Hi, I’m Ia—a certified bookworm and your new guide here on My Reading Picks. I’m excited to take over this space and share a mix of what I’ve been reading lately, the new releases I’m looking forward to, and a few standout titles from the New York Times bestseller list.
Whether you're in the mood for something heartfelt, thought-provoking, or simply entertaining, I hope you find a book here that speaks to you—and maybe even earns a spot on your growing to-be-read pile.
June is Pride Month—a time to honor LGBTQIA+ stories, voices, and communities. These five reads celebrate love, identity, and resilience in ways that will move, challenge, and inspire. Whether you’re looking for a heartfelt romance, a coming-of-age journey, or a powerful memoir, there’s something here for everyone.
1. Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
This book was pure joy from start to finish. It’s witty, romantic, and full of the kind of chaotic energy I love in a good love story. The chemistry between Alex and Henry was chef’s kiss—all the tension, banter, and soft, emotional moments had me hooked. I didn’t expect to laugh this much or to feel so much for these characters, but their love story unfolded in such a beautiful, heartfelt way that I couldn’t help rooting for them.
What really got me, though, was how the story tackled identity, public pressure, and the fear of being seen—for who you really are. It wasn’t just a romance; it was about family, purpose, and the kind of love that changes everything. Definitely a comfort read I’ll go back to when I need a reminder that joy is revolutionary, too.
2. Honey Girl by Morgan Rogers
This book hit me in a way I didn’t expect. It starts with a wild decision—a Vegas wedding to a woman Grace doesn’t know—but what follows is quiet, reflective, and deeply emotional. Grace is the kind of character who looks like she has it all together on paper, but beneath the surface, she’s unraveling. I saw a lot of myself in her—the pressure to achieve, the exhaustion, the question of who you really are when you’re no longer chasing someone else’s version of success.
The writing is dreamy and poetic, and the themes—mental health, burnout, love, family—felt incredibly real. This isn’t a conventional love story, but that’s what made it so refreshing. It’s about falling in love, yes, but also about choosing yourself and allowing space to simply be.
3. You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson
This was such a feel-good, affirming read. Liz is smart, awkward, ambitious—and completely lovable. Her small-town struggles hit home, especially how she felt too “different” to belong. Watching her step out of the background and into the spotlight (literally, in her quest for prom queen) was empowering and honestly just so much fun to read.
The romance is super cute, the friendships are heartfelt, and the overall message is something I wish I had read as a teen. It celebrates queerness, Black girl joy, and finding your voice when the world tells you to shrink. A bright, hopeful read that left me smiling.
4. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
This book shattered me in the best way. Even though I already knew how the story would end (Greek myths are not known for their happy endings), the way Madeline Miller wrote it made every moment feel fresh and painfully intimate. The love between Achilles and Patroclus was tender, complicated, and so beautifully human—it stayed with me long after I closed the book.
Miller’s prose is lyrical without being heavy, and she brings myth to life with such emotion. This is one of those books where you don’t just read the ending—you feel it in your chest. A tragic, stunning love story that broke my heart and somehow mended it at the same time.
5. Fairest: A Memoir by Meredith Talusan
This memoir was bold, layered, and deeply introspective. Talusan shares their journey with striking honesty—from growing up in the Philippines as an albino child to navigating privilege, gender identity, and immigrant life in the U.S. It’s not a straightforward narrative, and that’s what makes it feel real—life isn’t linear, and neither is this story.
What stood out most to me was the way Talusan invites us into the in-between spaces: between cultures, between gender expectations, between visibility and erasure. It’s raw, thought-provoking, and unlike any memoir I’ve read before. This is a powerful reminder that identity is complex, and storytelling—especially queer storytelling—is a vital act of truth.
