Three new novels to read in July
From a crime novel to a rom-com, there are some excellent new books this month
I’m writing this from a seaside trip to Deal, so will keep it short and sweet. With July comes a bounty of new books and the following three in particular brought me a great deal of joy to read. I hope you like them as much as I did. Now forgive me for dashing off: fish and chips on the beach is calling.
I’m Sorry You Feel That Way by Rebecca Wait
If you are looking to fill the Sorrow and Bliss shaped hole in your life, then let me suggest this novel. They are, of course, each very much their own entity. But aside from the fact they both deal with the topics of siblings and mental illness, the main thing that they share - and what makes both so good - is that they strike that same sweet spot between humour and heartbreak.
I’m Sorry You Feel That Way doesn’t just have a great title - it is a rich and witty and sad book about family dysfunction. Twins Alice and Hanna are at the heart of it all, but we also glimpse into the life of their overbearing mother and her sister, and the whole thing is knitted together into a tragicomedy that I loved an inordinate amount.
More than You’ll Ever Know by Katie Gutierrez
For years, Lore Riviera led a double life. She lived in two cities, and was married to two men - until one of them shot the other, and everything fell apart.
At least that is the story aspiring true crime journalist Cassie Bowman reads when she comes across a newspaper clipping one day, two decades later. But she wants to find out more - and to her surprise, Lore agrees to talk. The story that follows deftly intertwines the two women’s narratives over two timelines. More Than You’ll Ever Know is at once an edge-of-your-seat, twisty crime novel and a beautiful meditation on love, motherhood, memory and truth.
Honey & Spice by Bolu Babalola
There is no way to describe this book other than as a steamy, loveable rom-com. As a radio host at her university, Kiki Banjo dishes out relationship advice - despite having a complete aversion to them herself. That is until Malakai turns up and, despite her best intentions to hate him? Well, you probably know what is coming. You’ll be willing it to happen too.
Filled with sharp humour and swoon-worthy moments, I know so many people who I want to buy copies of Honey & Spice for.Â
And finally…
As so many of you tweeted/emailed/told me that you enjoyed the Simon Armitage poem I shared last month, I thought I would include another of my favourites, this time from Mary Oliver. It’s about the coast, because did I mention I’m on a weekend away?
Side note: I love hearing from you. Please keep it coming!