Books I read in June • Reading wrap-up

[@benreadsgood]

Btw that ‘no books for my birthday’ thing was not a plea for sympathy, I just need to work out how not to scare my friends and family away from gifting me books 😂 Suggestions welcome!!!

[@MarinaK03]

I’m still trying to work this one out myself. 🤣

[@danarussell672]

I always provide separate lists of multiple titles for family/friends that I’m interested in reading. I also keep my goodreads (or whatever you use) very up to date. I have separate lists of TBR books I own/TBR kindle books I own and a list of books I want to read. These two things have helped me.

[@nanimaonovi2528]

I just ask for gift cards to my local indepentant book store for my birthday. These days spending local feels like funding a nature preserve so that's a win/win. I'm also forbidden from buying anyone books, because they're always the exact right book. My family all have stacks of gift books from me that they know will be awesome. If they ever got around to them. The guilt. The gilt edged guilt.

[@benreadsgood]

Thank you all for the top tips! ❤️ Separate lists feel like a good idea if you want actual books (or I guess you run the risk of duplicates) but a gift card for my favourite bookshop would be lush as well.

[@TheLeniverse]

@@benreadsgood If you don't want to basically tell your family exactly which books to get you, you could also say something like "I collect author X. These are the ones I already own", or if you want to be surprised, "I would like more books translated from language Y, I've hardly read *any* from that part of the world!"

[@user-qb1ys9vk5w]

I love how articulate you are in describing the books you read. I think you’re one of the best reviewers on you tube

[@benreadsgood]

Thank you, that's such a kind thing to say! Takes me ages to put all my thoughts together (and even longer since I've been reading more books each month 😅) so I really appreciate the encouragement 🙌

[@user-qb1ys9vk5w]

@@benreadsgood Keep up the great work. You are excellent at giving reviews, so thoughtful and with the perfect amount of information to help me decide if the book is something I’d like. I also love your book news videos.

[@ameliabarlowbooks]

River East, River West was so good! such a unique take, loved it ♥️

[@benreadsgood]

It was a really good debut! The narrators were pretty good too on the audio - very well cast.

[@ratwizard137]

just found this channel, the way you describe the books is truly spectacular and really speaks your passion for reading, makes me want to get all those books now! can't wait to watch more from you :)

[@benreadsgood]

This is such a lovely comment to read, thank you so much! Really appreciate you watching the video 😊

[@LydiaLostthePlot]

Such a brilliant reviewer as always, so thoughtful and insightful!

[@benreadsgood]

Thank you so much Lydia!! 🙏

[@TheLeniverse]

I had Breakdown on my Women's Prize predictions, and I am *still* on the waiting list for it at the library. The downside to living in Wales, I guess. Any book linked in any way to Wales is booked up for months 😆 Glad it sounds like it is worth the wait. I've been on the fence about reading Headshot and I think you just tipped me over into "yes". Boy With a Black Rooster sounds fantastic!

[@benreadsgood]

Ahhh yes, the appeal of a local novel! It is always exciting to read something set near you. Hopefully it will be worth the wait, because I really enjoyed it. And Headshot is definitely worth your time!

[@wordsofclover]

I'm all here for the amazing Irish books :P There must be something in our water haha

[@benreadsgood]

Whatever it is, I want some of it!!!

[@Bookchara]

I’m adding The Coast Road to my Want to Read books!

[@benreadsgood]

Definitely deserving of a place on there - it's great! Thanks for watching.

[@Laney0104]

Ben, you’re really great at reviewing and doing tongue twisters! Honestly, your channel has become my go-to for book picks. I just grabbed Love and Other Thought Experiments, Monstrilio ,and Above Us the Sea

[@benreadsgood]

Thanks so much! I’ve actually just read Monstrilio, so I’ll have a review up for it when I do my July wrap-up!

[@robyn8221]

Happy birthday 🎉 adding Breakdown and The Coast Road to my TBR.

[@benreadsgood]

Thank you! Those are two great picks (always trust the Irish novelists!) so I hope you love them when you get to them.

[@Bookchara]

Oh breakdown sounds fascinating. I actually know of a woman who left like that…she did come back eventually though

[@benreadsgood]

Oh wow, it's always odd when a novel explores something you're familiar with in real life. It was a really interesting read!

[@ATruthUniversallyAcknowledged]

I’m very intrigued by The Coast Road!

[@benreadsgood]

It's a great novel - would definitely recommend giving it a go if you cross paths with it!

[@SavidgeReads]

Glad you loved Brotherless Night too. I’m keen to give Breakdown a whirl, I might wait for the paperback. I’m putting myself on a mild hardback book buying ban. Ha. River East River West is a book that’s grown and grown on me. Very excited for The Coast Road. May read it when I go to Ireland next week. I bought it for the Winman quote alone.

[@benreadsgood]

Oh gosh yeah, those hardbacks take up so much space and I really need to stop myself too... but with the Booker round the corner you know exactly what's going to happen 😂 The Coast Road would be a glorious read for an Irish trip!!

[@PageTurnersWithKatja]

Good reading month ✨️Headshot was in my TBR, Orbital's now joining it

[@benreadsgood]

It was a really good month! Almost too good 😅 Sometimes I need to stop and savour. Hope you enjoy Headshot and Orbital, Katja. Will be interested to see if you see the similarities like I did, despite them being very different!

[@YourTrueShelf]

Ah Ben you just added several books to my wishlist!!! I loved Brotherless Night (although it has faded a bit) and I also loved River East, River West. For bday ideas - you could direct people to your wishlist, but sometimes I give a challenge like "choose me something from the fantasy section" - less chance of something I already own. My husband did a great job with a more specific instruction! Hope you had a great bday x

[@benreadsgood]

Ooh I like the idea of setting people a challenge, that's so fun! My husband is a bit of a graphic novel fan so maybe I should get him to try and get me a good one. Had a lovely birthday thanks! ❤️

[@YourTrueShelf]

@@benreadsgood oooh yes that's a good one, there are loads of amazing graphic novels 😊

[@nadiadixon5805]

brotherless night was my favourite for the womans prize...beautiful writing...you have convinced me to read the coast road and orbital...😊

[@benreadsgood]

Brotherless Night really is beautifully written! I loved Sashi's voice. Thanks for watching, and hope you enjoy The Coast Road and Orbital when you get to them 😊

[@sheltercoordinator8387]

I'm reading The Coast Road now and really enjoying it! I'm not very far in yet but am intrigued by each of the women for different reasons...especially Colette. Thanks for your take on each of the books! I really enjoy your videos.

[@benreadsgood]

Yeah they're all really well-rounded characters - Murrin proving that men don't *have* to write women terribly 😂 Thank you for watching!

[@stevies-readies]

i loved headshot!!! thanks for sharing that bit about the author not knowing who was going to win the fights. so cool that it felt like she was there with us. and i agree on the shared headspace -- the boxing ring became as much a character as each of the contenders in the tournament. i've heard plenty about coast road that's making me want to get to it asap.

[@benreadsgood]

Headshot was such a treat, and so unlike a lot of other books I've read lately. It creates such a unique atmosphere. The Coast Road is well worth it - hope you enjoy it once you get to it!

[@StephanieP1901]

All of these books are on my nightstand! Well, except Brotherless Night, which I read in the lead-up to the Women's Prize. I was slightly miffed when it won. I was rooting for Enter Ghost, but only because my real favorite, Ordinary Human Failings, didn't make the short list. I agree that it's a good book, but for me it was pretty garden variety historical fiction. Plus, it was already out in paperback here when it was nominated, so it was kind of old news. My best book in June was hands down The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden. It's so fucking good. Have you read it? I recommend it - but only after you read Vivek Oji and Bolla. :)

[@benreadsgood]

I haven't read The Safekeep yet, but heard good things! I'm kind of holding back from getting my mitts on too many new books at the moment in anticipation of the Booker longlist hitting my bank account soon 😂 Vivek is happening in... 2 books time! I have to read it by the end of the month.

[@BookishAdventuresInWellbeing]

Breakdown sounds great, I’ve added that to my wish list and Lydia Lost the Plot has already sold Headshot to me so that’s a solidified recommendation.

[@benreadsgood]

I wasn't sure if it was going to be for me, but I have learned to sit back and trust the Irish authors 😅 Hope you enjoy Headshot!

[@GemofBooks]

Headshot sounds awesome! Adding to TBR…

[@benreadsgood]

It's really good! Hopefully the whole tournament situation is enough plot to keep you going (only mentioning because it really did feel like it did a similar thing to Orbital, and I know you found that pants 😂).

[@spexi513]

Happyyyyyy ( belated ) birthdayyyyyy ! I too am a June born bookworm 💚

[@benreadsgood]

Thank you! It's a glorious month for a birthday 🎁

[@marjoriedybec3450]

I can't wait to read, The Coast Road.

[@benreadsgood]

It’s so good! Hope you enjoy when you get to it.

[@cecilialau_]

So, so intrigued by The Coast Road

[@benreadsgood]

It's so, so good! Certified small-town banger.

[@Sarahsreadingjournal]

I have the same problem with no one wanting to buy me books for my birthday 😅 I normally just ask for specific books or have a list of books I would like to get to that my family can choose from! Excited to hear you loved Brotherless Night- my library hold has just arrived so will hopefully be getting to it shortly 🤞

[@benreadsgood]

Yeah I have had some success in the past asking for specific books, but I also love the surprise or hearing why they chose the book they did. "Because you told me" isn't the most exciting answer 😂 Brotherless Night will be worth the wait!

[@Sarahsreadingjournal]

@benreadsgood ha ha, yes totally agree 😅

[@mradcaqbdb]

Just finished The Coast Road on audio last night. I also loved it and definitely recommend it. I’ve got to get to Orbital. I’ve had it since last December and still haven’t read it!

[@benreadsgood]

It's such a gem of a book, isn't it! And don't worry I had been sitting on Orbital for a while too 😅 It actually demands quite a bit of attention I think, so one you spend a little more time reading than the slim page count makes you think.

[@MarinaK03]

The premise of Breakdown sounds similar to Anny Tyler's Ladder of Years but with a different ending. This has me intrigued. I'll need to check it out.

[@benreadsgood]

I really enjoyed it! It had a nice comic edge to it, but a lot of emotional depth.

[@lynnesmith2936]

I love a book voucher📖My husband always takes me out for Birthday lunch somewhere with a nice independent bookshop. This year we combined it with a break to Edinburgh and visits to Golden Hare, Rare Birds, Typewronger📚❤

[@benreadsgood]

That sounds absolutely delightful! I reaaaally want to visit the Edinburgh Toppings & Co, but I will be noting down these other bookshops for a future visit too!

[@lynnesmith2936]

@@benreadsgood Confession…..I got them from a @SavidgeReads vlog🥰

[@rebecca.reader]

I have just finished reading River East River West and I absolutely loved it. I had gone in with low expectations as I had heard very mixed reviews,. As a contrast to your reading experience, I read this in literally two sittings, which is unusual for me and I think this really helped to get into the characters heads. While I found Alva incredibly annoying at times, I really related to that teenage-ness both in myself ( many moons ago) and my teenage children. I found Lu Fangs story a joy to read and he really broke those 'stepfather' tropes. My favourite read of June, though was The Bee Sting.

[@benreadsgood]

I'm pleased to hear you enjoyed it! It definitely is an accomplished debut. And yeah Alva was annoying at times, but I really don't mind an unlikeable character. I think my main problem with it was just consuming it in two disjointed periods. So a me thing! The Bee Sting is phenomenal!!

[@rebecca.reader]

@@benreadsgood yes, I have had that with quite a few books, where I have had a disjointed reading experience and therefore enjoyed the a lot less than I might have.The one that comes to mind is Demon Copperhead....I'm sure I would have loved it if I had read it in one continuous read. But I didn't and ultimately I found it really tedious. Definitely a me problem!

[@onourpath]

I desperately want The Coast Road -- I already know I'm going to love it. I'm reading I Who Have Never Known Men right now, and it's a bit harrowing! 😬😬😬

[@benreadsgood]

The Coast Road is absolutely worth your time! I still haven't gotten around to I Who Have Never Known Men but it's had such a resurgence on BookTube and Bookstagram lately.

[@jacquelinemcmenamin8204]

I’ve just started the audio of The Coast Road I feel your pain about family not giving books. It was my 60th birthday last November. Asked what I wanted to do , I said I wanted to go to a bookstore. Because we live so rural, that would be an 80 mile trip. Instead I got a meal in a very noisy pub.

[@benreadsgood]

Hope you enjoy The Coast Road! An 80 mile round trip to the nearest bookshop... I fear I wouldn't cope 😂 A meal is lovely but hopefully you got to the bookshop sometime soon after!

[@healthiqmedicalconsultancy]

I finished reading all the Womens prize shortlisted book & I know these things are subjective but tbh, I felt Brotherless night was incredibly BORING, the pros I found, lifeless. It honestly was a drag to finish this book. I honestly cannot believe as a reader I’m alone in this. I literally wasn’t invested in ANY character in the book Ben. S.S was my favorite read on the list but Enter ghost I thought would win.

[@benreadsgood]

I also was rooting for Soldier Sailor, but was very happy with Brotherless Night. I do love that we can all get different things from books. Shame this one wasn’t for you, but every book is a good chance to learn something about our own taste 😅

[@christelvanzyl5246]

There are some great parts in Brotherless Night, but I did not enjoy the book that much. I think I've had my fill of war / conflict lately.

[@benreadsgood]

That’s understandable! I found it very absorbing but it’s definitely heavy. With the world as it is right now, I can see the appeal of not spending too much time with those themes.

[@spexi513]

📖 🪱 💚

[@leeh4343]

Carl Williams was a convicted murderer in Melbourne so when you said that name I was like 😮🤣

[@benreadsgood]

Yikes!!! 😬 This Karl is with a K, so at least he's got that to differentiate himself 😂

[@emmaselby4836]

Or just ask for a book voucher 😂

[@emmaselby4836]

Then the friend can take you out to the book shop for the day ....I've had a friend do that for me and it was a great idea, I loved it.

[@dittesque]

@@emmaselby4836 I did this with my niece (then 10 years old), so much fun! It wasn’t planned, but I gave her a book that turned out to be a bit difficult for her, so we looked for an alternative together and had cake afterwards :)

[@benreadsgood]

Top tips, thank you! And cake afterwards sounds like a must 😅