july 2026 reads
I'm a bit late with the July reading log, but that's just how it goes sometimes. Better late than never when it comes to these things anyway. July was an extremely fulfilling reading month. I got to read a lot of books I really enjoyed, and was also listening to a lot of podcasts and watching TV shows. It was a great break amongst the chaos that has been the last few months (and came back stronger than ever in August). I bought a ridiculous number of books last month as well, so hopefully I'll get to reading them sooner rather than later—espeically because so many of them would be good for WIT Month!!!
Novels, Collections, & Nonfiction
死神の浮力 by 伊坂幸太郎 (Kotaro Isaka)
A mystery novel about the murder of an elementary school girl where the parents plan on getting revenge on her kill after the court decides he's innocent. Also involves an extremely apathetic death god who only cares about music and is there for a week to decide if someone is going to die or not. Unfortunately no English translation, but this book definitely deserves one.
The Life Impossible by Matt Haig
An easy-to-read book about the meaning of life and learning that you never have to give up or stop trying new things. I really like Matt Haig's books and this one was no exception. I appreciate the simple magic he weaves into his stories.
Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman
I watched the movie a few years after it came out and really didn't understand it. Glad I came back to the story in a more mature form to read the novel. Impressed that I liked this as much as I did given my generally low tolerance for age gaps (especially involving teens), but this book kind of blew my mind.
Within the Sanctuary of Wings by Marie Brennan
I listened to this one just like I did the all the others in the series. It's just as funny as all the others and, probably because I wasn't paying attention at all, the twist caught be completely by surprise. I can't really complain though. It was delightful.
Manga & Other Comics
司書正 V2 by 丸山薫 (Kaoru Maruyama)
More politics and court intrigue moving into the second volume of this Chinese-inspired fantasy story. We learn more about the protagonists background and some of the other players in the court games that are just getting started.
スモークブルー雨のち晴れ V8 by 波真田かもめ (Kamome Hamada)
I continue to love this series, which I have affectionately dubbed "the translator BL." Would really love to see this translated (properly), though I'm not sure if it's likely. I already have the next volume waiting for me and can't wait to read it this month!
And that's it! Volume is pretty stable, but I did a lot of other fun, creative things throughout the month, and all the books were so good. It can't get better than that.
Happy reading! I'll see you again in a month.
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