June Booklist

June Book List 

I hope that you have plenty of time to read in the sunshine this summer.  If this is the summer of "I'm working on myself" these nonfiction picks are for you. The fiction picks have both a super light beach read and something a bit more thought-provoking (but still a very easy read). Of course, I always include a little poetry for quick hits of inspiration. I hope you enjoy these books.

As always, I recommend your local library or independent bookstore.

If you prefer to shop online, please consider shopping at Bookshop.org

Nonfiction 

1. "The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma" by Bessel van der Kolk 

• Review: In "The Body Keeps the Score," Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, a pioneering researcher and clinician, presents a comprehensive look at how trauma affects both the mind and body. Drawing on decades of research and clinical practice, van der Kolk explores innovative treatments—ranging from neurofeedback and meditation to yoga and sports—that offer new paths to recovery. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the profound impact of trauma and the resilience of the human spirit. 

1. "Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, Her Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed" by Lori Gottlieb 

• Review: In this deeply engaging memoir, therapist Lori Gottlieb takes readers behind the scenes of the therapeutic process, revealing the humanity and vulnerability of both therapist and patient. "Maybe You Should Talk to Someone" intertwines Gottlieb’s own experiences in therapy with those of her patients, creating a narrative that is both humorous and heart-wrenching. Through these stories, the book explores universal themes of love, loss, and personal growth, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in the complexities of human relationships. 

Fiction 

1. Light Fiction: "The Guncle" by Steven Rowley 

• Review: "The Guncle" by Steven Rowley is a heartfelt and humorous novel about Patrick, a former sitcom star, who unexpectedly becomes the caretaker of his niece and nephew after a family tragedy. Set against the backdrop of Palm Springs, this story is a touching exploration of grief, healing, and the unconventional bonds that can form in the most unexpected circumstances. With wit and warmth, Rowley captures the joys and challenges of parenting, making "The Guncle" a perfect, uplifting read for summer. 

1. Engaging Fiction: "Our Missing Hearts" by Celeste Ng 

• Review: In "Our Missing Hearts," Celeste Ng crafts a dystopian tale that is both chilling and deeply moving. Set in a near-future America where Asian Americans are being targeted and rounded up, the story follows Bird, a twelve-year-old boy searching for his missing mother, a dissident poet. Ng's evocative prose and intricate storytelling weave together themes of family, identity, and resistance, creating a powerful narrative about the lengths people will go to protect those they love. 

Poetry 

1. "The Sun and Her Flowers" by Rupi Kaur 

• Review: "The Sun and Her Flowers" is a vibrant and deeply personal collection of poetry by Rupi Kaur. Divided into five sections—wilting, falling, rooting, rising, and blooming—the book takes readers on a journey through themes of growth, healing, and self-discovery. Kaur’s simple yet profound verses, accompanied by her distinctive line drawings, explore the pain of heartbreak, the beauty of self-love, and the resilience of the human spirit. This collection is a poignant reminder of the cycles of life and the power of renewal