July 2025 reads...

Below are the books that I read in July and my thoughts on each. I'm a little late posting again, but here we are...

I'm not doing any formal reading challenges this year, but I seem to be doing my own in an informal way. In July, I read more books by Canadian authors, including two that I had been waiting for since last year. All the books this month were 5 star reads for me.

This month, I am reading random titles that I already own. In September I will read books by Indigenous Authors since September 30 is Orange Shirt Day, a symbolic day in Canada that recognizes the stripping away of culture, freedom, and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children in residential schools.

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TITAN OF THE STARS by E.K. Johnston

Space Horror is one of my favourite genres to read right now, so when I found out E.K. Johnston had written one, I was excited to read it and pre-ordered from my local bookstore. Titan of the Stars combines E.K. Johnston's memorable young adult characters, the Canadian settings I can't get enough of, and her purposeful commentary on human rights and the status quo, with space travel, aliens, and the philosophy that everything that can go wrong, will go wrong. I loved every word of this thrilling ride! As I got to the last chapter, I was unsure as to whether I would be happy with the ending based on some of the books I've read earlier this year, but Titan of the Stars truly has a perfectly satisfying ending that also leaves it open for a sequel. I can't wait! 

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YOU STARTED IT by Jackie Khalilieh

Jackie Khalilieh definitely leveled up with You Started It! A story about a senior girl in high school, You Started It brings so much angst, dramatic family moments, and teen awkwardness together with heartbreak, fake dating, real love, and finding oneself. Everything meshed so perfectly to take me on quite the roller coaster ride of emotions, I didn't want to put the book down! I love Jamie as the main character! She's very real with all her flaws, including anxiety induced IBS, and her growth throughout the story is a treat. Her family is wonderful, even though they are far from perfect. And I love that it is set in Toronto! I also love the Arab hero of the story! Axel is perfectly opposite Jamie, but able to open her eyes to so many new experiences. If you like YA books, fake dating, opposites attract, and very real characters with very real issues, read You Started It! I'm so happy I did and I look forward to reading Jackie Khalilieh's next book! 

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ONLY MOSTLY DEAD by Alli Temple

This is a fun story about a woman named Ember with terminal cancer who dies from MAID. But the afterlife is nothing like what she expected. It's an unorganized corporation of overworked reapers who are trying to keep up with all the dead people, but end up leaving too many souls behind. Then there's the wraith problem. Ember tries to take control of her own post-death destiny, but ends up needing help from a medium and a retired reaper. But there are still many unexpected twists and turns. I really enjoyed this story, and it was an extra bonus that it was set in Toronto and area as well as other Canadian cities. I look forward to reading more  by Alli Temple, especially the next book in the Afterlife Incorporated series!