Friday Reads: A Difficult Reading Week With a Satisfying Conclusion

My reading week got off to a difficult start (I was definitely Goldibooks all the way), but it ended up with three good books finished (and one DNF). Expand for more information. 👇
Links 💻
Register to Vote (Or Check Your Registration Status): vote.gov/
Further Viewing 🎥
Book Haul for June: • Book Haul for June 2024
The Mid-Year Book Freakout: • The Mid-Year Book Frea...
Exciting Upcoming Book Releases: • Exciting Upcoming Book...
My Pride Month Pile of Possibilities: • My TBR for June and Pr...
My Irish Book Haul: • A Huge Book Haul for M...
My Deep Dive on To Kill a Mockingbird: • Why Is To Kill a Mocki...
Last Friday Reads: • Friday Reads: Raves an...
Jump to the Friday Reads: 06:35
Titles Mentioned 📚
The Breakup Lists, Adib Khorram: bookshop.org/a...
The Intoxicating Mr. Lavelle, Neil Blackmore: bookshop.org/a...
The Henna Wars, Adiba Jaigirdar: bookshop.org/a...
Heartstopper, Volume 5, Alice Oseman: bookshop.org/a...
Heartstopper, Volume 4, Alice Oseman: bookshop.org/a...
The Safekeep, Yael van der Wouden: bookshop.org/a...
Hombrecito, Santiago Jose Sanchez: bookshop.org/a...
My Affiliate Page on Bookshop: bookshop.org/s...
If you would like to support this channel, please feel free to use Super Thanks or the affiliate links to Bookshop, but please do not feel obligated. I appreciate your presence regardless.
But wait, there's more!
Email: supposedlyfungreg-at-gmail.com
Storygraph: app.thestorygr...
Instagram: / supposedlyfun
Website: supposedlyfun....

[@sherrystacks4815]

Registered to vote I am. As a straight 70 year old grandmother protecting the rights of all is the responsibility of everyone. I am scared and hope the election protects and does not remove gay rights

[@MJ-in-Canada]

Teddy yawns, gets up, and walks away. All that’s missing is a dialogue balloon that says, “Catch ya later, losers!”🤣

[@SupposedlyFun]

I did get a feeling he was thinking “oh great, Daddy’s talking to himself again.” 🤣😂🤣😂

[@hope4896]

Watching you speak about books is so comforting and enjoyable for me. You have every right to speak about how you feel about politics and the world around you and I applaud you for doing so. I watch all of your videos and I hope you know how much your time and dedication to your channel is appreciated. Thank you.

[@SometimesPerplexed]

I’m glad you’re speaking out on urgent political issues, and I usually don’t like it when social media creators air topics that aren’t part of the stated subject matter.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thank you!

[@jennrecord2784]

I love the way you expressed yourself about today's political climate!!! I am a married heterosexual female but as a female there is so much on the line and for one of my best friends who is a gay man there is lots on the line and I work in education and for my students there is more on the line!!!!

[@awebofstories]

Adding "goldibooking" to my lexicon... Thank you for speaking up about your anxieties about the upcoming election. Trust me, you are not alone and I think the more we speak up about it, the more momentum we can harness.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I appreciate that!

[@tklucas8516]

I understand the character's put down of To Kill A Mockingbird. Remember, this is a YA book and our perspectives at that age are in constant motion and emotion. When I was in high school, the only representation of any person of color in English Lit came from Huckleberry Finn and To Kill A Mockingbird. The chatter in class wasn't positive. I remember the vibe as there wasn't a voice for the black characters and most felt the same as the young man in the book you read. I imagine this sentiment could be why Everett wrote James. Wisdom comes with age. To Kill A Mockingbird seems like a different book now that I am older. Huckleberry Finn is still unsettling for me but maybe that was its intention. Think of it this way. I remember you saying that you did not really connect with Gilead the first time. You read it years later and its one of your favorite books. I think you should give your DNF another chance. Read it from the YA perspective. These books always show growth through experiences.

[@mradcaqbdb]

Thank you for all your opening comments on voting and the critical nature of the upcoming election. Interestingly, we just had our monthly family zoom call last night, me, brother and sister, who are all some degree liberal. I’m probably the most liberal of the three of us, but not Bernie/AOC progressive level. Plus, there was my extremely conservative and ultra Baptist aunt and uncle in Texas. My uncle was fed up before I joined the conversation 45 minutes late. My sister’s husband (liberalish) left the call after I got on but well before we were done. Anyway, we got into religion, abortion (and the laws that are letting women die in favor of an already dead fetus), Israel/Palestine, all the really tough topics. I tried to convince my aunt to read the Republican Project 2025 plan to maybe open her eyes, but she said, nope, never heard of it. She’d never heard of the very recent case in Texas where a woman was denied a d&c several times and almost died. We eventually ended up with the god has a plan which we are not allowed to know line, which completely infuriates me. And I found out that saying “oh my god” is offensive to my aunt. Oops. And she wants to know why I’m so upset. I have no chill around this lunacy. I mean, there was no shouting, raised voices and bit, and it all ended with I love yous, but it was an interesting ended to Friday evening. Then I went t back to listening to Jurassic Park on audio for the first time. Which is fun. Is The Safekeep very religious? It sounds like something I’d really like to read, but not if it’s going to piss me off about religion again. After reading two new thrillers which were excellent early in the week, I’ve struggled with choosing a physical book too. So I went back to a great audiobook I had listened to before and then ended up with Jurassic Park, which I’ve read before but never listened to. Not sure what is next.

[@schoolbeginsaftercoffee4759]

The elections have been at the forefront of my very anxious thoughts. It's made it hard to enjoy certain books. In addition, this week, my father was diagnosed with cancer. Helping him navigate this new diagnosis has been exhausting. I haven't been able to settle my mind long enough to read. I started Soldier, Sailor, and I put it down. It's beautiful and I'll come back to it, but now is not the time. I tried Betty, and I also put it down. Again, it's beautiful, but not now. I suspect I need light and fluffy reads. Just vibes, no thoughts. Wishing you a great weekend!

[@SupposedlyFun]

I’m sorry-what a difficult time for you and your family (in addition to the already stressful election). Light and fluffy books may be just the ticket to get you back on your reading feet, and help you cope. I hope things go well! Hang in there.

[@marjoriedybec3450]

I'm so sorry to hear about your father. Good luck with that. Maybe a classic you love and haven't read in a while would be a smart way to relax and escape. Jane Eyre, Vanity Fair, Age of Innocence, My Antonia, or Living Well is the Best Revenge all come to mind. They all carry me into those fictional worlds. Hang in there. Journal, be in nature as often as possible, and remember to breathe.

[@readandre-read]

I am so stressed out about the election. Thanks for discussing the importance of voting. I just picked up The Safekeep today at my favorite bookstore!

[@l.georgealexander8330]

I am concerned about the elections too. I am also housebound and I love your comments which for me feels like listening to a friend talking about the same issues as I have. I am reading THE BONE PEOPLE by Keri Hulme, an author who is New Zealand European/Maori.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thank you. We’ll get through this election as a group! I feel like I’ve heard good things about Hulme-I’ll look up The Bone People.

[@readingbytheriver5752]

I am a 77 yo Grammy. I am registered to vote (when I move to a new place, first I get a library card, then I register to vote.). Of course, it is easy - I live in Oregon and the ballot arrives in my mailbox and my mail carrier takes it away. How easy is that! My grand sons help me vote. I spread the ballot on the table, we look at it, talk about it, then I vote. When finished we all walk to our mailbox and off it goes. I’m hoping this action imprints on them. BTW the guys are 6 & 8.

[@SupposedlyFun]

How great to get them involved! Hopefully, it teaches them good lessons they always carry with them.

[@seasheleyes]

I am so invested in the vote …I totally agree with you. I feel so anxious about all of it that I am painting rocks for so many elections. On top of it all I lost Roxy last week. Thank you for being honest about your thoughts on our election.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I’m so sorry about Roxy. It isn’t easy to deal with that alone, nevermind this election. Hang in! ❤️

[@seasheleyes]

P.S. I’m listening to The Dutch House on audio and absolutely loving it.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I’ve heard great things about that audio. I haven’t decided if my next Patchett will be Commonwealth or Dutch House.

[@jordana99]

@@SupposedlyFunBoth good! I’m a fan of Patchett.

[@leilawanders]

I just finished The Safekeep and it's going down as one of my faves of the year. It's all because of the second half of the book. I absolutely loved the way the author flips the switch toward the end.

[@cindyfreese254]

I loved The Safekeep, and thought about it weeks after reading it. It kept me engaged but as soon as we get Eva’s perspective, it really got riveting. Fantastic writing! Glad you liked it too!

[@lonesomedovecall822]

GOLDIBOOKS! OMG, I feel so seen right now!!! 👍👍

[@deegrows7589]

Thanks for the important message about voting! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@tfrailey7722]

Being a mood reader is difficult at times, I’m at the same point as you right now. Goldibooks is the perfect description 😂 Two I’ve read that had the right mix of issues and story were Margo’s Got Money Troubles and Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books. I was afraid both (especially Lula) would be too trite but I was wrong. I thought both hit the right tone of entertaining while giving ‘food for thought’ as they say. Love Teddy walking off…after a giant yawn 😂

[@melaniereed3494]

I finished Safekeeping a few days ago and found it so compelling and I loved many elements of it - 5 star read for me. A debut from a young author, so we can look forward to future works by her. I thought that the main part of the narrative taking place in 1960-61 was very interesting and could highlight the long-lasting effects of war on families and individuals. I know quite a lot about WWII European history and could see the surprise twist coming, but I was okay with that. The third part of the book was especially elegant and satisfying.

[@teneshaanderson4761]

The safekeep is fantastic

[@myreadinglife8816]

I enjoyed The Henna Wars. And Heartstopper is a wonderful series!

[@Nina_DP]

I have always said that I want to live long enough (well, to read all these damn books) to vote for somebody I have full confidence/admiration for. I guess Obama came closest. But I turned 72 last month and I despair it will ever happen. Even more so, I fear that people will become so disengaged that they stay home in November. Please vote, people. Hold your noses and do it or we are all doomed. Last week I read Small Joys and, man, I sure could use a Muddy hug. 🤗

[@SupposedlyFun]

I could also use a Muddy hug! I try to tell myself that this is a reaction to the progress we had been making, and soon there will be a backlash to this backlash and we can all calm down again. But it’s scary. Yes, please, everyone vote!

[@jordana99]

I’m near your age and used to be idealistic, we could change things! etc. But that withered away as I realized that nothing much changes in politics. And now it is truly frightening, beyond my worst expectations.

[@marjoriedybec3450]

@@jordana99 if its "beyond your worst expectations" clearly much HAS changed. We are empowered with a voice and a vote. Don't succomb to bread and circuses. Its easy to put blinders on, hide within our devices. But look at Haiti, look at Iran, look at Europe in 1940. Millions of those citizens thought it couldn't get worse too, and they didn't speak up. They thought all politicians were the same and nothing would change. Politicians are NOT all the same. Some care deeply and try hard. Please vote.

[@jordana99]

@@marjoriedybec3450 I have always voted

[@starstuffpuff]

I would never consider “skipping voting”. It’s a privilege and a responsibility and I take it seriously. The rage and disappointment I feel when I hear anyone not treating it as such is crippling sometimes… I’ve been “goldibooking” for over a month now… It happens every summer for me. I just get in a reading slump during the hot months and I have a hard time getting out of it. I usually revert to non-fiction audiobooks; I might as well learn something new since I can’t focus on fiction :). I have high hopes for Sarah Perry’s Enlightenment, which I just got from the library, to hopefully get me out of this slump.

[@AnaReads19]

I am always looking forward to your Friday reads! I jus finished Biography of X, which I really enjoyed. I am not from the USA, but I also hope you all vote against Fascism, since American politics tends to heavily influence the rest of the world as well.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I’m glad you liked Biography of X. Let’s keep hoping for a good turnout from this election!

[@debrahills8148]

Goldibooksing!! So me right now! I’m pretty much just binge watching Hacks right now. 😂

[@alldbooks9165]

Not only did he walk away, but he yawned first. 😂🤣

[@SupposedlyFun]

Kids, right? 🤣

[@jordana99]

I read Kairos and was so disturbed by it that I almost quit over halfway through. And that’s rare for me. Have you read it yet? It should have a trigger warning for those who have lived in abusive relationships. Perhaps I too need Goldilocks or Cinnamon Bun books! 😅

[@1book1review]

My reading this year is a lot of escapism and not too serious. June was all about rereading and just flew through favorite series. Sometimes it's just what we need.

[@SupposedlyFun]

It sure is!

[@ArtemisFloof]

Great video! I love that you bring your values and personality into your channel. My recommendation next time you need a Goldibook is Greta & Valdin. I can’t believe you haven’t read it yet! I think it’s a Greg book!

[@Rykel_R]

I was Goldibooks this week too! 😅 I've settled on Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison last night. Being a mood reader is complicated haha

[@SupposedlyFun]

It really is! 🤪 Edited to add: I loved Song of Solomon. I hope you do, too!

[@dqan7372]

Better give Teddy a raise before he hires an agent to manage his appearances.

[@jillianhasner7386]

I LOVED The Safekeep so much!!

[@SupposedlyFun]

It’s such an interesting book!

[@onourpath]

Thanks for sharing your anxiety, Greg. It's really helpful to know we're not alone in this. Oh, man, this election! If we all don't die of a heart attack or stroke, we will when the world blows the F up. I'm reading Soldier Sailor -- I need something that sucks me in completely, so I stop thinking about all this other BS. Any suggestions?

[@lynniepie52]

Thanks, Greg I just put the safekeep on my TBR! Tickle Teddy for me!

[@SupposedlyFun]

I hope you like The Safekeep. Teddy says thank you!

[@tiffanybarker7317]

I am 100 pages into The Safekeep and hoping to finish in the next couple of days. Your comments have made me even more eager to finish!

[@SupposedlyFun]

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did in the end!

[@jackwalter5970]

I'm reading Judi Dench's Shakespeare, the Man Who Pays the Rent, about her career in Shakespeare plays. Insightful and delightful!

[@SupposedlyFun]

I’ve heard great things about that book-and I adore Judi Dench.

[@jackwalter5970]

@@SupposedlyFun she's so great!

[@marjoriedybec3450]

Oh, delighted there is someone else out there who is reading it. Incredible. One day that book will be an important historical document. It made me want to read all the plays. In 2022, I read all the sonnets, one per day in order. They ended up really speaking to The Picture of Dorian Gray and Mrs Dalloway (which I read simultaneously with my sonnet project.) I'm a bit obsessed with NF books and novels about Shakespeare. Enjoy.

[@janethansen9612]

I loved this too. Judi Dench is so fun, but also so sensible at the same time.

[@jacquelineturner7206]

I just wish it were longer. A real delight.

[@LaughingStockfarm1]

I read The Safekeep and I’m in the same boat…I want to talk to someone about it and no one I know has read it. I really appreciate that you know how to say Yael’s name. Anyway, wonderful book, I do wonder if it will be up for an award this year.

[@janethansen9612]

I have had a really slow reading month. I've been struggling with Praiseworthy by Alexis Wright and I've had to put it down although I am over half way through. Currently reading My Friends by Hisham Matar which is much more successful so far.

[@SupposedlyFun]

That can be very frustrating. Hang in--there's always July!

[@karenmoore4430]

Hi Greg I am currently reading Wild Houses by Colin Barrett. He is Irish and this is interesting.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thanks for the recommendation-I’ll look it up!

[@neetupd8510]

I just finished Yellow Crocus by Laila Ibrahim as an audiobook and must say it's excellent! It's the first book in a series of 5 and the first book doesn't end on a cliffhanger so it can be read as a standalone 😊....

[@SupposedlyFun]

Ooh no cliffhanger and works as a standalone is a great selling point for me!

[@neetupd8510]

@@SupposedlyFun do check it out please 🙂

[@jacquelinemcmenamin8204]

Teddy must think you’re talking to yourself and goes to warn Joel. I’ve only finished 3 books so far this month. Two were ok. The third wasn’t worth the time I put into listening to it. The book that disappointed me? Enlightment by Sarah Perry I kept listening hoping it would improve. It didn’t. Henry Henry is well written but should probably come with a trigger warning. I gave it 4 stars because of how it ended. You Could Be So Lucky by Cat Sebastian was feel good cinnamon bun goodness. I loved the audio of The Intoxicating Mr Lavelle.

[@SupposedlyFun]

A good audio narrator could make Lavelle fun. Hopefully, your next books will be better!

[@KurtAnderson812]

Mr Lavelle was a DNF for me as well. I just didn’t connect with it.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I’m glad I’m not alone!

[@annegibson6072]

I apologize for any problems that I may have innocently caused

[@SupposedlyFun]

I can’t think of any difficulties you would have caused!

[@annegibson6072]

​@@SupposedlyFunI used the b word that was in a book title

[@OMG21ization]

​@@annegibson6072 ah, was your comment removed because of the b word?

[@annegibson6072]

​@@OMG21izationYes.

[@SupposedlyFun]

@@annegibson6072 I didn't even get a notification or anything about it--so I never would have even known. How interesting!