sybil struggles through finding forgiveness for herself while dealing with painful periods of her past. I loved seeing Sybil's growth, showing us that it's never too late to make a change (even if it was a bit predictable). It was a charming read that flew by, but one that I wished would've kept going and going. I would give it an 8 out of 10.

• Tools of Engagement by Tessa Bailey - This was the third and final book in the Hot & Hammered series. Although these all could be standalone stories, I felt like the first two books set this one and the relationship between Bethany and Wes up perfectly. It's all about the enemies-to-lovers trope and it was pretty much perfect for fans of romcoms (and HGTV). Bethany is the perfectionist who is looking to move out from underneath her family's shadow and Wes is the new-to-town cowboy who has been roped into caring for his five year old niece. The two team up when a reality TV show is thrust upon them where Bethany competes with her brother, Stephen, on dueling house flips. As with all of this author's books, this one was filled with witty banter that had me chuckling out loud, sweet segments that had me saying 'awwww' and spicy scenes that had me blushing (what can I say?! I normally stick to the YA genre for a reason ;)). The chemistry between Bethany and Wes was undeniable, age difference be darned (even if the relationship jumped from contentious to affectionate and a little all-encompassing a bit too quickly in my opinion). I would give it an 8 out of 10.

• 10 Marchfield Square by Nicola Whyte - I saw this book pop up in the recommended section of my Hoopla app, so I clicked on it. (I normally don't read about the book beforehand, but since the cover really didn't give anything away I thought I would at least check to make sure it would be in a genre I might be interested in reading.) It mentioned it was a thriller, which I thought would be perfect. I also noticed at the top of the page it references Only Murders in the Building, which I enjoyed as a TV series, so thought I'd give it a try. This was told in two main perspectives, Audrey and Lewis, with a third, Celeste, thrown in very sporadically. The premise is there is a murder in a small residential square and the landlady, Celeste, asks Audrey, her housecleaner and one of the residents, and Lewis, a crime writer and one of the residents, to team up and try to solve the murder because the police don't seem to be taking it too seriously. In the process of investigating, more murders take place and the duo try to track down leads and solve the crimes. I thought it was entertaining and enjoyable, cozy and charming. I'd read the next one if it ends up turning into a series. I would give it an 8 out of 10.

• The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez - I had been keeping my eyes peeled for this to become available at my library, so I was stoked when they finally got a copy. I always love whatever this author writes, so I expected nothing less from her newest romcom. This one was about three main characters, Mike, the boyfriend, Larissa, the girlfriend, and Chris, the boyfriend's best friend. It was told in alternating perspectives between Larissa and Chris' point-of-view. The book starts when Larissa meets the two guys after a concert and has to decide between Mike and Chris on who she'd prefer to drive her home. She chooses Mike and 'the rest is history'. The two become a pair, but Chris keeps getting drug into the mix when Mike drops the ball and asks him to step in and cover for him with Larissa. I think I was pulling for Chris since page one of the book. He is so sweet and thoughtful that I wanted him to get his happily ever after (at times, even more than I wanted that for Larissa). I also loved the storyline of the dog they were co-parenting. I could picture that little troublemaker causing havoc and it made me smile every time he was mentioned. This is technically the second book of a series, but they are standalone stories, so you'd be fine if you didn't read the first (or, if you're like me and read the first one many moons ago and sort of forgot about it). I think I heard Mike would be getting his own book in the series, so hopefully that'll be coming sooner rather than later. I loved the slow burn of this one and the overall pining feeling (also that it was more focused on the relationships than the spicy bits). I would give it a 9 out of 10.

• People Like Her by Ellery Lloyd - The cover of this book grabbed my attention when I was scrolling through my Libby audiobook app. This was a psychological thriller about an Instagram influencer and the dangers of putting your life online for all to see. It was told by three different narrators - Emmy (the influencer), Dan (her husband) and a mystery stalker character. It sort of reminded me a bit of His & Hers by Alice Feeney in that way. It was fast paced and had a couple twists and turns that I wasn't expecting. I would say that I didn't really love any of the characters (but, I guess a good book makes you feel something and I definitely had feelings about everyone ;)). I felt like it did a good job at reminding folks about how fake and curated social media can be without feeling too overly preachy. It was a quick read that kept me guessing. I would give it an 8 out of 10. 

• Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar - I thought it was time for something a little more lighthearted, so I was scrolling through some of my saved books on my Libby app and saw this one. Obviously you can tell from the title it is probably going to be all about the fake relationship trope (and you'd be 100% correct). This one focuses on two high schoolers, Hani and Ishu, who are doing their best to try to accomplish their goals. Hani wants to be accepted by her friends for who she is and Ishu wants to be elected as Head Girl so her parents see she isn't her sister and can be successful herself. The pair decide that the other girl can help her in her journey, so they enter into a fake relationship. As with most fake relationships, the feelings turn real and the two have to come to terms with the fact that they like the other person more than they expected to. It's a cute coming-of-age story with a diverse set of characters (Bangladeshi, Muslim, bisexual, etc) - wholesome and sweet while still dealing with some serious topics. I would give it an 8 out of 10.

• Where He Can't Find You by Darcy Coates - This book kept popping up on my audiobook apps, so I snagged it. I probably should have looked at the description a bit more before downloading it... I'll be honest, when I started it, I wasn't sure I would be able to finish it. I can be a bit of a wuss when it comes to 'horror', even if this one was technically in the Young Adult genre. For some reason I can be absolutely fine if the story is about a serial killer, but a serial killing monster, now that is somehow 'too much' for me (don't ask, I don't get it either ;)). Yep, this was about 'something' that was taking victims around town and then those victims would reappear (sometimes days, weeks or years later) having been killed and then stitched back together (sometimes with other victims, sometimes stitched together as bags, etc). The story follows a group of friends who try to stay safe (and do a little sleuthing) with the Stitcher on the prowl. One of the main characters has a sister that goes missing and the group mobilizes to try and find her (and therefore try to solve the mystery of who/ what the Stitcher is). I won't give anything away, but let's just say that if this was ever turned into a movie, I wouldn't be watching it (not because it was bad, but because it was too scary for my lil heart). I also (now) know I'm not the intended target for this type of book, but I pushed through and made it to the end. I would give it an 8 out of 10.

• More Than Enough by Anna Quindlen - I had seen this on a few lists recently and since the library had it on the shelf I decided I would grab it. I didn't know anything about it beforehand, but I ended up enjoying it nonetheless. It followed the life of main character, Polly, as she went through some struggles, such as infertility issues and getting unexpected information about her family from a DNA test she was gifted. I enjoyed the fact that the characters were in their forties and fifties, since midlife characters definitely aren't the norm. It also made me smile that she was part of a book group who had a rule about NOT reading the book that they selected. It felt real and raw, like it could be happening to a friend of mine. Life is not all rainbows and unicorns, it is messy and tough and this book doesn't sugarcoat the hard parts. I would give it an 8 out of 10. 

• American Fantasy by Emma Straub - This was another one that I had seen mentioned a lot recently and that my library just happened to have available (they are normally late on getting in new books, so I'm always a little surprised when new stuff shows up quickly). I'm not even sure how to categorize this one. I was expecting it to be a rom-com, but (and maybe this is a spoiler alert, so warning!) two of the main characters that you think will get together really don't, so that aspect wasn't really fulfilled. Despite that, I thought it was a fun book. It was about a boyband cruise - you know, when the aging boyband goes on a cruise with a boat full of their fans and havoc ensues. I've never been on a cruise and I was never like super gaga over a boyband, but it was still nostalgia at its finest. There were three main character POVs - Keith (one of the boyband members), Annie (one of the fans on the cruise who ends up going alone because her superfan of a sister breaks her leg and has to cancel last minute) and Sarah (one of the crew members on the ship). It was a fun read that made me smile, while still making me ponder about things like aging, fame, relationships and purpose. I won't be adding it to my personal library, but it'd still be great if you needed a summer read. I would give it an 8 out of 10.

With that, May is done-zo. If you have suggestions, let me know! I'm always looking to add to my "must read" list! 

What's the best book you've read lately?