Hi friends! Can you believe it’s August already??? Where has the summer gone?! We’ve definitely made some big dents in our summer reading lists here at Ampersand. Check out what we’ve been reading!

The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert“Fantastic! Dark, twisty, and suspenseful fairy tale-ish YA fiction. I picked it up thinking I’d read a page or two and read the whole book in less than 24 hours!” – Ali

Six of Crows (Six of Crows #1) by Leigh Bardugo
“Ocean’s Eleven but with MAGIC and DRAMA and POSSIBLE DEATH. I really enjoyed this one and really can’t wait to read the sequel!” – Dani

Graceling (Graceling Realm #1) by Kristin Cashore“This book has been on my list for years and I finally read it and loved it! Katsa is a strong fighter both physically and mentally and I loved reading about the world of The Graced.” – Evette

Scarborough by Catherine Hernandez
“Scarborough (the place) has a special place in my heart, and I loved loved loved this novel.” – Jenny

Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah
“I must admit I have never seen Trevor Noah on the Daily Show. His memoir was captivating, and provides an invaluable glimpse into what life is like growing up in South Africa under the apartheid. Highly recommended read.” – Jessica

The Late Show (Renée Ballard #1) by Michael Connelly
“I haven’t read a Connelly lately and forgot how much I enjoy his writing and I like his new character.” Judy

I Can’t Believe It’s Not Better by Monica Heisey
“I love funny ladies. And I especially love funny Canadian ladies. Monica Heisey doesn’t disappoint in this collection of anecdotes and advice. It’s laugh out loud funny!” – Laura

The Ninth Hour by Alice McDermott“This historical novel set in Brooklyn in the 1940s and 50s is full of sensitive moments. A group of progressive Catholic nuns come to the rescue of women and families in need. Their dedicated and supportive efforts allow the less fortunate to live fulfilling lives and leave the bad stuff behind them. I really enjoyed this story.” – Laureen

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
“I can’t believe it took me this long to read this classic book; I was inspired by reading Tatiana deRosney’s biography on DuMaurier Forever Manderly. It still holds up.” – Saffron

Love and Laughter in the Time of Chemotherapy by Manjusha Pawagi“This is Manjusha Pawagi’s memoir about her 2 ½ year journey and battle with leukemia. It’s an inspiring read and full of laughter, humour, and hope despite the dark days of chemo and radiation treatments. Manjusha is a remarkable lady and not afraid to tell it like it is!” – Vanessa

What have you read so far this month? Also, did you know you can find Ampersand on Goodreads? You can always know what we’re reading!

-Laura