July Reading Wrap Up | 2020
In the month of July I ended up reading 15 books! Out of those 15 only 3 were novels, the rest being graphic novels I was able to enjoy through the Libby app! It was so nice to get back into graphic novels again, and to now be very much ahead in my reading challenge of the year.
I don’t normally read sci-fi, so I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed Saga! It has beautiful artwork, memorable characters, and had me belly laughing at times.
I read this on recommendation of my husband. This was quick, and enjoyable read. I liked how the main character is a Muslim girl, and we got to get a look at what her home life was like. I’m looking forward to reading more and see how Kamala handles her growing responsibilities as a super hero, and the growing expectations her family life.
I finally caved and read Lumberjanes! This has been popular in the book community for awhile now, and it was recommended by my best friend to read these! I’m so glad I did, because Lumberjanes is hilarious, fun, and has girl love representation! Takes place at an all girl summer camp where the craziest magic related stuff happens!
If you grew up watching the original Teen Titans on Cartoonetwork (not that Go! garbage), then you will for sure enjoy this graphic novel about Raven. It’s an origin story, and the first of a series (the next one being about Beast Boy). I’m excited to see how this series unravels, and to the book where all the characters come together for the first time.
Okay, I’ll admit it, I’m one of those people that had no interest in Miles Morales until Into the Spider-verse dropped. Now I can’t get enough of him! I love him so much as a character, and can’t stop rooting for him. This is my first time reading the comics. I’m looking forward to how Miles grows as a character, and see what causes he fights for.
This was a quick 20 minute read for me. It was a simple comic about what Jane Austen’s life was possibly like when she was young. It showed her love of reading, and the start of her writing career. It was enjoyable, and I recommend it to any Austen fans.
I found this comic on a list of LGBTQ+ recommendations. It’s two werewolf girls who fall in love. It talks about self confidence, and first love. It was magical, adorable, and I absolutely love the art style!
Just a disclaimer: I no longer support J.K. Rowling and her future looks. I love the Harry Potter series, and won’t exile the characters, but Rowling will no longer get anymore of my money.
It took me two years to finally finish this re-read of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. I ended up really enjoying it! Goblet of Fire through Deathly Hallow are books I haven’t read in 15 years or so. Needless to say, I forgot most of what was in them. I had forgotten so much that was left out of the movies. As a reader, I was able to bond with Cedric’s character more (unlike in the movies), which made the ending to this book more emotional than what I was expecting. If you’re a Potter fan, I recommend taking the time to read the books. It’s a wonderful experience you won’t regret.
My best friend, Ashton, recommended I read this! This was such a fun graphic novel adventure! It is all about a shape shifting girl named Nimona who becomes the assistant for a very well known villain, and it was hilarious! I sped through it, and I highly recommend it to everyone!
Okay look, I went into this book because I heard it was a Twilight rip-off. It totally is, but I ended really enjoying it. It was fun, hilarious, romantic, and it was exactly the kind of book I needed to read during this pandemic. I dare to say it was the most fun I’ve had while reading a book in a really long time. The ending I didn’t see coming, and I am excited to read the sequel later on this year! If you’re wanting a fun escape, please read Crave.
I read this on a recommendation from one of my pastors. I saw this book was featured on the Lifeway website.
I did not enjoy this book at all, and I don’t recommend this to any LGBTQ+ members or people questioning their sexual or gender identities. I am saying this as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and someone that regularly attends at serves at my church (best of both worlds, anyone?). If you’re someone who is solid, and sure of your spiritual, sexual, and gender identity; then go ahead and read this if you’re wanting know a different perspective. Ultimately, don’t use this novel as any form of guidance if you are not in a great head space right now.
I completely understand where the author, Jackie, was coming from. I understand what she was trying say. I understand the mission the book, and her intention. I just think she wasn’t the right person to talk about the topics she did. I understand that this is her story, her perspective, her experiences, her walk; I get that. I’m not going to invalidate her experiences.
There were sections of the book that came off as homophobic (I’m sure it wasn’t her intention), and it was as though she didn’t consider how those words would affect other people reading. As humans, we still have a lot to learn, and I feel as though Jackie didn’t put in the effort to learn about the community she attempted to talk about. It also bothers me that she doesn’t use her influence and platform to be an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community in the church (to my knowledge).
I appreciate the opportunity to read this to form an honest opinion and review.
Those are the books I read in the month of July. Thank you so much for reading my post! Would love to know what books you read in the comments. Hoping you all have a happy and productive August!