The best authors are those who read extensively. Here is what I’ve been reading lately.

If you're interested in learning more about the non-fiction books I've read and the insights gained from them, be sure to listen to the Two Booked Up podcast.

June was a full month with many nights out and a lot of family time. As a result, my reading pace has slowed.

Also, I’m deep in winter mode, which means creative writing season for me. My husband actually reminded me that Winter is my creative writing time, which was just the prompt I needed to dive into writing the next book in the Single in Sydney series. 😊

Because I’ve been in creation mode, I have been reading less. That said, I still read some great books!

Fiction Reads

Someone Else’s Shoes by Jojo Moyes

One of the prompts in the fiction reading challenge I am doing this year is “Multiple Points of View”; this book was suggested. I hadn't read any books by Jojo Moyes, so I decided to give this one a try. I enjoyed it immensely! Two very different women living very different lives, but when one picks up the other’s gym bag, all sorts of things happen to change their current worldview. An ode to the power of women’s friendship as four forty-something women work together. At times, I was laughing out loud; other times, I had all the feels and had to wipe a sneaky tear.

Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-reum

Another of the prompts in the fiction reading challenge is “A Friend’s Favourite Book”. This one was recommended by my good friend Helen Joy Butler, who said it was her new favourite! And I can see why. It is a beautifully written novel, translated from Korean, exploring the joys of books, friendships and the balm that a well-chosen book can provide, and the friendships formed over the love of reading books. With adorable illustrations as well, this book is a true love letter to books and reading!

The Idea of You by Robinne Lee

Another of the prompts in the fiction reading challenge is to read “A book becoming a movie in 2024”. This book fits the bill, having recently been turned into a film on Amazon Prime. I knew nothing about the book, deciding to listen to the audiobook, figuring I should read the book before watching the movie. But whoa! It was a LOT more spicy than I usually listen to, and it felt, at times, like the story was only there to help the characters move from one sex scene to the next. It was a different book style from my usual choice and certainly stretched my reading comfort zone. Many times, I considered not finishing this book, which I’ve not done since I was single digits. 😳

Cut and Thirst: A Short Story by Margaret Atwood

I was between novels and wanted something I could read in one sitting, and this short story by master storyteller Margaret Atwood was perfect. Three older women meet regularly to sample fine cheeses and scheme to avenge an old friend. As sweet and satisfying as revenge can be, it’s not always so cut and dried. I enjoyed this short story, and like one of the fine cheeses the three friends sample, it left me satisfied but also craving more.

A Glass of Blessings by Barbara Pym

There were three reasons I chose to read this book. First, my mum suggested I’d enjoy it. Second, she added that Barbara Pym was one of my maternal grandmother’s favourite authors, and they were very similar in age, including passing away in the same year. Finally, one of the reading prompts was to read a book “set in the 1950s,” which this one is. It is a gentle, subtly amusing story about Wilmet Forsyth, a well-dressed, well-looked-after, suitably husbanded, good-looking and relatively young woman bored with her daily life. With clever observations about the role of religion and life in the 1950s for a well-to-do woman who has no need for employment and thus needs to create her own intrigue, I enjoyed it a lot.

Non-Fiction Reads

Come Together by Emily Nagoski

After reading Come As You Are earlier in the year, this one was next on my TBR list. Where I listened to Emily’s earlier books, this one I read in physical format, and I had to imagine her voice in my head! This book is about maintaining the sexual connection in long-term relationships, which happens to be one of the most misunderstood subjects of all time. It shows us that most of what we've been taught about enjoyable sex is wrong. Like all her books, Come Together is inclusive and accessible and includes examples from a wide range of individuals.

The Mask of Masculinity by Lewis Howes

Another challenge book! I’m doubling up with this one as it met the prompt “One you own but haven’t read” (Two Booked Up non-fiction challenge) and “recommended on a podcast” (fiction challenge). The book, subtitled, ‘How Men Can Embrace Vulnerability, Create Strong Relationships and Live Their Fullest Lives,’ was one I bought for my husband when it first came out in 2017 after hearing Lewis interviewed on Happier with Gretchen Rubin. But despite owning it for seven years, neither of us had read it! Lewis shares his own story and countless insights gained from interviewing men. I’d recommend this book as a must-read for both men and women.

What have you been reading lately? Do you have a recommendation for a book you read and loved?

*Please note that while I enjoy supporting local bookstores and libraries, I also recognise and appreciate the convenience of purchasing books online. This post includes affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission if you decide to purchase using one of these links.