Mid-Year Book Reads Check-In: What We've Loved So Far 📚✨
Hey, Well Read Baddies!
Can you believe we're already halfway through the year? It feels like just yesterday we were setting our reading goals for 2024, and now it's time to check in and see how we're doing.
Whether you're smashing through your TBR pile or have been caught up in the whirlwind of life, let's take a moment to reflect on our reading journeys so far.
📘 Alana’s Picks
I've been diving into some incredible stories that have kept me hooked from start to finish. Here are a few of my favorites:
This Could be Us by Kennedy Ryan – Y’all already know I am a HUGE Kennedy Ryan fan and this follow up to Before I Let Go was everything I could’ve asked for.
A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams – Tia is another favorite author of mine and this book did not disappoint. This was a gripping tale of forbidden love with a time traveling twist.
The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston – This was my first Ashley Poston book and I am now officially a fan. I couldn't put this one down and found myself staying up until about 2:30 in the morning finishing it.
📕 Samra’s Picks
It’s been a fantastic reading year for me as well, with plenty of gems that I can't wait to share:
Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto by Tricia Hersey – This book will have me re-reading at least once a year. Great reminder to prioritize yourself as a marginalized person living under capitalism. Not only is Hersey telling us how she prioritizes rest, she makes a compelling case as to why we should too.
Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance – Such a powerful story and case study on working class, blue collar whites in America. Been on my TBR for years. By the end, I cared about each member of J.D.’s family as if they were neighbors on a street that I grew up on. I will say that I got bored once he joined the Marines so I DNF’ed (did not finish.)
Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner – An unforgettable read because of the way she talks about her split-identity as a mixed kid living in Eugene, Oregon and the supremely honest way she discusses her relationship with her mom, her career, and food! My favorite autobiography to date.
🏆 Our Reading Highlights
Mid-year is also a great time to celebrate some personal reading milestones. Here are a few highlights:
Lana's Highlight: I’ve been reading about a book a month which keeps me on track to read at least 12 books this year! I’ve also been tackling authors on my TBR that have been sitting there for wayyyyy too long.
Sam's Highlight: I’ve totally been in a slump or whatever. But ya girl’s busy!!!! Nah, I need to make some time and lower my screentime if I’m being really real. Anyway, in serious need of a beach trip, so I can knock out a few more pages. LOL at me taking a vacay to get some reading done…
🔮 Looking Ahead: What's Next on Our TBR?
We've still got six months to dive into more books! Here's a sneak peek at what's next on our to-be-read list:
A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston – A highly anticipated release that promises to be a page-turner.
Pardon My Frenchie by Farrah Rochon – We’ve heard great things and can’t wait to dive in!
Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin - Samra’s been reading her way through this novel as a Pride Month celebration of sorts. So far, it’s been a hell of a rollercoaster. Love the setting it’s taking place in. Extremely well written. The plot is gut-wrenching to say the least. Highly recommend; guard your heart though…
Rage: On Being Queer, Black, Brilliant . . . and Completely Over It by Lester Fabian Brathwaite - We were lucky enough to attend an event with the author and fell absolutely head over heels for him. Refreshing queer voices all 2024 (and beyond, obvi.) Make sure to pre-order your copy!
We'd love to hear from you too! What have been your favorite reads so far this year? Any surprises or challenges? And what's next on your TBR?
Share your thoughts and email us at shewellread@gmail.com or tag us on social media. Let's keep this reading journey going strong, together!
XOXO,
Lana and Sam
