I am somehow finding time to read before I fall asleep at night. I finished three books in May and eight books in June. Here is what I read, in the order I read them.

Gulp: Adventures on the Alimentary Canal by Mary Roach. I now know a lot about the digestive system. This book was funny, and I learned a lot. I give this book five out of five stars.

Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe. I read this book because I read books that people want to ban. This books is a graphic memoir about a non-binary person growing up and discovering who E is. I am incredibly happy this book is there for any kids questioning who they are. Representation matters, and so does this book. I give this book four out of five stars.

Book Lovers by Emily Henry. This book was a treat. This is the kind of book that you read while your are brushing your teeth. Not because you can’t wait to finish the book, but because it is so enjoyable you are excited for two extra minutes with it. Spoiler ahead!! Skip to the next book if you are going to read this book!! I love that this romance novel does not force the protagonist to change. Some women are career driven, love living in the city, and don’t want kids. I don’t read many books where women like that are allowed to stay that way and be happy. It was refreshing. This book gets four out of five stars.

Spook: Science Tackles the Afterlife by Mary Roach. I’m in a Mary Roach phase. If you don’t like it you should blame Marilee, because she left a comment saying she loves Mary Roach so I decided to try more of her books. Anywho, in this book Roach talks with scientists, ghosts, and mediums searching for proof of the afterlife. I give this book four out of five stars.

Motherhood: The Second Oldest Profession, The Grass is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank, and If Life is a Bowl of Cherries What am I Doing in the Pits by Erma Bombeck. I think Erma Bombeck is very funny. Her brand of housewife humor appeals greatly to this housewife. That being said, times have changed and some of her humor doesn’t age well. There were some excellent essays, but also a lot of essays where I fell asleep while reading them. I give these books two out of five stars.

Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner. This memoir, about the death of the authors Korean mother, was stunning. Zauner writes so well I could actually feel the story in my bones. She writes incredibly detailed descriptions of food and grief. I’ve been craving Korean food since reading this book, and I’ll be looking up the youtube cook she references. I give this book four out of five stars.

Knit for Health & Wellness: How to knit a flexible mind and more… by Betsan Corkhill. I consider knitting part of my mental health practice. Anti-anxiety drugs and knitting time both help me. I usually like reading books that illustrate through science how I am correct. Not so much this book. I read chapter after chapter saying “DUH!” over the pages. Maybe I would like this book better if I read it in the winter. I give this book one out of five stars.

Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall. You’re not going to believe this, but Luc needs to find a fake boyfriend to keep his job. And oh my gosh, you guys, he might like the cute fake boyfriend. No way! Fake boyfriend is sensitive and understands Luc like no one else. Oh no! Fake boyfriend is no more. Luc is so sad. Thank goodness cute fake ex-boyfriend taught him to work though his feelings instead of getting drunk and having anonymous sex. Oh phew! Fake boyfriend is back and now they are in love and it is so sweet. Sorry about the spoilers, but this cute book is obvious on every level, but still fun. I give this book three out of five stars.

Mrs. Frisby and The Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O’Brien. John has now read this book to both kids. They both loved it and can’t stop talking about it. I never read it as a kid, so I picked it up and read it earlier this week. It is a fun read, and now I don’t have to worry about Elliot telling me any spoilers. I give this book three out of five stars.

Now I’m off to read. Writing about books makes me want to get back to my book.