u/SleepingInNJ

Some recent observations:

Board books/baby books move fastest out of my library

Middle grade books probably the slowest. Which is a bummer since it really speaks to the dip in readership that exists there.

It is the most difficult to find second hands of books that will actually interest the adult patrons. The most trendy tik tokiest books go and everything else just sits there a while/or forever til I pull it.

I enjoyed my reads this month. Just wish that I had gotten to more.

Long Shadow- I really recommend this series for people that like cozy fantasy. It is similar to Bridgerton in that it takes place during the regency era and each book can be considered a stand alone with a new protagonist. There’s a hint of darkness that keeps them from being the overly sweet cozy. This entry to the collection is a queer story which was a nice change of pace.

Bedlam Bride- Continuing my march through this series. As always I appreciate the fun, the insanity, and the complexities. I wouldn’t put this one at the top tier of the series though.

There’s been lots of Legend of Zelda going on this summer break, so Link was really hard to beat.

Thanks for all the great suggestions! There were a few I was rooting for.

We most love nerdy names. Fandoms, science, space, history, technology, gaming, mythology. One member of the household is a food name fan.

Highlights:

The Butcher’s Masquerade: Continuing to be a great series. The epilogue had me hollering.

The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry: Exactly the kind of general fiction I like. A lot of heart in this one.

City of Brass: A bit complicated to follow but good world building and interesting characters. Looking forward to seeing where the trilogy goes.

Disappointments:

Kitchens of the Great Midwest: I liked the vibes and the idea of it but it didn’t have any satisfying closure to any part of the story.

The Storm: A good easy read but the twists were too predictable.

Did not finish:

The Names: I didn’t get far into this at all. Really liked the name concept but the domestic violence made me very uncomfortable.

The Unhoneymooners: I guess I don’t have patience for the bickering enemies to lovers trope anymore.

Highlights:

The Gate of the Feral Gods: All I can say is that each book in this series is better than the last. My compliments to Matt Dinniman

Heartwood: This was a random library grab that took me by surprise. I like suspense books that aren’t too thrilling and this fits.

Disappointments:

The Road to Tender Hearts: The second found family road trip book this year that left me wanting more out of it. It was just ok.

The Last One at the Wedding: Interesting premise that didn’t deliver. Not a likeable character in the bunch.

Fahrenheit 451: Glad I finally gave it a go. I didn’t like the writing style.