"It feels like solving a puzzle." The 8 books we couldn't put down this month.

This month, I read a Reese's Book Club pick that gave me my romance fix for the year. 

The rest of the Mamamia team have been reading some unputdownable science fiction, a uniquely structured whodunnit crime novel, and a genuinely funny collection of diary entries.

Here are the eight books we couldn't put down this month: 

Seven Days in June by Tia Williams

"I trust Reese Witherspoon's book recommendations more than I trust most people in my life. So it's really a wonder that it took me this long to pick up her June 2021 book club pick, Seven Days in June. I could only afford to take one book away for my week-long Bali trip at the start of this month, and after much deliberation, this was it. 

"The story follows Eva, a single mum and bestselling erotica writer, and her seven-day-long high school sweetheart, Shane Hall, as they reunite unexpectedly 15 years later. Not only was it a delightful love story, but it also gave a thoughtful insight into Black life in the US and modern motherhood. Add this one to your list right now."

Wahala by Nikki May

"I finished Wahala by Nikki May while on holidays, and it's such a great read. It’s a story that follows three mixed-race friends in London when a glamorous woman from their past lives turns up and threatens their bond. 

"Their dark secrets were slowly unveiled by May, and it kept me guessing until the very end. I loved getting to know the three main characters of Ronke, Boo, and Simi, and I also enjoyed learning a little about Nigerian culture (the book includes recipes at the back that have my mouth watering) from their unique perspectives." - Laura Jackel, Content Producer.

Eight Detectives by Alex Pavesi

"Eight Detectives is a super clever homage to the whodunnit. 

"There are seven short stories embedded into a larger story, and reading it feels like solving a puzzle. It's totally unique and I loved it." - Polly Taylor, Commissioning Editor.

Threadneedle by Cari Thomas

"I have such a soft spot for fantasy books, especially ones that have a coming of age story. I definitely underestimated the plot, and the world created in Thread Needle, because it's an 'easy read', but I ended up being surprised by some great plot twists along the way. 

"It's a must read for anyone who grew up a fan of Sabrina the Teenage Witch or Buffy The Vampire Slayer." - Rose Kerr, Podcast Producer.

Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi

"I've just finished reading Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi and couldn't recommend it enough. It's a story about grief, addiction, depression, religion, science, race, all tied together in a beautiful and thoughtful way. 

"So much range! The characters are so real and the storylines are so genuine and raw. It'll have you smiling and crying at the same time." - Miranda Wang, Content Executive.

Middlegame by Seanan McGuire

"I’ve always loved the idea of sci-fi and have occasionally dipped my toes into the genre, but it’s not usually my comfort space when it comes to reading. However, Middlegame by Seanan McGuire has been keeping me on my toes for the last couple of weeks. 

"It follows a set of twins that have been separated since birth (or more accurately, creation, as they’re science experiments), and live at opposite ends of the United States. They’re polar opposites by design - one is mathematically gifted while the other is linguistically gifted. The theory that started it all? If a person can control both disciplines, they can ascend to a higher power. However, the twins don’t know they’re science experiments, and the alchemist that made them doesn’t want them to interact… which makes their psychic connection a bit of a problem. 

"It’s weird, and it’s wacky, and explores all the existential questions of Bladerunner and Frankenstein. So of course, I’m loving every minute of it." - Brydee Goodall, Branded Content Coordinator.

This Is Going To Hurt by Adam Kay

"This is a genuinely funny collection of diary entries from a junior doctor in the UK about his time on the NHS frontline.

"Adam made these entries over six years, noting down his most pivotal experiences training to be an obstetrician-gynaecologist. So it's a non-fiction read, and he's managed to make it equal parts laugh-out-loud funny and heart-wrenching.

"It's a witty, poignant portrait of an industry that completely undervalues, underpays and overworks its doctors, and despite all of this, it's still somewhat of a love letter to the healthcare industry." - Shell Webb, Branded Content Manager.

On Beauty by Zadie Smith

"I'm currently reading On Beauty by Zadie Smith and like its name, it's beautiful. I'm only halfway in, so I acknowledge that it's risky to recommend this early on, but I'm absolutely hooked.

"CLUE: It involves two feuding families which will make you laugh, cry and feel every emotion in between." - Emily Vernem, Social Media Producer.

Feature image: Mamamia.