June Reading

June wasn’t the most productive month for reading, thanks to the disruption of having the house decorated—paint tins, ladders, and the constant hum of activity aren’t exactly conducive to getting lost in a good book. On top of that, I hit a bit of a general lull; the kind where you pick up your Kindle and just… don’t. That said, I did manage to finish three books, each of which brought something unique to the month.

📖 The Book of Beginnings by Sally Page (Kindle)

This was such a lovely read. Sally Page has a real gift for writing about human connection, and The Book of Beginnings is no exception. It follows the story of Jo, a woman navigating grief and reinvention, who takes a job in a second-hand bookshop. There, she meets a cast of characters—some quirky, some deeply moving—who each have their own stories and secrets. As Jo begins to piece together her new life, we’re reminded how books and beginnings are often closely intertwined. Gentle, warm, and quietly powerful.

🎧 I Love You, Byeee by Adam Buxton (Audiobook)

I adore Adam Buxton, so I knew I’d enjoy this—and I did. It’s both funny and heartfelt, full of the wit and offbeat humour you’d expect if you’re familiar with his podcast or comedy. The book is a memoir that touches on childhood, career, family life, and especially the relationship with his father. Hearing it in Adam’s own voice made it all the more engaging—he’s self-deprecating, reflective, and full of charm. A delight to listen to, and one I’d recommend especially in audio format.

🎧 Everything Is Tuberculosis by John Green (Audiobook)

John Green’s Everything Is Tuberculosis is a powerful and deeply human exploration of one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases. Known for his thoughtful nonfiction and passionate advocacy, Green tells the story of Henry Reider, a young tuberculosis patient he met in Sierra Leone in 2019. Through their friendship, Green sheds light on the complex realities of TB—a disease once romanticised in literature but now firmly associated with poverty and inequality. Blending Henry’s personal story with the scientific, historical, and social context of tuberculosis, this book is both moving and eye-opening. It’s not an easy read, given the subject matter, but it’s an important one—compassionate, informative, and a call to action for global healthcare justice.

📚 Currently Reading

At the moment, I’ve got two very different reads on the go. On Kindle, I’m reading Never by Jess Hastings—a dark and intriguing reimagining of Peter Pan. It follows Daphne Darling, the latest in a long line of girls visited by Peter Pan after their thirteenth birthday. But when Peter finally shows up for Daphne at seventeen—late and with no explanation—her journey to Neverland is anything but the whimsical escape she expected. There, Peter is charming one moment and distant the next, and things only get more complicated when she meets Jamison Hook, the son of Captain Hook, whose dangerous allure pulls her in despite every red flag. It’s a twisty, romantic, and slightly unsettling take on the classic story—and I’m hooked.

I’m also rereading We Were Liars by E. Lockhart, which remains one of my favourite books of the past few years. Set on a private island off the coast of Massachusetts, it’s atmospheric, emotionally charged, and full of secrets. I am particularly interested in rereading this now that I know the twist – IFKYK. I’m hoping this reread will help me get back into reading. Sometimes, going back to a favourite book is the best way to remember why I enjoy it so much.