Welcome back to my TBR Update!
I’m switching things up a bit; this time, I’ll be picking books from specific genres, so each recommendation is different and speaks to a different group of readers.
For this month, the books I’m adding are all from some of my favourite genres: Romance, Black and Nigerian Literary Fiction, and my new fave, Thrillers! Some of these will be big recommendations, including popular BookTok favourites, while others are hidden gems suggested by friends or stories I’ve stumbled upon during my endless browsing in bookstores and online shelves.
Here’s a brief overview of the books I managed to read from my June TBR, along with a quick rating, as well as the ones that have remained. I didn’t do very well getting through my TBR last month, despite the fact that I read 18 books! and the ones I’m adding. Again, my TBR is much longer, and if you do want to see the full list, follow me on GoodReads and Fable. I’m selecting the ones that are most notable for me
Books I Read
Remaining Books (from last month)
4 New Books!
Hold My Girl – Charlene Carr
Genre: African American Literary Fiction
Two women. Two eggs. One life-altering mistake. After a fertility clinic mix-up, two women – one who raised the baby and one whose biological child was switched – are forced into a heart-wrenching fight for the same little girl. This emotionally charged novel explores motherhood, identity, and what it truly means to be a family.
I recently read a romance novel with a similar premise, but it was a much lighter and loving take on what is a very, very crazy situation to be in. I am very excited to read this. I also imagine it will be an emotional read. I am looking forward to getting to it this month.
What You Leave Behind by Wanda M Morris
Genre: Thriller
Deena Wood’s life has fallen apart, so she returns to her childhood town to heal. Unfortunately, her return is anything but the respite she thought it might be. A random stumble on the oceanfront property of a loner widower fighting to keep his home thrusts her into a deadly game of illegal land grabs and property redevelopment, when he disappears, and his very expensive property is quickly put up for sale.
I have read one other book by Wanda Morriss, which I enjoyed. She expertly combines thrillers with socio-political and racial issues that black people face, which I enjoy. Her books are a learning opportunity as well as a riveting read.
Funny Story by Emily Henry
Genre: Romance
When Daphne’s fiancé dumps her for his childhood best friend, she’s left heartbroken in a lakeside Michigan town, only to end up rooming with Miles, the ex of her ex’s new partner. Despite being total opposites, they scheme to make their exes jealous by faking a summer romance, but soon, real feelings sneak in.
This book, as well as many by Emily Henry, is often widely recommended on BookTok. A friend of mine has also read this and says it is quite good. I wasn’t sure which of her many books to include in my TBR, but I rather enjoyed the premise of this one, so it gets the place this time around.
The Girl With the Louding Voice – Abi Daré
Genre: Nigerian Contemporary Literary Fiction
Adunni is a resilient 14‑year‑old from rural Nigeria whose greatest dream is education. After her mother’s death, her father sells her into marriage to an older man, and when that turns tragic, she escapes to Lagos and becomes a domestic servant. Despite enduring abuse and hardship, Adunni refuses to be silenced. Driven by her mother’s words to use education to “loud” her voice, she fights to find her freedom and claim her future.
This is going to be a sad and depressing read, I know it already. Nothing ever good comes out of Nigerian literary fiction, especially one that includes a child bride and child labour. I am not looking forward to this, but I know it is a book I should read. I might not get to this one as quickly as the others, but I will.
If you have read any of these books, do let me know in the comments, and do feel free to read them with me. I post regular updates on what I’m reading on Fable so we can read and enjoy together!
I’m not currently reading any books, so I’m starting July fresh and ready for some new stories. There are a few stories from my previous TBR posts I haven’t started, so those are my priority for now. I’m also a mood reader, so I get through a lot of books I stumble upon as well as my tried and true (black romance). I’m excited this month after a very successful month of June.
I hope you give some of these books a go! Thank you, as always, for joining me on this journey. See you soon!
Signed,
