I was in a really good reading groove for all of May. And then about halfway through June, I feel like I lost it a little bit – sometimes, after I finish a great book, it takes a while for me to get into another one. (I also got a Nintendo Switch in June, so it’s possible that had something to do with it…) I’m back in the habit now, though, so more books to come next month!

This is written as a letter from the author to his son, but it also explores issues about race on a societal level in addition to the personal. It’s a short read, but it’s honest and direct – which makes it hard to read at some points. It’s also incredibly beautifully written.

This wasn’t my favorite of the ones that I’ve read this month, but it wasn’t bad, either. It’s written as a story about complicated friendships and complex personal histories, and who we are and how we see ourselves.

I loved how this book was so multi-generational – it wove together so many different story lines so seamlessly. It really drew me in – I wanted to hear each character’s story, and how they all fit together!

I learned a lot from this memoir – it’s written about the author’s life, and her experiences as a Black woman personally, and professionally in fields that claimed to place a high value on diversity. It really gives a first-hand look at the complexities of racism, and how it’s a large-scale societal issue.

This book is meta – it’s about a “chick lit” author facing writer’s block after her vision of happily ever after has crumbled, and, of course, follows her own romance while also following her writing. I couldn’t put it down!

I think this was my favorite for the month. Books that I really love have both engaging storylines and good writing, and this one definitely had both. It looks at belonging, and home, and race as a Black person living in different countries. I’ve also read We Should All Be Feminists by her and recommend both.