July Reading Roundup
- Olivia Swindler
- Aug 4
- 2 min read
July continued my Ann Patchett era, and contained two books that I'm positive will be in my top books of the year (both historical fiction, a genre I don't read much of!). And while a few buzzier books weren't for me, overall, it was a great reading month!
Happy reading!
These Precious Days: Essays, Ann Patchett | Essays, 4/5
This was a lovely collection of essays. It was fun to listen to right after finished WHISTLER because of the connections to her personal life. This is a diverse collection, but the title essay was the most impactful for me.
Dolly All the Time, Annabel Monaghan | Fiction, 4/5
This was a lovely light read. I loved the character of Dolly and her relationship with her family. This is a great closed-door romcom with a memorable cast of characters.
A Short History of the World According to Sheep, Sally Coulthard | Nonfiction, 4/5
Sheep are my favorite animal, and so when I saw the title of this book, I knew I had to listen to it. While it’s more a history of Britain than a history of the world, it was full of interesting tidbits about how sheep have helped shape society.
Dogs, Boys, and Other Things I’ve Cried About, Isabel Klee | Memoir, 3/5
Not enough dogs. I thought I would love this book, but it was a miss for me. I think I might be too old? It felt immature and for a memoir, not very self reflective.
The Dearly Beloved, Cara Wall | Historical Fiction, 5/5
The best word to describe this book, in my opinion, is gentle. While that does not mean this book stays away from difficult questions or ideas, the manner in which the characters interact with each other is so human, tender, and gentle.
This was an easy five stars for me. The writing is beautiful and I fell in love with the characters. This is a sweeping and slow novel that wrestles with faith and family. I cannot recommend it enough.
The Calamity Club, Kathryn Stockett | Historical Fiction, 5/5
I knew almost nothing going into this book, but I could not get enough of it. I typically don’t read a lot of historical fiction, but this novel was so special. I loved Margo and Birdie. This novel is long, but didn’t feel it. I could have kept listening. Plus the cast of characters was perfect!
The MASH Up, Laura Marie Meyers | Fiction, 3.5/5
This was a fun romcom perfect for millennials! I got a little lost in the details, but overall this was an entertaining, lighthearted beach read!
Uncommon Type: Some Stories, Tom Hanks | Short Story, 3/5
I picked this up after listening to THESE PRECIOUS DAYS. While I enjoyed a few of the stories, for the most part this book was too nostalgic for me. It felt as if trying to be written in a bygone era with sprinkles of modern life.
Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury | Fiction, 4/5
Rereading this in 2026 was a trip.
The Phoenix Pencil Company, Allison King | Fiction, 3/5
I loved the first half of this book. But then, it took a turn that I didn’t expect and tainted my reading experience. I think overall this book was trying to do too much.
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