Fun fact I started drafting this post mid-June (already late) and then forgot to even post it until July so… pretend you’re reading this in June!

First things first let’s start with the great things - it’s PRIDE MONTH and the Ann Arbor Library’s Summer Game has officially started! Truly my two favorite summer things! In one month!

And now for the weirds - I’m in a reading… weird? I’m not calling it a reading slump because I’m still reading every day (and enjoying it, I simply refuse to force myself to read), but I’m struggling to focus on physical books and to work on my monthly TBR. I have been reading almost exclusively audiobooks (see below, lol). Partly that is because an incredible perk of my new job as a bookseller is that I get access to tons of audiobooks (hi Libro.fm, I love you) but also I just am so busy and have so little focus right now that the only time I’m reading is when I’m doing something else like walking around or cleaning. It’s a weird time! Instead of stressing or trying to “fix” this weird reading phase, I’m leaning in. I’m skipping out on making a June TBR and just planning to read whatever I find in front of me. Probably mostly audiobooks. I’m someone who loves structure and consistency but also it’s so important to know when to bend your own rules and expectations, you know?

Anyways okay back to the fun stuff. My goal this year is to get over 100k points in the AADL Summer Game and I’m off to a great start but the leaderboard is so competitive this year (like, I thought I was an overachiever… I am nothing compared to the top 10 on the leaderboard). Wish me luck, happy reading, stay cool this summer!

May 2025 Reads

May 2025 StoryGraph Numbers

📚 total: 8 books
📖 read: 670 pages
🎧 listened: 43.25 hours

June 2025 Hopeful Reads

We’re trying something new this month - no June hopefuls! We’re playing it by ear all month long!

Pride Month Reading

As we enter June now is a great time to make sure you have 2SLGBTQIA+ representation in your reading! If you’re looking for somewhere to start, I highly recommend any of the auidiobooks in the Libro.fm Celebrate Pride list!

Bella’s Book Recs

I’ve shared a few different lists of book recommendations (my list of books with queer representation and my list of books that are great for halloween) but I’ve realized I didn’t have just a general list of books that I recommend… so now I do! This is a list that will continue to evolve and grow as I come up with more recommendations so keep in mind it’s not exactly 100% done, but I hope you enjoy!

Great places to get books:

  • Audiobooks: Libro.FM (use my referral code: lfm461686)
  • Free books: use the Libby app to get audiobooks and ebooks for free with your library card
  • Public domain books: use the Project Gutenberg website to view ebooks and digital copies of books in the public domain
  • Digital ARC books for reviewers: NetGalley