Megan

When the 3rd season of Bridgerton came out on Netflix a while ago, it reminded me that I hadn't yet finished reading the series. So I put in a hold for the book I was on, saw the waiting list was long, and then forgot about it for a bit. When it showed up (on Saturday), I contemplated waiting to download it as I had just started another book. Then I thought, “I mean, it's not going to take me THAT long to read, is it?” ......and I was finished before lunch on Sunday.

If you're not familiar with Bridgeton at all, it is a series of romance novels taking place in Regency England. (Think Jane Austen but much, much spicier.) Each book follows one of the 8 Bridgerton children, and in book 7 it is Hyacinth's turn. I enjoyed seeing Hyacinth in adulthood and there is no doubt Julia Quinn knows how to write. There was a fun added twist of mysterious lost jewels and otherwise it was good, but nothing really earth-shattering.

If you are only familiar with the show, the books are very worth reading - but be aware that the show adds A LOT of extra stuff. Extra characters, extra plots, extra everything. It is a rare series where I am able to enjoy both even though they are different from each other. They are fun, quick reads and I'm going to have to get #8 so I can be done!

Percy Jackson’s saga continues! I started this series because it was E’s favorite when he was younger, plus there is also a fun podcast bookclub to go along with it. This is definitely my favorite book of the series so far - as with Harry Potter the books get more interesting (to me) as the characters get older and the stakes get higher. I have high hopes for the final book!

So, late to this party, but this was an amazing read.

Zami is my June book recommended by a friend. Thanks, Jordan! (Do you even remember recommending this book to me??) Zami sat on my to-read list for a long time, always on hold and whenever my digital copy would be available I'd be in the middle of something else and go to the back of the line! I'm really glad I got around to reading it.

Zami reads essentially as an autobiography of Audre Lorde's childhood and early adulthood in the 1940s and 50s. (She calls it a biomythography - combining history, biography, and myth.) The book follows through her childhood with immigrant parents in Harlem, through Catholic school and WWII, a brief exploration of Mexico and then finding her place as an adult back in New York. There is direct exploration of race, sexuality and gender in honest and touching ways.

But most of all, this is a story about women. (In this way it reminds me of The Red Tent.) Difficult, real, and tender relationships with her mother, sisters, friends and partners. And because it is Audre Lorde, the prose is lyrical. A lovely read.

I realize I'm way behind on loving this book....but it's been a long time since I've wanted to stay up late to finish a book!