My June TBR -- Baldwin, Brontë, Austen and Big Ambitions

 Hello, dear reader :)

Tomorrow's the first day of June, Summer's approaching and it's time to reveal my June tbr. I have very high hopes for this month as I'll finally be getting to books I've been dying to read.

Since I've been reading about five books a month, I decided to stay consistent and do the same for June. I'm excited to show you what's on the docket, and my intentions for the month.

Without further ado, I present to you: my June tbr :)

Another Country by James Baldwin

Image taken by me

I'm currently reading this book right now, and so far I'm intrigued. I started it a few weeks ago in May, but honestly its been a bit of a meandering read because the novel is raw, gritty, and a little depressing. 

Typical Baldwin.

Despite it being a rather sad story, it's also profound -- another characteristic of Baldwin's writing I enjoy. Another Country follows jazz musician Rufus Scott as he tries to navigate the world in which he lives. It's a story of someone who grapples with struggles out of his control.

 He's just trying to keep his head above water.

As you probably know by now, I adored Giovanni's Room, so when I found out he had written another fiction work, I could't help myself.

The character work is incredible, and I've already written sticky notes full of questions the text inspired me to think about. I feel I'm in for another emotional rollercoaster with this one, and I can't wait to see where it takes me.

Vilette by Charlotte Brontë 

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Vilette is by far my most anticipated read. Ever since I read Jane Eyre I've been dying to sink my teeth into this masterpiece of a novel.

I haven't even read a chapter of it, but I have a gut feeling that it's going to be a masterpiece. A lot of what's making me excited to read this is my own intrigue. I've heard people say "if Jane Eyre wasn't your thing then Vilette will be" and vice versa. I personally adored Jane Eyre so I'm curious what my thoughts on this book will be. 

From what I've read about it, I've gathered that this is a story about isolation, mental health, and choosing oneself. I'm eager to meet Lucy Snowe and see if I can relate to her and her struggles.

What excites me most about this novel is honestly just being back in the world of Charlotte Brontë. For whatever reason, I feel at home with her writing. Perhaps it's because she tends to write in the first person and something about it is intimate to me. 

I've literally only read the first page and apart of my soul is already hooked. Best believe I'll be picking this up as soon as I can.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

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I have a secret, dear reader.

While this book is on my June tbr... the truth of the matter is that I tried to read this in March and couldn't get into it. I think the problem is that it started a lot slower than I imagined it would.

I've watched the critically acclaimed 2005 adaptation a few times (loved it) and so I think I was rushing to get to all the cute moments. Alas, those moments indeed have to be earned, so I'm going to try to pick it back up.

Additionally, this read is more of a strategic one because I'm going to read this after I finish Vilette, and to my knowledge there isn't a ton of romance in that book so Pride and Prejudice will be very much welcomed :)

Beware of Pity by Stefan Zweig 

Image taken by me

This is another one I'm quite excited for. I have high expectations for it, and I desperately hope I'm proven right. Because similar to Austen, Zweig and I have a little bit of beef.

Just a little.

Last month I read his novella, Journey into The Past, and I wasn't a huge fan. With the book being so short and the pacing so fast, it was hard for me to connect with the characters and feel the yearning they had for one another.

However, while I felt the pacing was off, the writing was passionate and intentional, so I truly am excited to read Beware of Pity and give Zweig another chance. 

One, None, and a Hundred Grand by Luigi Pirandello

Image taken by me

Last, but certainly not least, we have One, None, and a Hundred Grand. This will be my first Archipelago book, and I'm super excited. It's a gorgeous book, and having it in the shape of a square is so fun.

Anyway, this book is translated from the Italian by Sean Wilsey, and I find that to be so cool. NYRB was my first exposure to translated works, and I can't wait to dive into this one. It's a story about a man who receives a comment from his wife about his asymmetrical nose. After hearing this comment, he starts to spiral and goes on a journey to really figure out how others perceive him.

 It sounds thought-provoking, though I've read the first page and the voice is quite comical. I feel this will be a good way to end a great month of reading (not to mention that the other books on this list is quite heavy) so hopefully it'll act as a nice palette cleanser.

Welp, that's it for me. I've stated my intentions, put it out into the universe, and the only thing left for me to do is to get to reading :)

What's on your June tbr? Are there any books you're giving a second chance? I'd love to hear about it below.

Until next time ~