What I Read in July [2023]

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about what I read each month because I’ve enjoyed reflecting on the books and writing these posts. I’m continuing my reading of the series, and one book was semi-random. I didn’t have it on my radar but wanted to read it because of the season I’m in. It was a slow month of reading. (The books I read are all very different and that’s how I like my books. I don’t even always agree with some stuff in some books I read but they all make me think beyond my own thoughts.)

“You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read. It was books that taught me that the things that tormented me most were the very things that connected me with all the people who were alive, who had ever been alive.” ― James Baldwin

I frequently have friends ask me what I’m reading or what I recommend, so hopefully, these posts are helpful in giving you some ideas. If there’s a certain topic you’re looking for, let me know and I’ll see if I can direct you to a book. 🙂

*Note: This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Being a life-long learner and bookwormish means I read some pretty random things sometimes. I mean, if I run out of stuff, I read the backs of cereal boxes or car magazines. Sometimes it doesn’t even matter if it is stuff I agree with or not. I really think we can learn something from everything.

📚 *The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

After we watched the three movies that have been made based on the Chronicles of Narnia, I decided to read the series. It was the biggest purchase my siblings and I made from the Scholastic Book Club at school. I haven’t read these books in more than 30+ years. I really don’t remember the actual book, just the storyline based on others telling the story throughout the years. It is a change of pace in my reading rhythm and I like it. I enjoy seeing the connection with the first book – The Magician’s Nephew.

📚 *This Too Shall Last

I have been enjoying following K.J. Ramsey’s Instagram account and what she has to say about suffering, as well as the beautiful photos she shares. I’m in a season of grieving losses of just days past, the hurt that my family and friends have been dealing with, and my own accepting of the state of which my body is growing into.

It can be lonely. I have talked to many people, usually online, about what they are going through and how it sometimes feels like a burden to share too much. It’s true especially if what you are experiencing is not a big loss or diagnosis. And even if it is, it can be hard to let others in if they don’t know what to say or do. I’m grateful for K.J.’s words to feel the feelings, allow others in, and not be apologetic in showing up in whatever way our bodies are going through, if we want and on our own terms.

📚 *The Horse and His Boy

It was a little hard to really get into this story because the Pevensies were not the main characters. There were a lot of names and characters so it was a challenge to keep everyone straight. But once I figured out who everyone was, it was a great story. I enjoyed the interactions between the characters.

There you have it, this is what I read in July 2023. If I end up not continuing with these posts on the blog, you can always find them on my social media accounts. Follow along on my FB page and/or IG account.

My 2023 Book Lists

Check out *my Bookshop lists to support local bookstores or my Goodreads list to see some reviews.

What are you currently reading? Do you set reading goals or have a book list?

*Note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a tiny percentage if you make a purchase through my link at no extra cost to you. Read my disclosure policy here.