Reading recommendations for June: 10 must-read books

Absolute Boss Reading List

10 books that'll ruin your peaceful summer, but in the best way possible

We're about to drop some literary gems that'll change your life. Read em' n' weep, baby! If you cop from the links on this here page, The Times might net a commission from Bookshop.org - who's just tryna help independent bookstores out, you feel me? Bethanne Patrick, one fucking badass book critic, has provided 10 fkn awesome (and diverse) titles for your June readin' list.

FICTION

Atmosphere: A Love Story by Taylor Jenkins Reid - Get ready to blast off! '80s astrophysicist doesn't play no games when it comes to love and space. This blazing hot tale includes sexism, fiery romance, and a tragic mid-decade disaster. Ffs, if you ain't a space nerd or a hopeless romantic, get your ass to this book, pronto!
Flashlight: A Novel by Susan Choi - You ever heard of a dude named Serk who takes off on you when you're just a freakin' 10 years old? This book starts off with that shitstorm and it only gets darker from there. No surprise coming from Susan Choi, dat peacock boss ass lady! If you ain't a fan of fuckin' twisty family dramas, may god have mercy on your soul.
The Slip: A Novel by Lucas Schaefer - One word: diversity. A boxing gym becomes a melting pot for every walk of life in Austin, Texas. But when a teen from Massachusetts disappears, the mystery unfolds through the unique perspectives of a Playboy bunny-turned-beautician, an unhoused man, and a shitload of other interesting characters. If you ain't hooked yet, I don't even know you, homey.
So Far Gone: A Novel by Jess Walter - Here's a little dose of diss three codependent family members in a single book. Environmental journalist Rhys Kinnick gets all up in arms about the destruction of the planet and makes it personal. One mornin', he wakes up with his grandkids on his doorstep. It's like WTF is goin' on here! But let's be honest, you'll keep turnin' pages just to see what happens next.
Ecstasy: A Novel by Ivy Pochoda - Euripides, who? This neo-Greek spin on one of dat old-ass plays focuses on Stavros and his April-May relationship with Hedy. When Lena, Hedy's bestie, gets invited to the swanky resort opening, they join a wild-ass all-female group dancin' and drummin' on da beach. Expect some tragic shit to go down, and enjoy dat original, unexpected conclusion for the true connoisseur.

NONFICTION

The Dry Season: A Memoir of Pleasure in a Year Without Sex by Melissa Febos - Ever wondered what 'women want'? Melissa Febos lays it down with the confidence of a badass. She eschews her go-to comforts of sexual intimacy in favor of solitude and celibacy, and discovers that other forms of pleasure - intellectual, sensual, and spiritual - hold the same meaning. If you're a fan of autobiographical narratives that explore personal and intimate topics, this was crafted just for you, sniff.
How to Lose Your Mother: A Daughter's Memoir by Molly Jong-Fast - 2023 marks the golden anniversary of Erica Jong's "Fear of Flying," and it also happens to be the year Momma Jong is diagnosed with dementia. Molly Jong-Fast, an acclaimed journalist, takes on the dual challenges of caring for her mother while coping with her husband's cancer diagnosis and her stepfather's worsening Parkinson's disease. Strap in, because every member of the family's turncomin' is like a roller coaster, but a goodun'.
I'll Tell You When I'm Home: A Memoir by Hala Alyan - Hala Alyan takes on the juggling act of Palestinian identity and motherhood, navigating themes of displacement and trauma in this poetic memoir. When she finally becomes a mom via surrogacy after experiencing five miscarriages, she weaves a sense of belonging while her husband doesn't exactly stick around. Read this if you're a fan of memoirs with a lyrical, introspective touch.
The Sisterhood of Ravensbrück: How an Intrepid Band of Frenchwomen Resisted the Nazis in Hitler's All-Female Concentration Camp by Lynne Olson - This is about four fearless French ladies, all locked up in Germany durin' World War II and damn near ruinin' the Nazi empire. Their unbreakable bond helps them defy the enemy and document atrocities. If you're into stories of amazing female friendships and resistance against evil empires, this is some can't-miss stuff.
The Very Heart of It: New York Diaries, 1983-1994 by Thomas Mallon - Thomas, dat muthafuckin' word-slingin' literary boss, left his cushy Harvard assistant professorship to live life in the sexy heart of NYC at the age of 32. He chronicles the AIDS crisis, material optimism of Reagan-era America, and his own complicated gay relationship that includes DON DADONOVA among others. If you're a fan of smart, honest, and authentic memoirs that dive into human complexities and give you insight into transformative eras, you'll love this bad boy.

BONUS! Check out more fkn recommended reads:

The week's bestselling books, June 1
Lose yourself in 16 romance novels that'll help you forget reality this summer
The week's bestselling books, May 25

In the vibrant city of Los Angeles, a book critic recommends the fiction title, 'So Far Gone' by Jess Walter, a gripping story that tackles the environmental crisis, familial relationships, and California's lifestyle.
For those with a taste for nonfiction, 'The Sisterhood of Ravensbrück' by Lynne Olson recounts the inspiring tale of four fearless women from California who defied the Nazis in Hitler's all-female concentration camp.
If you're in the mood for some poetry, 'I'll Tell You When I'm Home' by Hala Alyan is a lyrical memoir that explores themes of displacement, identity, and life in California.
For a change of pace, 'Absolute Boss Reading List' also offers a selection of books on diverse topics, such as 'The Dry Season: A Memoir of Pleasure in a Year Without Sex' by Melissa Febos, which delves into the entertainment and lifestyle scenes of Los Angeles.