June has been an absolute whirlwind, to say the least! What with a poolside holiday, a festival, a wedding, an extended trip home, working and writing, I’m not sure how I have managed to keep my head above water. As well as all this, I have managed to tear my way through six novels. Well-bloody-done me!
As always, if you want to keep up with my reading habits day-to-day, follow me via Goodreads. You can also purchase all the books in June’s Book Club via affiliate links.
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margret Atwood
4*
This 1980’s cult-classic was a phenomenally refreshing read. Engaging and empathetic science-fiction set in a dystopian world; The Handmaid’s Tale by Margret Atwood was a winner in my eyes. The novel has since had me questioning morality, sexuality issues and the idea that women somewhere in the world actually could be baby machines. It is FREAKING me out.
Career Of Evil by Robert Galbraith
4*
Third in succession from the Cormoran Strike arc; Career of Evil definitely did not disappoint. Darker, deeper and more developed than its older brothers; Career Of Evil keeps your suspense suspended until the very last line. A triumph.
I am biased, however, anything J.K Rowling puts out is a literary work of liquid gold, in my eyes.
Kill Your Friends by John Niven
1*
How To Kill Your Friends by John Niven is supposed to be sexist, degrading, barbaric, sadistic and humorous, I get it. But honestly, this ‘comedic’ dark novel left only one imprint – I could’ve spent that energy and those hours on something much more worthwhile.
Ketamine-fuelled coppers and vividly-documented pilly-willy just ain’t how I get my hoots, sorry.
The Mitford Murders by Jessica Fellowes
2*
I bloody love period dramas, and I adore light-hearted detective novels, but I just found The Mitford Murders – a hybrid of my favourite things – to be painstakingly predictable. Boy meets girl + girl and boy solve the murder mystery = tah-dah, predictable!
However, the novel is elegantly written and beautifully described; Fellowes is undoubtedly gorgeous wordsmith. The storyline itself just did not make the cut.
A Bit Of A Blur by Alex James
5*
Feeling involved in the development of Damon Albarn, Kieth Allen and the entire cast of the Groucho Club via the literary work of Blur bassist, Alex James, was a more-than pleasurable experience. His autobiography, Bit Of a Blur was witty, astonishingly honest and had something exciting going on, on every single page. No self-indulgence, no ‘I am a fucking rockstar’ – just raw fun documented by a member of the coolest band on the planet.
His chance meeting with Graham Coxon brought a real tear to my eye. I am even more of a blur fangirl than ever before.
The Song Of Achilles by Madeline Miller
5*
Ancient Greek literature would be my mastermind subject, whether I liked it or not. Therefore, it was impossible for me to not fall head-over-heels for Madeline Miller’s sensual, passionate first-person re-imagining of Achilles and Patroclus’ life and death. Tears were shed, love was gained and oh boy, how I am forever in awe of that demi-God.
ELLA LOUISE SCOTT 
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