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Books I Read in July and August Reading List

Books I Read in July


The Starless Sea

Erin Morganstern


4.5/5 Stars


My imagination has never been so stimulated during reading than with Erin Morganstern's writing.

An exceptionally beautiful story with details that make it feel more like you're seeing a movie than just black words on a white page.

Imaginative, mysterious, and deeply engaging.

The Starless Sea Collage

Under the Tuscan Sun

Frances Mayes


5/5 Stars


A beautiful nonfiction work that captures the warmth of summers in Italy, the joy of living outside your comfort zone, and the thrill of exploration.

I have since picked up all her other books on Italy and there's nothing quite as calming as reading a chapter or two before bed.

Under the Tuscan Sun collage

Mr. Penumbra's 24 Hour Bookstore

Robin Sloan


4/5 Stars


A fast, intriguing read that takes a few turns throughout the story. Not quite as well-developed as The Starless Sea but does have some hints of similarities throughout.

A fascinating look at the intersection of technology (Google) and written works.

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Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald - 4/5

A fascinating story about the Fitzgeralds, Hemmingway, and other authors of the 20s. Written by author Therese Anne Fowler. Made me insatiably curious about Zelda, F. Scott and Ernest.


Sweetbitter -3/5

A heartbreaking look into the world of high profile restaurants. Fiction, but certainly based on truths about the brutal culinary world. Hard to read at times and a little dark. Not my favorite story but well written.


The Hunting Party 3/5

I had very high hopes for this book after immensely enjoying her second book, The Guest List. I, however, was very disappointed by the lack of plot and mystery in this book. Would recommend The Guest List, but not The Hunting Party.

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August Reading List


  • The Night Circus - just finished and WOW!
  • Distant Hours - currently reading
  • Meet Me in the Piazza - currently reading
  • Throne of Glass
  • The Bedlam Stacks
  • The Last Romantics
  • Ask Me No Questions