What We've Been Reading June 2023

Welcome! You've reached the place where we, on a monthly basis, gather up what the Lighthouse team are currently reading. You can check out round-ups from previous months amongst our Read Think Act posts.

As June goes by, we'll be updating this page with new books and wee notes!

Christina

Soundings by Doreen Cunningham is an expansive, beautifully written journey with whales, which explores motherhood, the climate emergency, and indigenous rights.

My Own Worst Enemy by lily lindon is funny & engaging, so much so i finished it in a single night! A queer enemies-to-lovers story in the theatre and film industry, culminating in an all-queer production of Twelfth Night.

Currently reading: Big Swiss by Jen Beagin, Six Times we Nearly Kissed (And One Time We Did) by Tess Sharpe, Motherhood by Sheila Heti, The Bookshop on the Shore, by Jenny Colgan and The Golden Enclaves by Naomi Novik

(yes it is fully outrageous of me to believe I can read five books at the same time, but i will try!!!)

Noor

Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree - a great comfort read, about found family, coffee, and how it's never too late to build the life you want. It also describes some dreamy baked goods and now I want to eat those.

Hijab Butch Blues by lamya H. - a really beautiful and powerful queer feminist muslim memoir about community, dedication to faith, and finding the strength to be true to oneself. I was so inspired by so much of it.

Currently reading: Yellowface by Rebecca F Kuang, The Women's Khutbah Book and The Late Americans by Brandon Taylor.

Mairi

Z Generation by Ian Garner - fascinating, chilling and a really interesting compliment to Jo Mulhall & Julia Ebner's brilliant books on the far right across US & Europe.

Louise Erdrich's Books and Islands in Ojibwe Country is travel writing for book lovers woven with mythology (perfect pocket travel book)

Currently reading: Emily Henry's Beach Read

Jess

Currently reading: Quiet by Victoria Adukwei Bulley and A Horse At Night by Amina Cain

Rachel

Strong Female Character by Fern Brady

Trisha

there are more things by Yara Rodrigues Fowler - so beautifully makes us think beyond material realities in a utopian sense whilst also remaining grounded in them.

. We Want Everything by Nanni Balestrini- documents crucial Italian  Labour struggles and unrest in the early 1970s incredibly well, setting out the political climate to follow - very exciting to read!