It’s time for #6degrees. Start at the same place as other wonderful readers, add six books, and see where you end up.
This month we begin with Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke. So much hype. I was completely hooked.
Another that was hyped this year (and that I was also engrossed in) was Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash.
I haven’t written my review for Lost Lambs yet but my only criticism was that Cash was forced into something action-driven toward the end, when I would have been more than satisfied with doing a ‘Franzen’ – i.e. a character-driven, fraught family story that is based around dry humour and that doesn’t truly ‘resolve’. And the best example of this is The Corrections.
The Corrections was the first book I read by Jonathan Franzen and I absolutely loved it, so I was thrilled to discover that there’s a TV series based on the book on the way.
Another TV series in the pipeline is based on Patrick Radden Keefe’s London Falling. London Falling is burning a hole in my reading pocket – so many good books, so little time! It’s next on the list.
In the same reading-pocket is Evelyn Clarke’s The Ending Writes Itself. I’ve signed up to watch Evelyn Clarke (who is actually a collaboration between author V.E. Schwab and screenwriter Cat Clarke) at the Edinburgh International Book Festival.
Also on my Edinburgh list is Douglas Stuart discussing the absolutely stunning John of John.
John of John was my book group’s pick for June and it got a unanimous thumbs-up. Our July pick is Said the Dead by Doireann Ní Ghríofa.
Said the Dead links back to Yesteryear in some ways, making my chain a circle. Where will other chains go? Link up below or post your link in the comments section.
Next month (August 1, 2026), we’ll start with Maggie O’Farrell’s new release (and already a best-seller), Land.
John of John is next on my reading pile. My colleagues are saying the same thing as your book group.
My first 5-star read for this year. Apart from an interesting story, the writing was absolutely beautiful.
The figurine on the cover of Lost Lambs reminds me of looking at old ladies’ china collections during my childhood when we went visiting. Everyone had salt and pepper shaker collections, pretty tea-sets and kitsch figurines back then! Must read Lost Lambs for myself, if only for the cover.
https://rosereadsnovels.wordpress.com/2026/07/04/six-degrees-of-separation-yesteryear-by-caro-claire-burke/
I have about 16 sets of china teacups and saucers – from both my grandmothers, my mother, my mother-in-law, and an aunt – and this is after downsizing a goodly number of them. I always use them for reading group (and used to for my patchwork group too when we met in each other’s homes). I love the memories, and enjoy thinking about the people when I handwash them. I also kept a few kitschy figurines after my parents died because they love them, but I am thinking I’ll keep just one (or two if I keep my Mum’s funny little donkey cart one which I have in the kitchen for things like matches and toothpicks) in our next move. They really aren’t me, but right now they remind me of my parents.
I’m so glad you use the teacups and saucers! I think I remember the donkey and cart from somewhere but can’t remember whose it was, it’s too long ago!
Looking in people’s china cabinets was one of my favourite things to do as a child, the contents were so special, and the combination unique to each person.
I have a few bits and pieces too, not my style either but they are lovely reminders of the people who had them before me.
I used to LOVE looking in my grandma’s ‘crystal cabinet’ where she kept her teacups and other knick-knacks. All of her teacups had a story 🙂
Yes!!!
Absolutely! And yes read that donkey and cat stop when I was downsizing, I googled a lot of the objects to help my decision making or just to find out a bit about it, and that one did come up. So, while it’s nothing special in terms of value, it’s clearly something that was popular in its time and not just a weird one off. I wish though I had the decorator’s skill of how to make my eclecticism look great!
I also have teacups and saucers – not as many as you, but the ones I have come from my grandmothers and are sentimental. The other things I have kept are Hummel figurines – very kitschy but I also love their German-ness! I recently found a Hummel lamp base at an op-shop for a bargain price – I understand why someone would have sent it to the op-shop but lucky me, I love it!
Op shops are the best!
I wonder if original owner of your lamp would have been delighted that it went to someone who loves it, or cross with her family for getting rid of her precious things! I’m sure my own precious bits and pieces will eventually end up at an op shop.
I completely understand keeping something like the Hummel figurines, because we (some of us) keep objects not because of what society or culture thinks about them, but of what they mean to us and the memories they bring. Most of the things I kept in my downsizing are things that those people who like to keep up with modern trends look at askance, but they remind me daily of all those special people in my life, many of whom are no longer here. They are so important.
The cover is brilliant (and is why I was drawn to the book in the first place). The ‘lost lambs’ do have relevance in the story but not in the context of kitschy figurines. As I said, I could forgive the flaws in the last part of the book because Cash’s brand of humour was spot-on for me.
All the more reason for me to hurry up and read this book!
I really liked The corrections, but I certainly can’t remember the ending so I’m glad it was one of those not-neat ones. I like family stories told with wit or humour. I have heard some good things about John of John. My group loved Shuggie Bain, I wonder if they would be happy to read another one by him. Sometimes we say no to the idea.
Anyhow, for #SixDegrees I decided to honour NAIDOC week starting tomorrow, so mine is less varied than usual: https://whisperinggums.com/2026/07/04/six-degrees-of-separation-from-yesteryear-to/
I loved Shuggie Bain as well but I think in terms of book group discussion, John provided more content – some really interesting themes and characters that divided opinion (even though the overall sentiment was that everyone loved it).
That’s great to hear Kate. I love a book where the overall impression in our reading group is positive despite having different opinions about the characters or themes or ending etc.
Very good chain. Very creative. https://hopewellslibraryoflife.wordpress.com/2026/07/03/six-degrees-of-separation-yesteryear-by-caro-claire-burke/
Here is my chain:
https://perfectretort.blogspot.com/2026/07/six-degrees-of-separation-from.html
I had The Ending Writes Itself out from the library and it was due before I had a chance to read it – I need to put it on hold again!
I was working in publishing in 2001 when Franzen dissed Oprah after she selected his book and made him a bestseller. We felt bad for his publisher as he was so ungracious. The rest of us were desperate to get our books even considered! And she got a lot of people reading so I did not see why he was such a snob.
Well, I’ve NO interest in reading Yesteryear, and I didn’t care much for Connections (I truly disliked how he portrays women in that book). But hey… LAND is our starter for next month and I’m reading it NOW! Here’s mine https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2026/07/04/tcls-6degrees-of-separation-for-july-4-2026/
You’re right. John of John is completely stunning. I wonder how long before it finds itself in one of my 6 Degrees chains? It’s not here this month: here’s mine: https://margaret21.com/2026/07/04/six-degrees-of-separation-from-yesteryear-to-prophet-song/
Hope you enjoy your Edinburgh Book Festival events. I haven’t decided what to go to yet. There wasn’t much which appealed this year actually.
I can’t add my link – it’s too long so will put it here!
https://portobellobookblog.com/2026/07/04/6degrees-of-separation-for-july-2026-from-yesteryear-to-the-time-travelers-wife-booksky-%f0%9f%92%99%f0%9f%93%9a/
Nice to see Said The Dead pop up on your chain. I plan to read it this month.
John of John is on my list and I’ve missed all the Yesteryear hype so thanks for introducing it to me, I haven’t read it yet but it does sound fun!
https://justreadingabook.wordpress.com/2026/07/04/six-degrees-from-yesteryear/
I agree with you about the action-driven strand in Lost Lambs. Looking forward to John of John and Said the Dead.
Here’s my chain: https://alifeinbooks.co.uk/2026/07/six-degrees-of-separation-yesteryear-to-the-amazing-adventures-of-kavalier-and-klay/
Interesting start. I am often not a big fan of hyped books (like The Corrections, sorry, I didn’t like that at all) but found your chain totally interesting.
I kept with books with the word Year in its title and wonder how many others had that idea, as well:
https://momobookblog.blogspot.com/2026/07/six-degrees-of-separation-yesteryear.html
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This my first time participating!
I love that your chain took you through the Edinburgh Book Festival. Have a great time!
I do love me a somewhat circular chain! Am just writing my post now and should be available tomorrow, so I will link it then, but I’m struggling as always when the starting point is a book I haven’t read.
I missed the June 6 Degrees! And only realised it was time for it again when I saw other bloggers’ posts. The Ending Writes Itself appeals to me out of your chain.
I haven’t read any of the books you chose, but I always admire your creative connections.
Mine is French this time: https://wordsandpeace.com/2026/07/04/six-degrees-of-separation-parisinjuly2026/
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