June 2025 Book Club Picks
Two books: Protect and Defend by Vince Flynn & Sunny Side Up by Katie Sturino
Let’s Read:
I always pick a book for the month but I also read Gen Padalecki’s book pick for the month along with two or three other books depending on time.
📚 Let’s Read: June 2025 Book Club Picks! 📚
Every month, I choose a book to dive into — but I also love joining Gen Padalecki’s book pick and squeezing in 2-3 more reads when time allows. This month, I’m excited to share my top picks with you!
✨ June 2025 Book Club Picks:
1️⃣ Protect and Defend by Vince Flynn — a thrilling political thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat!
2️⃣ Sunny Side Up by Katie Sturino — a fresh, inspiring read that celebrates confidence and joy.
What are you reading this month? Let’s chat in the comments! 👇
My June 2025 Book Club Pick
Protect and Defend: A White-Knuckle Thriller That Feels All Too Real
By Vince Flynn
The Premise: A World on the Brink
In Protect and Defend, the tenth installment of the Mitch Rapp series, Vince Flynn crafts a pulse-pounding narrative that feels ripped from tomorrow’s headlines. The story opens in Iran, where the government is pouring billions into a nuclear program that threatens not just its neighbors, but global security. Israel, unwilling to wait for international diplomacy to take effect, launches a daring and ingenious operation that destroys Iran’s key nuclear facility—leaving behind a radioactive disaster and a furious Iranian president hell-bent on revenge.
The Plot: Mitch Rapp vs. The Clock
With Iran’s president publicly blaming the U.S. and Israel for the attack—and privately seeking blood—America’s top counterterrorism operative, Mitch Rapp, is thrust into the center of a crisis. Rapp sees opportunity where others see only danger, devising a plan to humiliate Iran’s government and push the nation toward internal revolution. But when a secret meeting between CIA director Irene Kennedy and her Iranian counterpart goes catastrophically wrong, Rapp finds himself in a deadly showdown with a Hezbollah mastermind allied with Iran’s president. He has just 24 hours to prevent an unthinkable catastrophe that could cost thousands of American lives.
Themes and Depth: More Than Just Action
While the novel is packed with relentless action, Flynn also explores the murky moral landscape of international espionage and counterterrorism. The line between hero and villain blurs as Rapp and his allies navigate a world where good intentions are often thwarted by bureaucratic red tape and competing agendas. The book also offers nuanced portrayals of its secondary characters—like the Mossad agent who carries out the nuclear facility’s destruction with regret, or the moderate Iranian intelligence chief who risks everything to advocate for restraint.
Characters: Mitch Rapp and the People Who Matter
Mitch Rapp is at his most compelling here—headstrong, resourceful, and willing to do whatever it takes to protect his country, but also capable of listening to reason and respecting the lines he won’t cross. Irene Kennedy, Rapp’s mentor and friend, is kidnapped, raising the stakes even higher. The supporting cast, including Reilly (who works closely with Rapp to uncover the terrorist plot), adds layers of personal risk and emotional depth to the story.
Why This Book Stands Out
Protect and Defend is a masterclass in pacing and suspense. Flynn deftly weaves together multiple plotlines and perspectives, building tension that never lets up. The novel’s portrayal of international politics and terrorism feels eerily prescient, with events and character motivations that echo real-world crises. Readers are left with more questions than answers, forced to grapple with the complexities of right and wrong in a world where the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Final Thoughts: A Thriller You Won’t Forget
Vince Flynn’s Protect and Defend is more than just escapist entertainment—it’s a gripping, thought-provoking thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. With its explosive action, morally complex characters, and a plot that feels all too plausible, this is a book that lingers long after the final page. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Mitch Rapp or new to Flynn’s work, Protect and Defend is a must-read for anyone who loves high-stakes suspense and smart, fast-paced storytelling.
“Only one man can bring the world back from the brink of nuclear war.”
Let’s Read:
I always pick a book for the month but I also read Gen Padalecki’s book pick for the month along with two or three other books depending on time.
Gen’s June 2025 Book Club Pick
Sunny Side Up by Katie Sturino
Sunny Side Up: A Brunch-Worthy Book About Self-Love and Second Chances
By Katie Sturino
1. The Premise: Meet Sunny Greene
Sunny Greene is thirty-five, recently divorced, facing the looming prospect of going solo to her little brother’s wedding, and currently trying to find anything plus-sized in the Bergdorf Goodman swimsuit department that doesn’t make her want to cry. It’s not going well. But isn’t rock bottom the perfect place to start a climb?
She decides it’s now or never. Sunny has her PR empire, her gorgeous Chelsea apartment, her two dogs, and her loyal best friends. Maybe it's time to just love her body and accept herself for who she is. With a new commitment to confidence, her journey begins. Who says a plus-sized divorcee can’t put herself first, feel beautiful, and date up a storm?
Of course things are never straightforward in the dating world. Is fate knocking at her door with Dennis, the charming and down-to-earth mailman, or should she be with Ted, the business tycoon who seems ready to make her size-inclusive swimsuit brand a reality? And what should she do about her ex, who shows up unexpectedly, eager to reconnect?
With the same candor and confidence her followers love, Sturino brings us Sunny Greene, a Carrie Bradshaw for the next generation, and her journey through the trials and triumphs of dating, friendship, and finding yourself.
2. The Plot: From Heartbreak to Empowerment
After her ex-husband leaves her for a much younger woman, Sunny is forced to confront her insecurities and self-worth. Instead of retreating, she channels her frustration into a bold new venture: launching her own line of size-inclusive swimsuits. The journey is anything but smooth—Sunny faces discrimination, setbacks, and the constant battle against self-doubt. But with the support of her friends and a newfound determination, she begins to rewrite her own story.
Along the way, Sunny navigates the wild world of modern dating, caught between a charming mailman and a magnetic business tycoon. Her romantic escapades are as funny as they are relatable, offering a refreshing take on love, lust, and self-acceptance.
3. Themes: More Than Just a Beach Read
Body Positivity and Self-Love:
Sturino tackles body image with honesty and humor, encouraging readers to embrace their flaws and celebrate what makes them unique.
Friendship and Community:
Sunny’s friends are her rock, providing laughter, tough love, and unwavering support. Their dynamic is a testament to the power of chosen family.
Second Chances:
The novel is a reminder that it’s never too late to start over, chase your dreams, and find happiness on your own terms.
4. Why You’ll Love It
Sunny Side Up is more than just a feel-good novel—it’s a rallying cry for anyone who’s ever felt overlooked or undervalued. Sturino’s writing is sharp, witty, and deeply empathetic, making Sunny’s journey both inspiring and entertaining. Whether you’re healing from heartbreak, searching for confidence, or just in need of a good laugh, this book delivers.
5. Final Thoughts: The Perfect Brunch Companion—and Much More
When you reach the last page of Sunny Side Up, you might just find yourself wishing you could linger a little longer at the table—Sunny’s world is that inviting. This isn’t just a book to devour in one sitting, though you’ll be tempted. It’s a story to savor, to revisit, and to share with friends who need a boost of courage or a reminder that happiness is possible, even after life’s toughest setbacks.
Imagine the best brunch you’ve ever had: the kind where the conversation flows as freely as the coffee (or mimosas, if you’re treating yourself), where you leave feeling seen, supported, and ready to take on the world. That’s the feeling Katie Sturino captures in Sunny Side Up. Sunny Greene’s journey is not just about overcoming heartbreak or launching a business—it’s about rediscovering the joy in the everyday, the power of laughter, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who lift you up.
Sturino’s writing is as warm and welcoming as a sunny patio on a Sunday morning. She doesn’t shy away from the messy, complicated parts of life—instead, she embraces them, showing us that it’s okay to be a work in progress. Sunny’s struggles with self-doubt, body image, and the pressures of modern womanhood are all too familiar, but her resilience and humor make her story universally uplifting.
What makes Sunny Side Up truly special is its ability to blend lighthearted moments with deep, meaningful insights. Whether you’re in the mood for a laugh, a cry, or a little bit of both, this book delivers. It’s the kind of story that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading, inspiring you to rewrite your own narrative and chase your dreams—no matter where you are in your journey.
So, grab your favorite drink, find a cozy spot, and let Sunny Greene remind you that the best endings are the ones you create for yourself. As Sturino so beautifully puts it:
“How many of us were rewriting ourselves, halfway through our story, when we thought we’d already had an ending?”
Sunny Side Up is more than a book—it’s a companion for anyone who’s ever needed a little extra sunshine in their life.—Katie Sturino, Sunny Side Up
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