Welcome to June! It was a hectic month with our wedding and everything, so you’ll notice I only managed to read a handful of books. As I wrap up the month, I’ve been working through some hefty tomes that have occupied most of my time—keep an eye out for those reviews in July!
Tunnel 29 by Helena Merriman
This book was fantastic! It has its full review here. I have deemed this book “my favorite book (so far) in 2025.) I cannot recommend it enough, and if you are on the fence about it, be sure to check out my full review!
An easy 5/5 stars for me! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin
This title came recommended during my search for another space/sci-fi novel. The Dispossessed is something of a cult classic, and it came highly regarded throughout my research. For a book written in the late ’70s, its themes still resonate today.
There’s a ton of imagery here, and I expect I’ll need to read it once or twice more to pick up on everything. As you’d expect from the era, Le Guin weaves in plenty of perspective on the social and economic issues of the time.
She explores how we balance the individual against the community, whether any society can truly live up to its ideals, and how the open exchange of knowledge might bridge divides. The plot follows Shevek, a scientist torn between the two worlds of the novel: Anarres (an anarchist society built on collectivism) and Urras (a planet defined by hierarchical power structures).
I enjoyed how Le Guin explores these two worlds, using Shevek’s character arc to highlight the flaws in each. These issues still ring true today, making The Dispossessed a compelling read for anyone interested in the tensions between collectivism and individualism. You don’t need a degree in political theory to enjoy this book, but a little familiarity with concepts like collectivism, anarchism, and social hierarchy helps you get the most out of it. Don’t let that intimidate you—Le Guin’s storytelling is deceptively accessible, even as she weaves in complex themes that reward extra thought and reflection. If you’re willing to pause and unpack the big questions she sprinkles throughout the plot, you’ll find a deeply satisfying exploration of freedom, responsibility, and the ties that bind us.
I give this one 4/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐ and think it would be a great addition to any well-rounded library.
The Rise and Fall of Alexandria by Howard Reid & Justin Pollard
Perhaps one of the most tragic events in ancient times was the destruction of the Library of Alexandria. The city, established by Alexander the Great (who happens to be my favorite figure from history), quickly became the center of intellectualism—a phenomenon the world hasn’t seen since.
Even more tragic is the fact that no one really knows what happened to the Library. There are many widely accepted theories, but the truth remains a mystery. The uncertainty surrounding its fate is perhaps even more poignant than the loss itself, leaving us to speculate about the various factors that may have contributed to its downfall.
I’d long been fascinated by the idea of reading The Rise and Fall of Alexandria to gain a deeper understanding of this ancient city, whose influence on Western civilization is still palpable today. As I dove into its history, I was particularly interested in how the ideas that emerged from this era continue to shape our understanding of mathematics, geometry, and astronomy.
From the works of Euclid and Archimedes to the contributions of Galen and Ptolemy, Alexandria’s intellectual heritage has left an indelible mark on the development of science and philosophy. Despite the centuries that separate us, the ideas that flourished in this ancient city still resonate today.
Pollard and Reid deliver an outstanding analysis of the Library’s chronological history, masterfully interweaving the lives of the remarkable individuals who frequented its halls with the library’s own fascinating story. What sets their work apart is not only the meticulous rendering of historical facts but also a deep understanding of why these events matter and how they continue to influence us.
I highly recommend The Rise and Fall of Alexandria to anyone fascinated by ancient history. This engaging book is concise and well-paced, making it an excellent choice even for those with limited time or shorter attention spans. I devoured it in just a few days, coming away with a deep appreciation for the enduring legacy of this iconic city.
As I finished reading, I felt I had gained not only a solid understanding of Alexandria’s history but also a profound appreciation for its lasting impact on our world. The book’s ability to convey complex ideas and historical context in an accessible and compelling manner is truly commendable.
4/5 stars from me! ⭐⭐⭐⭐
That’s a wrap!
The books I’m currently reading are long. Nevertheless, thanks for checking out my reading list—please drop a comment below with your thoughts on these books! See you in July 🙂
