Candice Carty-Williams, Patrick Freyne, and Guardian readers discuss the books they enjoyed in June, offering a diverse range of genres from Victorian gothic to AI-themed fiction.
Ollie's Pick: Wimmy Road Boyz
Guardian reader Ollie highly recommends Wimmy Road Boyz by Sufiyaan Salam, calling it a fantastic combination of violence and vulnerability set on Manchester's Curry Mile. He became attached to the three main boys and loved the perspective shifts. The ending made him weep, and he gave it a 10/10 rating.
Candice Carty-Williams's Selections
Writer Candice Carty-Williams shares three books. First, Trapped Life by Ebony Reid, a nonfiction work by a criminologist and ethnographer who grew up on a London estate, detailing inner-city challenges. Next, All Consuming: Why We Eat the Way We Eat Now by Ruby Tandoh, praised for its accessibility on food's social, economic, and technological factors. Finally, Victorian Psycho by Virginia Feito, a Victorian gothic novel that kept her thrilled at 2am. Her book Queenie Is Working on It publishes on 2 July.
Sarah's AI-Themed Read
Guardian reader Sarah chose Annie Bot by Sierra Greer, about a robot girlfriend created to please her owner. The story explores Annie's quest for agency as she becomes more human. Sarah rooted for Annie despite her concerns about AI.
Patrick Freyne's Binge Reads
Writer Patrick Freyne binge-read Tessa Hadley's novella The Party, a coming-of-age story about class and aspiration. He also enjoyed Prestige Drama by Séamas O'Reilly, a funny and angry book about a TV show on the Troubles. He reread Ulysses by James Joyce for Bloomsday, noting its humour and length. His book Experts in a Dying Field is published by Penguin Sandycove.
Fabiana's Family Reads
Guardian reader Fabiana read children's and YA fiction with her son, including I Am Rebel by Ross Montgomery, Six Weeks by Matt Goodfellow about grief, and The Explorer by Katherine Rundell set in the Amazon. She finds these books well-written and a joy to share.
