Top5: August Reading Round-Up

Been a hot minute since the last time we had a Reading Round-Up! Let me share a few of the books I’ve read recently and, by all means, share your recent faves in the comment section.

Top5: August Reading Round-Up (2024)

This Summer Will be Different

by *Carley Fortune

Novel, Romance, Canadian

Set between the hustle and bustle of big city Toronto, ON and the dreamy summer waterfront of Malpeque Harbour, PEI, This Summer Will Be Different is the third novel by Canadian author Carley Fortune. It’s a quintessential City Girl/Country Boy story with great little details and a lot of heart.

Although I do enjoy romance as a genre, I am always wary. Firstly because I am easily embarrassed and therefore second-hand embarrassment is so real for me. I have closed a book to collect myself before. Like, I’ve had to ‘look away’. I’m happy with a 1-3 jalepeños level heat and Carley’s books deliver.

I adore when books are set in Canada. New York is great and all, but it’s not the only place on the planet. We have plenty to offer right here at home and I love to see it reflected on the page. There’s something special about truly ‘knowing’ the vibe of a place while reading.

I especially loved the secondary themes of friendship and family. The lines can blur between, if you’re lucky enough.

From The Ashes

by *Jesse Thistle

Memoir, Canadian, Indigenous Stories

Have you ever wanted to shove a person? Just a little. Just enough to express how frustrated you are with them BECAUSE you love them so much. That’s what it feels like reading this memoir. From the opening poem to to the very last passage, Jesse weaves you through a complicated life that too many have have had to endure.

Of note, if you grew up in one of the locals depicted, in my case, Ottawa, ON, it’s especially touching…no, that’s not the word. Illuminating, maybe? A little window into some of the heartbroken souls you may have come across on the streets of downtown. The absolute juxtaposition of beautiful architecture placed their by the very people that broke so many hearts and minds.

Well written and honestly told.

I Was Born For This

by Alice Oseman

Novel, YA

Alice Oseman has become a staple in our home. E, G, and I have read our way through all five volumes of Heartstopper, Nick & Charlie, This Winter, and now, I was Born for This. Fair warning, this Oseman offering does not have any cross-over Heartstopper characters but is still worth the read. (G has not read this book yet as it’s a bit more advanced reading, but she’s looking forward to it!)

There were a few things that really stood out to me in this novel. Good and bad.

I realise that the characters are 18 and that’s important to remember when reading the story, BUT I wanted there to be a bit more about them ‘meeting’ online friends in real life. On the plus side, it prompted a really great discussion with my kids (once again) about internet safety and knowing that you are never too old to take their mom to that first meet-up...I said what I said...

I really enjoyed the way she delved into the part of ‘fandom’ that has nothing to do with the actual object of affection. It’s not just about the band, or show, or franchise, or whatever. It’s about the muse, it’s about the friendships, it’s about the experiences. If you want it to be.

I also really appreciate the way religion was mentioned in such a low-key way. It’s not harped on, not judged. It’s simply mentioned in ways that pertain to the characters it applies to and that’s it. It’s lovely really. This isn’t a story about religion, it’s a story about young people exploring new found freedom. I appreciate that Oseman doesn’t make it a polarizing issue for the characters and that it prompted great questions from E about other people’s practices as it’s not really our vibe.

I also loved the way mental health issues big and small are discussed in a very real and relatable way.

Howl’s Moving Castle

by Diana Wynne Jones

Novel, YA

I have loved the Studio Ghibli film since it came out but I have to say, as usual really, the book is better. Now, I still love the movie. It comes with it’s own charms, but I didn’t realise the book was quite different. The whole second half of the story is different actually. There are more characters and more storylines and it comes together a little more meaningfully, in my opinion.

If you love the film I highly suggest reading the novel. You’ll get a richer understanding of each character and learn a lot of new things about them along the way.

The Last Romantics

by Tara Conklin

Novel, AudioBook

I’ll be honest here, it was a tough go at first. I listened to the audiobook and didn’t love the narrator so I did have a few false starts, but once I finally got into it the story was pretty great. It weaves a lot of complicated themes and feelings surrounding family dynamics and it’s the kind of story where not a single person is perfect. That makes it feel more real. Everyone is, at least a bit, flawed and has to learn to see those flaws in themselves.

At its heart, it’s about the love that binds siblings even in the hardest of circumstances, even when they can’t like each other, even when it hurts.

Happy Reading Buttons!

xxo