Welcome to the first TBR list from Books the Word. July is a month of reflection and transformation — a mid-year turning point. This month’s theme, New Beginnings & Power Awakened, includes emotionally resonant stories about quiet strength and self-renewal.

This month’s books have been chosen for their exploration of quiet realisations, transitions, and the acceptance of change. Whether it’s through the naivety and tenderness of Ms Ice Sandwich, or the post-apocalyptic The Blue Book of Nebo, these stories show strength through fragility, a resilience to their situation, whilst rebuilding who they are.

Ms Ice Sandwich by Mieko Kawakami

Aug 2020 – translated edition; Translated fiction

This is a quaint novella follows a young narrator who displays naïve understandings of social behaviours as he explores his emotions towards Ms Ice Sandwich. He has suffered and facing loss in his family, something that he has in common with his classmate, Tutti, who feels able to share her world with him also. Ms Ice Sandwichis a story about acceptance and not waiting before it’s too late.

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The Blue Book of Nebo by Manon Steffan Ros

Jan 2022 – Translated Post-Apocalyptic Fiction

This post-apocalyptic story follows the theme of loss and rebirth, as our protagonist, Dylan, and his mam have to rebuild a life after ‘The End’ came. Dylan and his mam hold secrets that they begin to share through writing in a blue book, transforming their future through secrets.

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The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig

May 2025 – Romantic Fantasy

A fantasy novel of loss and rebirth, The Knight and the Moth is a story of an internal emotional journey for Sybil Delling as many of her peers disappear one by one. In order to discover what has been happening Sybil has to join up with a Knight who has no respect for Sybil, yet he evokes certain emotions for her to navigate.

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James by Percival Everett

Feb 2025; Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction; Winner of the National Book Award for Fiction; Historical Fiction

This reimagining of Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn (1884) follows Jim on his journey of maintaining freedom after it is announced that he is to be separated from his family and sold into slavery. His journey with Huck has life-changing consequences that fits perfectly into our new beginnings and power awaked theme.

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Bonus picks that fit this month’s theme

Under the Whispering Door by T. J. Klune

Feb 2023 – Queer Fantasy

A queer story navigating death and the afterlife, and missed opportunities in life, Under the Whispering Door follows our protagonist, Wallace, as he’s given seven days before he has to ‘pass through the door to the other side’.

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In the Spotlight – ARC Release

Trigger Warning: suicide, death, depression

Blowfish by Kyung-ran Jo (July 2025) is a Korean literary novel that handles dark, introspective themes with delicate prose. Blowfish explores suicidal ideation through two unnamed characters — a sculptor and an architect — and their journey as they aim to resolve their desires.

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Predicted Favourites

I don’t give away five-stars easily, but if I do, I suspect it will be to Everett’s James and Blowfish by Kyung-Ran Jo. I absolutely loved Rachel Gillig’s The Shepherd King series, and so I am hoping that The Knight and the Moth keeps me as engaged and excited as those did.

This month’s reading list was compiled through my physical TBR and reader recommendations based on areas of interest. This theme is one that resonates, as I feel as though July, for me, will be a self-reflecting month. Let me know what books you’re reflecting on this month in the comments or tag me over on Instagram (@bookstheworduk). I will be reviewing the books I manage to read this month, so keep an eye on the blog and through social media.

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