I mentioned in June’s review that I’d be spending the best part of July in Bangkok. And since I would be based in one location, it would be interesting to see if my reading increased.
It’s safe to say that it very much did not, and if anything, was worse. I read mostly short books during July so that I could get through at least five for the month.
Hopefully when I’m back to travelling in August I might be able to get through more books with planes, trains and buses to sit through. We’ll see!
July wasn’t the best month reading-wise in terms of quality either. We have some 2-star books and even a 1-star book which is highly unusual for me!
If you want to keep up with my reading in realtime, you can follow my Goodreads profile here.
The 6 Books I Read in July 2024

1. Mile High by Liz Tomforde
Chicago hockey’s notorious bad boy Evan Zanders revels in his villainous role, both on and off the ice, until a clash with the new flight attendant, Stevie, on the team’s private plane disrupts his routine. Used to getting his way, Zanders is determined to assert his dominance, but Stevie, a seasoned professional, is unimpressed by his arrogance and resolved to avoid the charms of athletes like him. Despite their mutual animosity, an undeniable attraction complicates their interactions, challenging Stevie’s vow to steer clear of entanglements with men like Zanders.
My rating: ★★
If you’re looking for an easy to read romance novel, then look no further. However, I only rated it two-stars because it focused way too much on Stevie’s appearance and how she always seemed to be dressed badly, wearing cheap clothes and insecure about her body. The insecure part didn’t bother me as we’re all insecure, but it was just mentioned way too much in the book that felt unnecessary. I’m not opposed to reading more into the series, but a lot of parts annoyed me, hence the low score.

2. I’m A Fan by Sheena Patel
In I’m A Fan, a single speaker uses the story of their experience in a seemingly unequal, unfaithful relationship as a prism through which to examine the complicated hold we each have on one another. With a clear and unforgiving eye, the narrator unpicks the behaviour of all involved, herself included, and makes startling connections between the power struggles at the heart of human relationships and those of the wider world, in turn offering a devastating critique of access, social media, patriarchal hetero-normative relationships, and our cultural obsession with status and how that status is conveyed.
My rating: ★
This may be the lowest rating I’ve ever given to a book, but I might have been in a bad streak after reading Mile High. However, this short book followed a woman’s obsession with another woman that was seeing the same man, via Instagram. It was too much stalker-vibes for my liking, and I felt like the woman needed to have more respect for herself rather than pining over a man that clearly didn’t have any interest in her and wasn’t respectful. This isn’t a book to read if you’re interested in female empowerment.

3. Slum Boy: A Portrait by Juano Diaz
John, born in 1970s Glasgow, endures a harsh childhood of poverty and neglect due to his mother’s alcoholism. After being placed in the care system, he dreams of reuniting with her. Raised by strict adoptive parents, he grapples with suppressed memories and his identity. Despite the challenges, his enduring love for his mother leads him to self-discovery and freedom as Juano Diaz.
My rating: ★★★★
A heartbreaking yet beautiful book that I thoroughly enjoyed. I will say that it was very similar to Shuggie Bain and Young Mungo, and I would love to read a book set in Glasgow that wasn’t sad/not a positive account of living in the city. I would highly recommend, but take a look at the trigger warnings before diving into it.

4. This is the Life by Ciaran Murphy
The GAA is Ireland’s largest civil society organisation, woven into the fabric of families and communities – and yet most books about Gaelic games focus on the greatest players and inter-county teams. A witty and provocative look at grassroots GAA from the most intelligent and interesting Gaelic games pundit at work today.
My rating: ★★
This book had potential. I think if it wasn’t too personal and didn’t hone in so much on the author’s experience and time in club football, then it could have been a great book. However, the end lost me with the diary entries of club football, because I don’t think anyone would be interested in this apart from anyone affiliated with the club and team itself. However, I read this at a very convenient time as the author is from Galway and Armagh just beat his beloved Galway in the All Ireland Final at the weekend. A sweet feeling.

5. Home Is Where the Bodies Are by Jeneva Rose
After their mother dies, three estranged siblings reunite to settle her estate. Beth stayed home to care for their mom, Nicole struggled with drug addiction, and Michael has been away for years. While sorting through belongings, they discover a VHS tape showing their father covered in blood from a night in 1999 they don’t remember, revealing a dead body and a dark secret their parents kept. Now, they must decide whether to investigate further or leave the past buried.
My rating: ★★★★
Just like Jeneva Rose’s The Perfect Marriage, Home is Where the Bodies Are was full of unexpected twists and turns. I will say it may have been better with some additional characters added in to keep you guessing on the culprit. But the ending was still a twist I didn’t see coming. A great read for any thriller/mystery lovers!

6. Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld
Sally Milz, a sketch writer for the late-night comedy show “The Night Owls,” has given up on finding love after several heartbreaks, focusing instead on her career and a close relationship with her stepfather. When pop music star Noah Brewster, known for dating models, hosts the show, Sally is charmed by him and they quickly connect. As they collaborate, she starts to wonder if there’s a genuine spark between them, though she doubts a romance could happen in real life.
My rating: ★★★★
I loved Rodham by Curtis Sittenfeld when I read it in 2022. However, Romantic Comedy was so different but still as enjoyable. I was teetering towards the 3-star rating as a large chunk of the book covered the pandemic and featured back and forth emails since the world was closed down. I’m still not sure whether I want to read anything related to the pandemic in fiction books especially. But the dialogue, chemistry and laugh-out-loud moments cemented the fourth star. An easy read and very insightful into the world of live TV like Saturday Night Live.
would love to read slum boy, thank you for the recommendation and reviews !
thanks for reading! and totally recommend Slum Boy – plus Shuggie Bain and Young Mungo if you haven’t read those too, all quite similar themes
Yes a trip to Waterston on the horizon or order online ????
haha I think so! Summer book haul pending!!