Jul 2

Jul 2 If You Only Read One: June 2021

#SFOL Recommends, Fun Stuff, If You Only Read One, The Top Rated

We know that we read — and review — a lot of books. It definitely helps that there are three of us, in that regard. So with this feature, we want to tell you our favorite read of the month - if we only recommend one book to pick up, what would it be?

Moira

I am absolutely behind the curve on this (I literally waited six months for the hold to come in from the library), but Douglas Stuart’s “Shuggie Bain” (Bookshop | Kindle), is a truly great read. The story of a young boy in Scotland, enmeshed with his adored but alcoholic mother in varying levels of crushing poverty, bears more than a passing resemblance to “Angela’s Ashes,” but manages to be warm and redeeming without even slightly saccharine. As Shuggie comes to realize his incipient sexuality, further separating him from his peers and family, he is a charming, delightful, and heartbreaking protagonist.

Shannon

I loved loved LOVED Tia Williams’ “Seven Days in June” (Bookshop | Kindle). I reviewed it fully here but it’s not just a romance rekindled between two authors who met as teens—it’s also an excellent commentary on mother/daughter relationships, an examination of the lasting effects of childhood trauma, and a glimpse into living with an invisible disability. I’ve recommended this novel to so many people since I’ve finished it, and I’m doing it again here. (Plus, it’s SO funny!!)

Elizabeth

I’ve had a weird reading month (I blame the newest and cutest member of the house), but most of what I’ve read this month has been wonderful. However, if I can only choose one, I’d have to say it’s “Empire of Pain” by Patrick Redden Keefe (Bookshop | Kindle | My Review). While I frequently review romances and other easy reads on here, there’s really nothing I love more than compelling non-fiction, and Keefe’s look at the Sackler family is one of the best I’ve read in a while. His insightful look at what drove the Sackler brothers to go bigger and bigger in their quest to honor the family name — and ignoring one of the biggest public health crises of our time while seeking profit — is a must-read.

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