July Reflections

In July, I read eighteen books!

Books reviewed at Becky's Book Reviews

46. The Andromeda Strain. Michael Crichton. 1969. 327 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, adult science fiction, science fiction, thriller]
47. How a Bear Became a Book: The Collaboration That Created Winnie-The-Pooh. Annette Bay Pimentel. Illustrated by Faith Pray. 2026. 48 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, nonfiction, history, picture book]
48. The Lost World (Jurassic Park #2) Michael Crichton. 1995. 448 pages. [Source: Library] [adult science fiction, 5 stars, dinosaurs]
49. Rainbow Valley. L.M. Montgomery. 1919. 256 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, series book, children's classic]

Books reviewed at Young Readers

51. Rebecca the White House Raccoon. April Genevieve Tucholke. Illustrated by Dave Szalay. 2026. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, picture book, based on a true story]
52. Zathura. Chris Van Allsburg. 2002. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, picture book, fantasy]
53. Fox Catches a Wave. Corey R. Tabor. 2026. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, I Can Read Book, early readers]
54. Cat's New Book. Nathalie Belhassen. 2026. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, picture books, cats, friends]
55. Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb. Al Perkins. 1969. Random House. 36 pages. [Source: Bought]
56. Jumanji. Chris Van Allsburg. 1981. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book, fantasy, 3 stars]
57. The Biggest Cat in the Book. Ben Lerwill. Illustrated by Mark Chambers. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, picture book]
58. After Squidnight. Jonathan Fenske. 2020. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, picture book]
59. A Unicorn, a Dinosaur, and a Shark Were Riding a Bicycle. Jonathan Fenske. 2024. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, picture book]
60. Dragon's Fat Cat (Dragon #2) Dav Pilkey. 2019. (1992) Scholastic. 64 pages. [Source: Review copy] [5 stars, early chapter book, animal fantasy]

Books reviewed at Operation Actually Read Bible


17. We Are Home When We Are Together: Trusting God Through Life's Changes. Jean Stoffer and Grace Start. Illustrated by Megan Lindsey. 2026. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, Christian picture book, moving]


18. You Always Belong: Knowing God's Love and Finding Your Place. Jinger Duggar Vuolo and Jeremy Vuolo. Illustrated by Sara Romero. 2026. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book, 4 stars]


19. The Goodness of God in the Gift of Scripture. Uche Anizor. 2026. 224 pages. [Source: Review copy] [Christian nonfiction, theology, 5 stars]

Bibles reviewed at Operation Actually Read Bible

5. KJV (King James Version) MacLaren Large Print Reference (Thomas Nelson). 2021. 1504 pages. [Source: Gift] [5 stars, Bible, King James Bible]


Totals for 2026

Totals for 2026
Books Read in 2026	134
Pages Read in 2026	31382
January Totals
Books Read in January	21
Pages Read in January	5119
February Totals
Books read in February	24
Pages Read in February	4225
March Totals
Books read in March	18
Pages read in March	4099
April Totals
Books read in April	16
Pages read in April	6386
May Totals
Books Read in May	11
Pages read in May	4067
June Totals
Books read in June	26
Pages read in June	4767
July Totals
Books read in July	18
Pages read in July	3239

© 2026 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

June Reflections

In June I read twenty-six books!!!! It may not seem like a victory, but, it is!!!

Books reviewed at Becky's Book Review

40. After My Brother Sam. James Lincoln Collier. 2026. 144 pages. [Source: Library] [1 star, mg historical fiction, why does this book even exist]
41. Song After Song: The Musical Life of Julie Andrews. Julie Hedlund. Illustrated by Ilaria Urbinati. 2023. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, picture book, biography, music appreciation]
42. The Midnight Library. Matt Haig. 2020. 288 pages. [Source: Library] [adult fiction, adult science fiction, fantasy]
43. The Midnight Train. Matt Haig. 2026. 296 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, adult speculative fiction, adult romance]
44. Jurassic Park. Michael Crichton. 1990. 466 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, adult science fiction, dinosaurs, action/thriller]
45. The Other Bennet Sister. Janice Hadlow. 2020. 463 pages. [Source: Review copy] [adult fiction, historical fiction, historical romance, Austen adaptation, 5 stars]


Books reviewed at Young Readers

36. The Rare Bird. Elisha Cooper. 2026. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, cats, imagination, picture books]
37. Dinosaur Friends. Sara Miller. 2026. 10 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, board books, dinosaurs]
38. Gus & Sully: All Week Long. Steve Light. 2026. 16 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, board books, friendship, concept book]
39. Glow with Sounds and Lights. Nicola Edwards. Illustrated by Sophie Ledesma. 2026. 10 pages. [Source: Library] [2 stars, interactive board book]
40. My Daddy is Everything (Board book) Carole Boston Weatherford. Illustrated by Ashleigh Corrin. 2026. 24 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, board books, family]
41. Henry's Picture-Perfect Day. Jenn Bailey. Illustrated by Mika Song. 2025. 48 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, early chapter book, school, friendship]
42. Henry Upside Down. Jenn Bailey. Illustrated by Mika Song. 2026. 52 pages. [Source: Library] [early chapter book, 5 stars, school, friendship]
43. Board book: Let's Count to Ten: Animals. Priddy Books. 16 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, counting book]
44. Barnacle is Bored. Jonathan Fenske. 2016. Scholastic. 40 pages. [Source: Review copy] [5 stars]
45. Plankton is Pushy. Jonathan Fenske. 2017. Scholastic. 40 pages. [Source: Review copy][4 stars]
46. Peek-a-Clue: Animals at Home. Gideon Sterer. Illustrated by Marcos Farina. 2026. 38 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, board books]
47. Peek-a-Clue: Safari Animals (An Animal Guessing Game) Gideon Sterer. Illustrated by Marcos Farina. 2026. 38 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, board books]
48. Candy Corn Christmas. Jonathan Fenske. 2025. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, Christmas, Halloween]
49. A Unicorn, A Dinosaur, and a Shark Walk into a Book. Jonathan Fenske. 2023. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [picture books, animal fantasy, meta fiction]
50. Next Door There Is a Dinosaur. Saskia Gwinn. Illustrated by Leanne Coelho. 2026. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

Books reviewed at Operation Actually Read Bible


13. Essentials of Reformed Systematic Theology. Joel R. Beeke and Paul M. Smalley. 2025. 1088 pages. [Source: Review copy] [4 stars, theology, Christian nonfiction]

14. The War for Middle-Earth: J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis Confront the Gathering Storm, 1933-1945. Joseph Loconte. 2025. 288 pages. [Source: Review copy] [nonfiction, world war II, literature, 4 stars]

15. Into a Golden Era (Timeless #7). Gabrielle Meyer. 2026. 384 pages. [Source: Library] [christian fiction, christian romance, series book, 3 stars]

16. The Lumber Baron's Wife. Lynn Austin. 2026. 368 pages. [Source: Library] [Christian fiction, historical fiction, dual timelines, multiple narrators, three stars]

Bibles reviewed at Operation Actually Read Bible


4.5 Tyndale's New Testament. William Tyndale. Edited by David Daniell. 1996. 466 pages. [Source: Bought] [5 stars, New Testament, Early Bible Translations]

2026 Totals

Totals for 2026
Books Read in 2026	116
Pages Read in 2026	28143
January Totals
Books Read in January	21
Pages Read in January	5119
February Totals
Books read in February	24
Pages Read in February	4225
March Totals
Books read in March	18
Pages read in March	4099
April Totals
Books read in April	16
Pages read in April	6386
May Totals
Books Read in May	11
Pages read in May	4067
June Totals
Books read in June	26
Pages read in June	4767

© 2026 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Century of Viewing, June

I watched 27 things in June!!!!

5 Star Movies,

• Boss Baby
• If a Man Answers
• Limelight
• Twister
• Wonderfools
• Zathura

4 1/2 and 4 star movies,

• Timeless (season 1)
• Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man
• The Main Event
• Akeelah and the Bee
• 13 Ghosts
• Seeking Persephone
• The Caine Mutiny
• Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead
• 27 Dresses
• Gremlins
• Stars and Stripes Forever

© 2026 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

May Reflections

In May, I read eleven books. I hope to read more in June. We'll see what happens.

Books reviewed at Becky's Book Reviews


35. The Bad Beginning. (A Series of Unfortunate Events #1) Lemony Snicket. Illustrated by Brett Helquist. 1999. 162 pages. [Source: Library] [j fantasy, mg fantasy, j fiction, mg fiction, 5 stars]

36. The Martian. Andy Weir. 2011. 369 pages. [Source: Library] [adult science fiction, 5 stars, space]

37. Project Hail Mary. Andy Weir. 2021. 476 pages. [Source: Library] [adult science fiction, 5 stars]

38. Wombat Waiting. Katherine Applegate. 2026. 336 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, animal fantasy, j fiction, wildfires, dogs, pets, animals]

39. My Brother Sam is Dead. James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier. 1974. 240 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, mg history, mg fiction]

Books reviewed at Young Readers

32. Barbed Wire Between Us. Mia Wenjen. Illustrated by Violeta Encarnacion. 2026. 48 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, poetry, reverso poetry]
33. Dinos that Drive. Suzy Levinson. Illustrated by Dustin Harbin. 2025. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, poetry]
34. Buzz Like a Bee (Board Book) Guilherme Karsten. 2026. 10 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, board book, activity book, interactive books]
35. Board book: This Little Dinosaur. Ingela P. Arrhenius (illustrations). 2026. 10 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, interactive book, dinosaurs]

Books reviewed at Operation Actually Read Bible

12. The Church Mouse. Graham Oakley. 1972. 40 pages. [Source: Bought] [5 stars, picture book, animal fantasy]

Bibles reviewed at Operation Actually Read Bible

4. ESV Women's Study Bible. God. 2021. 2336 pages. [Source: GIFT] [Bible, study Bible, 5 stars]

2026 totals

Totals for 2026
Books Read in 2026	90
Pages Read in 2026	23376
January Totals
Books Read in January	21
Pages Read in January	5119
February Totals
Books read in February	24
Pages Read in February	4225
March Totals
Books read in March	18
Pages read in March	4099
April Totals
Books read in April	16
Pages read in April	6386
May	11
Pages read in May	4067

© 2026 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Century of Viewing, April

In April, I watched 27 movies!

My five star movies:

Ever After
Forrest Gump
Frequency
Gospel of John
Home
It's You I Like
No Time for Sergeants
The Moon
The War of the Worlds
What About Bob?
You Can't Run Away From It

My four and a half and four star movies:

Empire Records
Trust Me The False Prophet
Sirius
Robocop
Robocop 2

My top five movies from ALL of 2026:

Galaxy Quest
Ever After
What About Bob
Forrest Gump
Ivanhoe

© 2026 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

April Reflections

This month I read sixteen books. (Two were Bibles!)

Books reviewed at Becky's Book Reviews

30. The Littlest Elephant. Katherine Applegate. 2026. 36 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, picture book, animal fantasy]
31. Scarlett. Alexandra Ripley. 1991. 884 pages. [Source: Library] [2 stars, historical fiction, sequel, adult fiction, adult romance]
32. Magnitude. Jennifer A. Nielsen. 2026. 304 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, historical fiction, mg historical]
33. Pioneer Girl: The Annotated Autobiography. Laura Ingalls Wilder. Edited by Pamela Smith Hill. 2014. South Dakota State Historical State Society. 400 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, nonfiction, memoir]
34. If You Lived During the American Revolution. Chris Newell. Illustrated by Steffi Walthall. 2026. 88 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, history, nonfiction]

Books reviewed at Young Readers

23. Wake Up, Grouchy Bear! David Ezra Stein. 2026. 48 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, animal fantasy, picture book]
24. Board book: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. Adapted from C.S. Lewis. Illustrated by Joey Chou.. 2021. 32 pages. [Source: Library]
25. Olive and Oscar: The Favorite Hat. Ariel Bernstein. Illustrated by Marc Rosenthal. 2026. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, early reader, animal fantasy, friendship]
26. Bad Banana. Michael Rex. 2026. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, beginning reader, early reader, humor]
27. Board book: Just Because. Mac Barnett. Illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault. 2026. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, bedtime book, board book, imagination, creativity, curiosity]

28. Board book: Fix This Book! A Dinosaur Broke It! Silver Dolphins Books. 2026. 10 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, board book, interactive]
29. Richard Scarry's Great Mystery Collection. Richard Scarry. 2025. (1969, 1975) 96 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, picture books, mysteries]
30. Board book: 1, 2, 3, Can You Count Along? Alice Hemming. Illustrated by Nichola Slater. 2026. 10 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars]
31. Board book: Edwina The Dinosaur Who Didn't Know She Was Extinct. Mo Willems. 2006/2026. 38 pages. [Source: Library] [animal fantasy]

Books reviewed at Operation Actually Read Bible

none!

Bibles reviewed at Operation Actually Read Bible

2. New King James Version, Sovereign Collection, Wide Margin. God. (Thomas Nelson Publisher). 2022. 1696 pages. [Source: Bought] [Bible] [5 stars]

3. KJV Chronological Life Application Study Bible, Second Edition. God. 2025. 2128 pages. [Source: Bought (Gift)] [5 stars, bible review]

Yearly and monthly totals

Totals for 2026
Books Read in 2026	79
Pages Read in 2026	19309
January Totals
Books Read in January	21
Pages Read in January	5119
February Totals
Books read in February	24
Pages Read in February	4225
March Totals
Books read in March	18
Pages read in March	4099
April Totals
Books read in April	16
Pages read in April	6386

© 2026 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

March Reflections

This month I reviewed eighteen books.

Books reviewed at Becky's Book Reviews


26. Martian Chronicles. Ray Bradbury. HarperCollins. 1958/2006 edition. 268 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, science fiction; short stories; classic; audiobook]
27. The Lions' Run. Sara Pennypacker. 2026. 288 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, historical fiction, j historical, mg historical, world war II]
28. To Kill A Mockingbird. Harper Lee. 1960. 281 pages. [Source: Library][Audiobook, 5 stars, classic, coming of age]
29. Farmer Boy. Laura Ingalls Wilder. Illustrated by Garth Williams. 1933. 372 pages. [Source: Library]
[3 stars, audiobook, children's classic, historical fiction]

Books reviewed at Young Readers

13. Two Ballerinas and a Moose. James Preller. Illustrated by Abigail Burch. 2025. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [early reader, 4 stars]
14. Board Book: Let's Make Pizza. Jamie Oliver. Illustrated by Adrian Johnson. 2025. 14 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, board book, cooking, food]
15. Board book: Let's Make Pancakes. Jamie Oliver. Illustrated by Adrian Johnson. 2025. 14 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, board book, cooking, food]
16. Board book: Let's Make Pasta. Jamie Oliver. Illustrated by Adrian Johnson. 2025. 14 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, board book, cooking, food]
17. Goodnight, Bruce. (Mother Bruce #10). Ryan Higgins. 2026. 48 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book, animal fantasy, bedtime book, 4 stars]
18. Lolly on the Ice. Sarah S. Brannen. 2025. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, picture book, confidence, ice skating]
19. Rumpelstiltskin. Mac Barnett. Illustrated by Carson Ellis. 2026. 48 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, picture book, fantasy, fairy tale/folk tale]
20. Tiny Garden. Deborah Underwood. Illustrated by Jax Chow. 2026. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, picture book, gardening, nature]
21. The Future Book. Mac Barnett. Shawn Harris. 2026. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, humor, picture book]
22. Pizzasaurus. Tammi Sauer. Illustrated by Kyle Beckett. 2026. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, animal fantasy, dinosaurs, picture book]

Books reviewed at Operation Actually Read Bible


9. Taming Lady Temperance. Karen Witemeyer. 2026. 336 pages. [Source: Library] [historical fiction, historical romance, christian fiction, 4 stars]
10. The French Kitchen. Kristy Cambron. 2025. 384 pages. [Source: Review copy] [3 stars, historical fiction, Christian fiction]
11. Mists Over the Channel Islands. Sarah Sundin. 2026. 368 pages. [Source: Library] [world war II, historical fiction, historical romance, christian fiction, 5 stars]

Bibles reviewed at Operation Actually Read Bible

1. RSV Sovereign. God. 1977. Thomas Nelson. 1488 pages. [Source: Bought] [5 stars, Bible review]

Yearly and Monthly Totals

Totals for 2026
Books Read in 2026	63
Pages Read in 2026	13443
January Totals
Books Read in January	21
Pages Read in January	5119
February Totals
Books read in February	24
Pages Read in February	4225
March Totals
Books read in March	18
Pages read in March	4099

© 2026 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

February Reflections

In February, I read twenty-four books (and watched twenty movies).

Books reviewed at Becky's Book Reviews


12. Frankenstein (Oxford World's Classics). Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley. 1818/1998. 261 pages. [Source: Library, Audiobook, classic, science fiction, speculative fiction.]
13. Eureka. Victoria Chang. 2026. 272 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, YA Historical Fiction, MG Historical Fiction, verse novel]
14. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Lewis Carroll. Illustrated by John Tenniel. 1865/1871. 247 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, audio book, classic, children's classic]
15. Through the Telescope: Mae Jemison Dreams of Space. Charles R. Smith. Illustrated by Evening Monteiro. 2025. 45 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, picture book biography]
16. Snowshoe Kate and the Hospital Built for Pennies. Margi Preus. Illustrated by Jaime Zollars. 2025. 48 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, picture book biography]
17. That Swingin' Sound: The Musical Friendship of Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. Rekha S. Rajan. Illustrated by Ken Daley. 2025. 48 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, picture book biography]
18. If You Traveled West in a Covered Wagon. Ellen Levine. Illustrated by Elroy Freem. 1986. 80 pages. [Source: Bought] [4 stars, children's nonfiction]
19. Jella Lepman and Her Library of Dreams. Katherine Paterson. Illustrated by Sally Deng. 2025. 112 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, middle grade nonfiction, books about books, aftermath of world war II, biography]
20. All the Blues in the Sky. Renee Watson. 2025. 208 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, Newbery, verse novel, grief, problem novel]
21. Bittersweet: Based on the True Tale of the Berlin Candy Bombers. Christy Mandin. 2025. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, nonfiction picture book, history, world war II aftermath]
22. A World Without Summer: A Volcano Erupts, a Creature Awakens, and the Sun Goes Out. Nicholas Day. 2025. 304 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, nonfiction, middle grade nonfiction, history]
23. A Canticle for Leibowitz. Walter M. Miller Jr. 1959. 335 pages. [Source: Bought] [4 stars, science fiction, apocalyptic, post-apocalyptic, classic]
24. Gone With The Wind. Margaret Mitchell. 1936. 1037 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, audio book, classic fiction, historical fiction, adult romance]
25. The Nazi Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill Roosevelt, Stalin, and Churchill. Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch. 2025. 384 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, mg nonfiction, ya nonfiction, world war II]


Books reviewed at Young Readers

5. Pizza and Taco Go Viral (Pizza and Taco #10) Stephen Shaskan. 2026. 72 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, graphic novel, children's series]
6. Earl & Worm: The Big Mess and Other Stories. Greg Pizzoli. 2025. 72 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, early chapter book, animal fantasy]
7. The Tunneler Tunnels in the Tunnel. Michael Rex. 2025. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, beginner reader, ready to read, animal fantasy]
8. Stop that Mop! Jonathan Fenske. 2025. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, beginning reader]
9. Fireworks. Matthew Burgess. Illustrated by Catia Chien. 2025. 44 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, picture books, Caldecott Medal]
10. Great Day for Up. Dr. Seuss. Illustrated by Quentin Blake. 1974. Random House. 36 pages. [Source: Bought] [3 stars, early reader, beginning reader]
11. Would You Rather Be A Bullfrog? Theo LeSieg (Dr. Seuss). Illustrated by Roy McKie. 1975. Random House. 36 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, beginning reader]
12. I Wish That I Had Duck Feet. Dr. Seuss (Writing as Theo LeSieg) Illustrated by B. Tobey. 1965. Random House. 64 pages. [Source: Library]


Books reviewed at Operation Actually Read Bible

7. Searching for Mr. Johnson's Song. Ariel Vanece. Illustrated by Jade Orlando. 2025. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, picture book, hymns, friendship]
8. The Belle of Chatham. Laura Frantz. 2026. 384 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, historical fiction, historical romance, American Revolution]

Bibles reviewed at Operation Actually Read Bible

none!

Totals for 2026

Totals for 2026
Books Read in 2026	45
Pages Read in 2026	9344
January Totals
Books Read in January	21
Pages Read in January	5119
February Totals
Books read in February	24
Pages Read in February	4225

© 2026 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews