Reading
In A New York Minute by Kate Spencer
In a New York Minute was a quick and charming read. While the timeline was something I had to work on keeping up with and the writing style wasn’t what I usually choose, this book was sweet and enjoyable.
You’ll love this if: you love romcoms with hilarious meet cutes.
I Was Told It Would Get Easier by Abbi Waxman
This book is an absolute scream. I loved the snarky comments that mother and daughter had in their internal monologue. I was once a teenage girl and am now a mother and I can 100 percent say that that the writing was on point.
I loved how this book showed how two different people can interpret and react to a situation. It was so well-written and I absolutely flew through it.
You’ll love this if: you’re a Gilmore Girls fan.
Wait for It by Jenn McKinlay
Was I a little bummed when the library reserved me the large print cover instead of the cute illustrated cover that made me want to read the book in the first place? Yes.
This was a fun, easy read that features some deeper issues but doesn’t delve into them too much. It’s also set on a sunny Arizona backdrop that had me yearning for warmer weather.
You’ll love this if: you’re looking to escape cold weather.
Mr Mayfair by Louise Bay
Mr Mayfair is the first of The Mister series by Louise Bay. It was a fun, light read that I burned through very quickly with a fair amount of steam towards the end. If you’re a fan of the fake dating trope, this one is for you.
You’ll love this if: you’ve ever been invited to your ex’s wedding.
Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
I’m going to make a big statement here and say that this is now my favourite book. I loved every minute of this now-and-then timeline of teen angst and adult uncertainty. It was pure love for me from the start. I loved the writing style and the characters and the conflict (that I might have seen coming, but still – gasp!). This was a can’t-put-downer for me.
You’ll love this if: you’ve ever had a summer boyfriend (or wished you did).
Listening
Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney
Sally Rooney has a knack for writing extremely unlikeable characters and making you completely addicted to the story. I became very invested in these characters that were – without a doubt – all terrible people. This book is very focused on relationships rather than anything major happening but it sucked me right in.
You’ll love this if: you’re studying psychology.
Watching
Superstore
I started Superstore a while back but didn’t really get into it until I picked it up again this month. It’s a totally underrated sitcom! My favourite character is Dina Fox for always being unapologetically herself
You’ll love this: if you ever worked retail.
Suddenly 30 (or 13 Going On 30)
I was definitely in need of a heavy dose of comfort and nostalgia to help me recover this month and my prayers were granted with Suddenly 30 coming onto Netflix. Jenna Rink is an all time favourite character of mine and I didn’t realise until now that I’d once crushed on Mark Ruffalo with a truly terrible haircut.
You’ll love this if: you ever dreamed of working at a magazine.
Beauty and the Geek (Australia)
Beauty and the Geek is back! I don’t watch many Australian reality shows, but Beauty and the Geek is one of my favourites. I love a good makeover and even though I don’t think you have to go on national television to have one, I’m completely glued to the screen any time those elevator doors open! My favourite team this year are Aaron and Karly. Let me know if you’re watching too!
You’ll love this if: Seth Cohen was one of your favourite characters.
Life
July has been one of those months where I feel like I’m taking one step forward and two steps back. And even those forward steps are being weighed down by an anchor.
My family has been sick for weeks with the flu and my toddler suffered a seizure and had to spend time in hospital. Unfortunately, it looks like the seizures are reoccurring and so we’re still trying to book in all the tests required to move forward with diagnosing something.
Also, my neighbours got a rooster, so that has been a lot of fun. Did you know that roosters don’t only crow in the early morning? They also crow through toddler nap time. Clever!
I’m happy to report, though, that I did reach my writing goal! I wanted to be finished the first draft of my romcom by the end of July and – ta da! I have indeed just finished writing a short epilogue. My next steps are to go back through all my rough draft and notes and make sure there is nothing else that I want to add in and then do a full read through and edit to iron out the plot holes. Eek! I’m so excited that I made it this far!
ANNE NOVEK 
Leave a Reply