June Baby

Can't wait to read this book! Jenna on The Today Show called it the Summer Book to read.

June Baby by Shannon Garvey gave me that dreamy and emotional summer reading vibe right from the start. The Block Island setting felt so vivid and cozy, like I could actually picture the beach, the sunsets, and the slower pace of long summer days. The writing is soft and reflective without being overly heavy. It’s more of a slow, thoughtful story, but still really immersive. The romance added just enough tension, and I liked how it blended with the deeper themes of family and identity. This story felt nostalgic and a little bittersweet at times. I’d recommend it if you’re in the mood for something heartfelt, summery, and a little introspective!

Shannon Garvey’s June Baby is a raw examination of grief and the paralyzing inability to move forward. Admittedly, Ruth is an incredibly frustrating main character for the majority of the book. The narrative initially feels stagnant and lifeless, but I later realize that that was the point— the artistic choice perfectly mirrors Ruth's internal state. The brilliance of the novel unlocks at the 70% mark. A major event alters Ruth’s perspective, transforming the book from monotonous to quietly powerful. Garvey forces us to sit directly in Ruth’s pain, numbness, and absolute lostness and endure the discomfort of grief to understand the beauty of survival. This book represents the heavy burden of the "could-haves," the "would-haves," and the "almosts." It reminds us that while we may face the world alone, it is up to us to create meaning, build communities, and find strength in hopelessness. Ruth’s ultimate redemption made me appreciate every frustrating page of her journey.

book of the summer!

A few months after her mother’s death teenage Ruth is sent to Block Island to stay with her mother’s old friend, Diana. That summer cements a deep bond between them and for the next 10 years Ruth lives a nomadic life spent dividing her time between Maine in the winters and Block Island in the summer. But before summer can start Ruth is told that Diana has died and this sets off a season of being deeply unmoored. Unsure of what to do Ruth spends her time on the island working, sneaking away moment’s with her long time crush Charlie who is Diana’s nephew and engaged to another woman, and stumbling through years of unprocessed grief. When an unexpected opportunity presents itself to Ruth she has to ask herself what she really wants with her life.If you like crying by the pool or on the beach, go ahead and grab this one for this summer. I read this in one sitting and could practically taste the salty air, smell sunscreen, and really really wanted to dive into the ocean. I overall really enjoyed the story, the characters who are allowed to be messy, and this feeling of being stuck in who and what you want to be in your life. There were a few sections here and there that felt a little slow. I will say if you’re not in the space to deal with cancer in books go ahead and sit this one out for now.