“It’s so hard to call what people are capable of. So many with dark minds live perfectly ordinary lives, holding down demanding jobs. Matthew’s learned to keep an open mind. Always.” – 3.5/5 stars!
Attention! This book contains: letters, pregnancies, elephant curtains, lemon yellow dresses, shootings, private investigators, Canada, graduation ceremonies, cathedrals, and hospital rooms.
A gripping psychological thriller from the bestselling author of I Am Watching You. The perfect family? Or the perfect lie?
It’s their daughter’s graduation and Rachel and Ed Hartley are expecting it to be one of their family’s happiest days. But when she stumbles and falls on stage during the ceremony, a beautiful moment turns to chaos: Gemma has been shot, and just like that, she’s fighting for her life.
PI Matthew Hill is one of the first on the scene. A cryptic message Gemma received earlier in the day suggests someone close to her was about to be exposed. But who? As Matthew starts to investigate, he finds more and more layers obscuring the truth. He even begins to suspect the Hartleys are hiding something big—from him and from each other.
While Gemma lies in hospital in a coma, her would-be killer is still out there. Can Matthew unravel the family’s secrets before the attacker strikes again?
The story was okay. Not a terrible thriller, not an amazing one either. I think what kind of ruined the story for me was the fact that I saw the revelation coming from early on (not about everything, but for the most part), so I wasn’t very impressed. This is obviously not the author’s fault, but that’s why I wasn’t surprised by the events that followed. I would really enjoy more unpredictable twists and turns for the story, instead of so much dialogue (inner, and between characters). It was still an enjoyable read… just a little too predictable for my taste.
“She’s capable of so little yet accused of so much, and I remain torn between wanting to protect her and the urge to suspect her.” – 5/5 stars!
Attention! This book contains: wheelchairs, cliffs, murders, caretakers, strokes, and typewriters.
At seventeen, Lenora Hope Hung her sister with a rope
Now reduced to a schoolyard chant, the Hope family murders shocked the Maine coast one bloody night in 1929. While most people assume seventeen-year-old Lenora was responsible, the police were never able to prove it. Other than her denial after the killings, she has never spoken publicly about that night, nor has she set foot outside Hope’s End, the cliffside mansion where the massacre occurred.
Stabbed her father with a knife Took her mother’s happy life
It’s now 1983, and home-health aide Kit McDeere arrives at a decaying Hope’s End to care for Lenora after her previous nurse fled in the middle of the night. In her seventies and confined to a wheelchair, Lenora was rendered mute by a series of strokes and can only communicate with Kit by tapping out sentences on an old typewriter. One night, Lenora uses it to make a tantalizing offer—I want to tell you everything.
“It wasn’t me,” Lenora said But she’s the only one not dead
As Kit helps Lenora write about the events leading to the Hope family massacre, it becomes clear there’s more to the tale than people know. But when new details about her predecessor’s departure come to light, Kit starts to suspect Lenora might not be telling the complete truth—and that the seemingly harmless woman in her care could be far more dangerous than she first thought.
This book was INSANEEE! I’m fully convinced Riley Sager can’t write a bad book because… WOW, what the hell just happened? It was so difficult to put this book down because there was always something going on. The writing is amazing! It’s crazy the number of plot twists and turns this book has. I also really liked the pacing and the creepy gothic atmosphere; it really set the tone for the story. I think it’s so interesting that this author creates stories that are so full of detail and with plenty of characters that the reader can’t trust. I can’t even fathom how authors put together books like this! Of course, I had no idea what was going on until the very end… and I could never have predicted it! I think for now it’s safe to say Riley Sager has become my go-to thriller author, and I can’t recommend his books enough!
“I dare you to wait for me. The real me. The sober me. The best me who wants to spend the rest of his days getting drunk on life with you.” – 3/5 stars!
Attention! This book contains: lake houses, alcohol, and childhood best friends.
Callahan I’m the Kane brother everyone gossips about behind closed doors. Trust fund brat. Washed-up athlete. High-functioning alcoholic. No one knows the real me but her. Lana Castillo—my childhood best friend and the only woman I ever loved. When I broke her heart six years ago, I promised to never return to Lake Wisteria. I kept my word until my grandfather’s will changed everything. To receive my inheritance, I was tasked with spending a summer at the family lake house before selling it. The request was simple in theory until my entire plan blew up on the very first day. Turns out Lana doesn’t just live at the house, but she claims to own it, too.
Alana Falling in love with Callahan Kane was a mistake. He told me so before destroying my heart and our friendship six summers ago. When he promised never to come back, I foolishly believed him. But then Cal showed up again, intending to sell his grandfather’s lake house. The biggest flaw in his plan? My name is on the deed.
Hmmm, it was okay. I think I prefer the two other books if I’m being honest – I liked Cal, but I think I connected better with the other two brothers and their stories. The story in particular was more emotionally charged compared to the other books. It was also a little sad, with him struggling with being an alcoholic and Alana being abandoned and having to take care of her kid alone. The romance was cute. I did like that it was more of a slow-burning kind of romance, but I’m not the biggest fan of the second-chance trope, so this was another reason why I didn’t connect to this book as much. I liked the different tone of this book (being more on the emotional side), and the pacing was pretty good as well. I was not bored! Overall, the series was okay. I had high expectations because everyone seems to love this series, but it wasn’t as good as I thought, to be honest.
“… I think for some people the purpose of a memoir is to really display the facts, to share the story exactly how it hapopened. And while I worked to make sure this story was as honest as possible, that was never the point for me. This book was never about sharing memories; it was about sharing a feeling. I don’t care what year the competition was it what dress I was actually wearing; I care about how it felt to be there; how it felt to win. And that’s why I avoided all memorabilia. It seemed like driving to the rink to take a look of finding the pictures from my childhood iPhone would tell a different story, an external story. I wanted every moment in this book to come from my own head, with all its flaws and inconsistencies.” – 3/5 stars!
Poignant and captivating, Ignatz Award winner Tillie Walden’s powerful graphic memoir, Spinning, captures what it’s like to come of age, come out, and come to terms with leaving behind everything you used to know. It was the same every morning. Wake up, grab the ice skates, and head to the rink while the world was still dark. Weekends were spent in glitter and tights at competitions. Perform. Smile. And do it again. She was good. She won. And she hated it. For ten years, figure skating was Tillie Walden’s life. She woke before dawn for morning lessons, went straight to group practice after school, and spent weekends competing at ice rinks across the state. It was a central piece of her identity, her safe haven from the stress of school, bullies, and family. But over time, as she switched schools, got into art, and fell in love with her first girlfriend, she began to question how the close-minded world of figure skating fit in with the rest of her life, and whether all the work was worth it given the reality: that she, and her friends on the figure skating team, were nowhere close to Olympic hopefuls. It all led to one question: What was the point? The more Tillie thought about it, the more Tillie realized she’d outgrown her passion–and she finally needed to find her own voice.
I was in the mood to grab a graphic novel, and this seemed really cute, so why not give it a go? To be honest, it was just okay – it did feel a bit flat to me. I didn’t even know this was a memoir until about halfway through the book. It’s very focused on the author’s life growing up and her experience as a competitive skater (I mean, duh, it’s a memoir), but I struggled with keeping my interest in what was going on and the challenges the author was facing. I get that it was a coming-of-age kind of narrative where she is discovering herself, but it lacked… something. Now that I’m thinking about it, it just seems like the book was unnecessarily long, with weird pacing… and a little boring. It’s not my intent to criticize the author and her life, but I think the book could have been put together in a different way, all while being true to her story. The art was beautiful, though! And I also really liked how in the beginning of each chapter we get skater “tricks” (I don’t know what else to call them) and how to do them. That was a really nice touch! Overall, it was just alright… I guess it just wasn’t for me.
“What is your body telling you? What thoughts are running through your head? Ignoring the alarms, numbing them by mindlessly scrolling through Instagram, or trying to drown them out with that third beer or that thirteenth episode of your favorite show will only depress the problems and make them worse down the road.” – 4.5/5 stars!
Attention! This book contains: anxiety, counseling, mental health, alarms, and listening to your own body.
Anxiety is real—but it isn’t the end of your story. Dr. John Delony knows what anxiety feels like. He’s walked that dark road himself, but he found light and hope on the other side of it. Bringing together his own journey and two decades of counseling and research, he walks you John will show you that most of what you’ve heard about anxiety is wrong. Things While mental health is complex, our culture has made anxiety into something it’s not. For the majority of people who face anxiety, the truth is simpler than we anxiety is an alarm . It’s a signal—nothing more and nothing less. Anxiety is simply our body’s way of telling us something is wrong. If we stop and listen, we can calm the alarm and move forward into healing and hope.
Dr. John never disappoints! This was a nice, quick read, full of great information on how to deal with anxiety. I really appreciated Dr. John’s perspective on the topic, and it was surprising for me to know that he has his own struggles with it – I always looked at Dr. John as a cool, calm, and collected kind of person, so it was a little unexpected! I found this small book insightful and genuinely helpful for anyone struggling with anxiety – I just wish it had been a full-length book! It was very straight to the point, very practical-oriented advice, and without fluff. I would definitely recommend it to readers facing the same challenge.
“Remember, you have been criticizing yourself for years and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens.” – 5/5 stars!
Louise’s key message in this powerful work “If we are willing to do the mental work, almost anything can be healed.” Louise explains how limiting beliefs and ideas are often the cause of illness, and how you can change your thinking … and improve the quality of your life! Packed with powerful information and beautiful four-color illustrations — you’ll love this gem of a book!
I honestly loved this book so much, I read it back to back twice in 2 days – pretty cool for someone who hasn’t picked a book in months, huh? I’m familiar with Louise Hay and her work, and I have read a few books from her before, but this was the first time reading this one. If I understood correctly, it seems like this was the first book she wrote, which is very impressive. This book spoke to my soul! Here, Louise Hay speaks about how we can heal our lives through our thoughts and beliefs. It’s not only about physical health, but improving the quality of your life in all areas. No matter what you believe in, I would say the least you can take from this book is a dose of inspiration and good energy. I have so much love for Louise Hay, and I couldn’t be thankful enough for stumbling over her books when I need them the most. I would recommend all of her books, but if I had to pick one, definitely pick up “Mirror Work”, which is excellent!
I know I’ve been away for some time, but I’m slowly coming back to writing and reading! The last few months have been rough, and the truth is that I needed to focus my energy on other areas of my life – meaning, reading was not my priority. Now, with that said, I’m very excited to read again and continue sharing my reads with you! It’s probably going to be a slow comeback, but I’ll get there. Just be patient with me, pretty please. 🙂
So, for today, I’m bringing you my Wrap Up! Spoiler alert, it’s not a huge list as you’ll see in a second, but I still wanted to share with you the book that brought me back to reading. So yes, I only read one book in July (closer to the end of the month), unplanned. As you can probably tell, I’ve not been following a very structured TBR – or any TBR if I’m being honest. My goal for now is just to slowly get back to reading, so I’m not really thinking about doing too much planning at the moment.
I’m still happy I read at least one book in July! Let’s take a look:
1. You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay: 5/5⭐
Ta-daa! Here is the beauty that revived my joy of reading. I honestly loved this book so much, I read it back to back twice in 2 days – pretty cool for someone who hasn’t picked a book in months, huh? I’m familiar with Louise Hay and her work, and I have read a few books from her before, but this was the first time reading this one. If I understood correctly, it seems like this was the first book she wrote, which is very impressive. This book spoke to my soul! Here, Louise Hay speaks about how we can heal our lives through our thoughts and beliefs. It’s not only about physical health, but improving the quality of your life in all areas. No matter what you believe in, I would say the least you can take from this book is a dose of inspiration and good energy. I have so much love for Louise Hay, and I couldn’t be thankful enough for stumbling over her books when I need them the most. I would recommend all of her books, but if I had to pick one, definitely pick up “Mirror Work”, which is excellent!
Synopsis
“Louise’s key message in this powerful work “If we are willing to do the mental work, almost anything can be healed.” Louise explains how limiting beliefs and ideas are often the cause of illness, and how you can change your thinking … and improve the quality of your life! Packed with powerful information and beautiful four-color illustrations — you’ll love this gem of a book!”
As usual, I’ll be posting the review for this book, so stay tuned! What about you guys? How was your reading month? Let me know in the comments! Thank you for reading friends, I’ll catch you guys later!
I hope you’re doing well! It’s time for my monthly Wrap Up as usual. 🙂
In total, I ended up reading 4 books in May: three I originally had for my TBR… and the other one I couldn’t help but grab!
I guess you could say this was a magical month because I was obsessed with Harry Potter! In May, this magical series was definitely the highlight. Not only did I read one Harry Potter book (part of the original TBR plan), but I also read one more, just because it was difficult to put the story down!
With all the fun I had reading, there’s no way I could consider this a bad reading month! But enough rambling, let’s take a look at the books I read, shall we?
This is the list I have to share with you today! Let’s take a closer look:
1. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Harry Potter #2) by J.K. Rowling: 5/5⭐
I mean… I don’t think I could give this book a rating lower than 5 – same for the other books, if I’m being honest. I’m sure you know the story of this book, so I’m not going to tell you anything new. It was a great book, full of magic, adventure, friendship, and growth!
Synopsis
“The Dursleys were so mean and hideous that summer that all Harry Potter wanted was to get back to the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. But just as he’s packing his bags, Harry receives a warning from a strange, impish creature named Dobby who says that if Harry Potter returns to Hogwarts, disaster will strike. And strike it does. For in Harry’s second year at Hogwarts, fresh torments and horrors arise, including an outrageously stuck-up new professor, Gilderoy Lockhart, a spirit named Moaning Myrtle who haunts the girls’ bathroom, and the unwanted attentions of Ron Weasley’s younger sister, Ginny. But each of these seem minor annoyances when the real trouble begins, and someone, or something, starts turning Hogwarts students to stone. Could it be Draco Malfoy, a more poisonous rival than ever? Could it possibly be Hagrid, whose mysterious past is finally told? Or could it be the one everyone at Hogwarts most suspects: Harry Potter himself?”
2. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Harry Potter #3) by J.K. Rowling: 5/5⭐
See, I was planning on reading this book only in June… but I couldn’t wait! I’m very surprised by my desire to not wait and keep reading this amazing series – but the heart wants what it wants, so I’ll obey! It’s obvious the books are different from the movies, but I think in this book that gap showed up more, and I suspect it will keep getting bigger as the series progresses. Again, another great book that left me wanting to keep reading.
Synopsis
“For twelve long years, the dread fortress of Azkaban held an infamous prisoner named Sirius Black. Convicted of killing thirteen people with a single curse, he was said to be the heir apparent to the Dark Lord, Voldemort. Now he has escaped, leaving only two clues as to where he might be headed: Harry Potter’s defeat of You-Know-Who was Black’s downfall as well. And the Azkaban guards heard Black muttering in his sleep, “He’s at Hogwarts… he’s at Hogwarts.” Harry Potter isn’t safe, not even within the walls of his magical school, surrounded by his friends. Because on top of it all, there may be a traitor in their midst.”
3. Done and Dusted (Rebel Blue Ranch #1) by Lyla Sage 3.25/5⭐
This was a fun little read as well. I think I looked at the cover and thought this wouldn’t be a contemporary read, but I was wrong. It was an okay book, not a mind-blowing book, but I still had fun reading it. Hope the next books have better plots!
Synopsis
“She’s off-limits, but he’s never been good at following the rules. For the first time in her life, Clementine “Emmy” Ryder has no idea what she’s doing. She’s accomplished everything on her to-do list. She left her small hometown of Meadowlark, Wyoming; went to college; and made a career for herself by doing her favorite thing: riding horses. But after an accident makes it impossible for her to get back into the saddle, she has no choice but to return to the hometown she always wanted to escape. Luke Brooks is Meadowlark’s most notorious bad boy, bar owner, and bachelor. He’s also the unofficial fifth member of the Ryder family. As Emmy’s older brother’s best friend, Luke spent most of his childhood antagonizing her. It’s been years since he’s seen her, but when she walks into his bar and back into his life, he can’t take his eyes off her. Despite his better judgment, he wants to do a whole lot more than just look at her. Emmy’s got too much on her mind to think about romance. And Luke knows he should stay away from his best friend’s younger sister. But what if Luke is just what Emmy needs to get her spark back? Or will they both go up in flames?”
4. Twilight (Twilight Saga #1) by Stephanie Meyer: 4/5⭐
I can’t believe I finally read the first book of the Twilight Saga! To be honest, I’m not super familiar with the entire story, but I’ve watched the first movie a few times, so I kind of knew what to expect with this book. Now that I have read it, I definitely understand why it was so popular when it came out. The story and romance are not exactly my cup of tea, but I still enjoyed reading it. Here I come, second book!
Synopsis
“About three things I was absolutely positive. First, Edward was a vampire. Second, there was a part of him-and I didn’t know how dominant that part might be-that thirsted for my blood. And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him.”
As usual, I’ll be posting the reviews for these books, so stay tuned!
What about you guys? How was your reading month? Let me know in the comments! Thank you for reading friends, I’ll catch you guys later!
I know I’ve been MIA lately, but I still wanted to give you an update on my reading! I’m taking a bit of a break at the moment, but I’ll be back soon. 🙂
If you read my latest post on How I Create My Monthly TBR Lists, you already know my magical formula to create a fantastic reading month that fits me, my reading goals, and my available time. This is the formula I’m planning on sticking to for this year:
📖 At least 1 paperback 🎧 2 audiobooks 📱 1 ebook 📚 1 manga volume
Other rules include: reading 3 different genres, 1 book from a series, and 1 book from my30 Oldest Books on my TBR list. It seems like a lot, but it’s really not!
But… well, this month things will be a little different! Since I’ve been struggling a lot with time and energy lately, I’ve decided to focus not only on audiobooks in June, but also on series I’m really enjoying at the moment! I’m still planning on listening to 6 books, but it will only be in the audiobook format. I’m just not in the right headspace to read physical/digital books at the moment, and it’s okay!
So without further ado, here are the books I’m planning on reading next:
Yup, this is the list I have to share with you today! Let’s take a closer look:
1. New Moon (The Twilight Saga #2) by Stephanie Meyer
I enjoyed the first book, and I’m excited to read the rest of the story! To be honest, it’s a little “Wattpad-y” for my taste, but I’m still enjoying it for what it is. We’ll see how the story progresses!
Synopsis
“For Bella Swan, there is one thing more important than life itself: Edward Cullen. But being in love with a vampire is even more dangerous than Bella could ever have imagined. Edward has already rescued Bella from the clutches of one evil vampire, but now, as their daring relationship threatens all that is near and dear to them, they realize their troubles may be just beginning…”
2. Eclipse (The Twilight Saga #3) by Stephanie Meyer
I decided to add one more book from the Twilight Saga! I think it will be doable to read two books from this series in June.
Synopsis
“”BELLA?” Edward’s soft voice came from behind me. I turned to see him spring lightly up the porch steps, his hair windblown from running. He pulled me into his arms at once, just like he had in the parking lot, and kissed me again. This kiss frightened me. There was too much tension, too strong an edge to the way his lips crushed mine – like he was afraid we had only so much time left to us. As Seattle is ravaged by a string of mysterious killings and a malicious vampire continues her quest for revenge, Bella once again finds herself surrounded by danger. In the midst of it all, she is forced to choose between her love for Edward and her friendship with Jacob – knowing that her decision has the potential to ignite the ageless struggle between vampire and werewolf. With her graduation quickly approaching, Bella has one more decision to make: life or death. But which is which?”
3. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Harry Potter #4) by J.K. Rowling
I’m soooo excited for this book! This was one of my favorite Harry Potter movies, so I’m very excited to see what the book is all about. I believe this will have more detail that has never reached the movie, so I’m very curious to know what I’ll learn. I just know I’m going to have a great time reading this.
Synopsis
“Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is the pivotal fourth novel in the seven-part tale of Harry Potter’s training as a wizard and his coming of age. Harry wants to get away from the pernicious Dursleys and go to the International Quidditch Cup with Hermione, Ron, and the Weasleys. He wants to dream about Cho Chang, his crush (and maybe do more than dream). He wants to find out about the mysterious event involving two other rival schools of magic, and a competition that hasn’t happened for a hundred years. He wants to be a normal, fourteen-year-old wizard. Unfortunately for Harry Potter, he’s not normal — even by wizarding standards. And in this case, different can be deadly.“
4. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Harry Potter #5) by J.K. Rowling
I already know I’m going to have trouble NOT grabbing the next book, so there’s no point in not adding it to the June TBR… so here it is! I’m having so much fun reading this series, and I already know I’m going to keep rereading it for the rest of my life. I’m also curious to discover all the things the movies never mentioned!
Synopsis
“It’s official: the evil Lord Voldemort has returned. His influence is suddenly everywhere in the Wizarding world, and his former allies, the Death Eaters, are returning to his side in droves. In response, the Order of the Phoenix, which worked to stop him during his last rise to power, has reconvened. This time, all of the adults Harry trusts have joined in. And even though Harry is at the center of many of their plans — Voldemort is intent on killing him, after all — they want so badly to protect him that they are keeping him completely out of the loop. Problems are cropping up at Hogwarts, too, where government officials are meddling in just about everything. And just because Voldemort and the Death Eaters are threatening open warfare does not mean that fifth–year students get out of their exams. Meanwhile, Harry’s powerful connection to Voldemort seems to be growing even stronger, as he realizes that he has direct access to the Dark Lord’s mind. It’s time for Harry and his friends to take drastic action, but the course they choose will have terrible unforeseen consequences. Truly dangerous times have arrived in the fifth Harry Potter novel, but it never loses the trademark fun, excitement, and wonder at the possibilities of magic.”
5. Swifted and Saddled (Rebel Blue Ranch #2) by Lyla Sage
I liked the first book, but I’m hoping the books after that will be even better! So this story is about Wes, who is Emmy’s brother! He seems sweet, so I’m curious to read about his love story. I don’t have high expectations for this book, so I won’t be disappointed in case I don’t like the story… if I’m being honest, I’m more curious about Gus and Teddy’s story (the book after this one)! We’ll see.
Synopsis
“She’s the city girl who refuses to be saddled with a man. He’s the cowboy who wants her anyway. The last thing Ada Hart needs is a man to take care of her. Not anymore. After failing out of her interior design program and the disaster that was her short-lived marriage, Ada clawed her way up from her rock bottom. Now, the only person she trusts is herself, and that has gotten her further than ever before. She has her own business, and one of the largest ranches in Wyoming just hired her for the most important project of her career. When Ada arrives in Meadowlark, she finds herself in a dive bar where she can’t seem to shake the eyes of a handsome cowboy. When she leads him to the back of the bar, he leaves her with a kiss that most people can only fantasize about. She almost regrets that she’ll never see him again . . . except it turns out he’s her new boss. Weston Ryder is a happy guy. Even happier now that the mystery woman from the bar is the interior designer for his dream project on his family’s ranch. He feels like he hit the jackpot. It’s too bad she wants absolutely nothing to do with him outside of work. Ada is convinced the pull she feels toward Wes will go away, but Wes can’t stop thinking about her. Even though walls are coming down around Rebel Blue, Ada’s walls are firmly in place. Can they make it through this project without giving in? Or will they both put their dreams on the line for a chance at love?”
6. Tokyo Ever After (Tokyo Ever After #1) by Emiko Jean
To balance things out a little, I decided to add a lighter read, and this was my choice! It seems to be a really cute duology, so why not? It’s giving “princess of Genovia but in Japan” vibes, and I’m here for it! Also, it has really good reviews, so I’m excited to read this story.
Synopsis
“Izumi Tanaka has never really felt like she fit in—it isn’t easy being Japanese American in her small, mostly white, northern California town. Raised by a single mother, it’s always been Izumi—or Izzy, because “It’s easier this way”—and her mom against the world. But then Izzy discovers a clue to her previously unknown father’s identity… and he’s none other than the Crown Prince of Japan. Which means outspoken, irreverent Izzy is literally a princess. In a whirlwind, Izzy travels to Japan to meet the father she never knew and discover the country she always dreamed of. But being a princess isn’t all ball gowns and tiaras. There are conniving cousins, a hungry press, a scowling but handsome bodyguard who just might be her soulmate, and thousands of years of tradition and customs to learn practically overnight. Izzy soon finds herself caught between worlds, and between versions of herself—back home, she was never “American” enough, and in Japan, she must prove she’s “Japanese” enough. Will Izumi crumble under the weight of the crown, or will she live out her fairytale, happily ever after?”
Aaaand there you have it friends, my TBR list! As usual, I hope you liked this post! Let me know if you have any recommendations for me. You know I’m always grateful for those!
I hope you’re doing amazing! You know the drill; it’s time for the monthly Wrap Up. Can you believe we’re already in May? This year is flying by!
It’s funny how I thought I wouldn’t be able to read much this month, but fortunately, I was able to still fit some reading here and there! Even though I really wanted to read certain books that I wasn’t able to (yet), I still think I read a good number of books this month!
I ended up reading 9 books in April: two I originally had for my April TBR, one is the last book of a series I started a few months ago, another one is the first book of a series I wanted to start months ago, and the remaining five were random books I grabbed during the month!
So all in all… it wasn’t that bad of a reading month! I guess the only thing I would want to be different is the fact that I didn’t focus on my TBR as much as I wanted, so I ended up picking random books that sounded interesting at the time. Again, nothing too serious! 🙂
So, enough rambling! Let’s take a look at the books I read in April, shall we?
This is the list I have to share with you today! Let’s take a closer look:
1. Spinning by Tillie Walden: 3/5⭐
I’ve been wanting to read a graphic novel again for a while now, and this was a perfect quick read for the job! The story was okay-ish.
Synopsis
“Poignant and captivating, Ignatz Award winner Tillie Walden’s powerful graphic memoir, Spinning, captures what it’s like to come of age, come out, and come to terms with leaving behind everything you used to know. It was the same every morning. Wake up, grab the ice skates, and head to the rink while the world was still dark. Weekends were spent in glitter and tights at competitions. Perform. Smile. And do it again. She was good. She won. And she hated it. For ten years, figure skating was Tillie Walden’s life. She woke before dawn for morning lessons, went straight to group practice after school, and spent weekends competing at ice rinks across the state. It was a central piece of her identity, her safe haven from the stress of school, bullies, and family. But over time, as she switched schools, got into art, and fell in love with her first girlfriend, she began to question how the close-minded world of figure skating fit in with the rest of her life, and whether all the work was worth it given the reality: that she, and her friends on the figure skating team, were nowhere close to Olympic hopefuls. It all led to one question: What was the point? The more Tillie thought about it, the more Tillie realized she’d outgrown her passion–and she finally needed to find her own voice.”
2. How to Ikigai by Tim Tamashiro: 3/5⭐
Well, this wasn’t my favorite book of the month for sure, but it wasn’t as bad as either. I picked this up randomly during the month, but to be honest, I didn’t get a lot from this book. It ended up being a little too repetitive and generic (assuming you’re already familiar with the concept). I personally think there are better books about the subject out there!
Synopsis
“Discover the secret to lasting happiness and longevity in this transformative self-help book based on the ancient Japanese, time-tested wisdom of Ikigai. Find joy in life’s journey with Ikigai. This ancient wisdom from Okinawa, Japan, can illuminate your path to self-improvement. Okinawa, Japan is a tiny island south of the Japanese mainland where people live their life’s purpose every day. How to Ikigai explores the lifestyle choices that have led to an island full of fulfilled, long-living people. Embrace longevity through the Ikigai philosophy. Learn to age gracefully, armed with the secrets of one of the longest-living communities on earth. By integrating Ikigai into your life, you foster an attitude of gratitude, infuse your days with happiness, and inspire purposeful living. How to Ikigai explains a simple four-directions map for living a meaningful life. Do what you love, do what you’re good at, do what the world needs, and do what you can be rewarded for. An engaging exploration of the Ikigai philosophy, offering profound insights into finding your life purposePractical steps for implementing Ikigai in your everyday life, paving the way for happiness and self-improvementPowerful narratives showcasing Ikigai in action, like the inspiring story of David Michiels. If you liked books such as Awakening Your Ikigai, My Little Ikigai Journal, or The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life, you’ll love How to Ikigai. Also, be sure to listen to Kate Hudson and Oliver Hudson’s podcast exploring Ikigai with Tim Tamashiro.”
3. Butts: A Backstory by Heather Radke: 2.75/5⭐
I had high hopes for this book! I saw this book somewhere, and I thought the title was hilarious, so of course, I had to add it to my TBR! I like to read books about random topics, so I didn’t think too much about it when I decided to pick it up. The author warned in the beginning that this wouldn’t be an extensive science book about butts – which I was totally fine with, and I adapted my expectations while continuing reading the book. Now, with that said, this was a little disappointing. I was enjoying it at first, but as the book progressed, the author started inserting herself (and her opinions) more and more into the book. But to me that wasn’t the biggest issue – what I disliked most about this book is how it’s not really a book about butts. The chapters start with it as a topic (and kind of a justification of why the topic is being mentioned), but I noticed that the focus kept going to other things. I would describe this book more as a book about the female body throughout the years – and there’s also a lot about race too. I found some chapters fascinating and informative, for example Sara Baartman’s chapter, but other chapters like Miley Cyrus’s felt a little too biased and less relevant. Even though I wasn’t expecting a full-on science book, I still wished the author focused more on informing the reader, and kept the butt topic as a main focus.
Synopsis
“Whether we love them or hate them, think they’re sexy, think they’re strange, consider them too big, too small, or anywhere in between, humans have a complicated relationship with butts. It is a body part unique to humans, critical to our evolution and survival, and yet it has come to signify so much more: sex, desire, comedy, shame. A woman’s butt, in particular, is forever being assessed, criticized, and objectified, from anxious self-examinations trying on jeans in department store dressing rooms to enduring crass remarks while walking down a street or high school hallways. But why? In Butts: A Backstory, reporter, essayist, and RadioLab contributing editor Heather Radke is determined to find out. Spanning nearly two centuries, this “whip-smart” (Publishers Weekly, starred review) cultural history takes us from the performance halls of 19th-century London to the aerobics studios of the 1980s, the music video set of Sir Mix-a-Lot’s “Baby Got Back” and the mountains of Arizona, where every year humans and horses race in a feat of gluteal endurance. Along the way, she meets evolutionary biologists who study how butts first developed; models whose measurements have defined jean sizing for millions of women; and the fitness gurus who created fads like “Buns of Steel.” She also examines the central importance of race through figures like Sarah Bartmann, once known as the “Venus Hottentot,” Josephine Baker, Jennifer Lopez, and other women of color whose butts have been idolized, envied, and despised. Part deep dive reportage, part personal journey, part cabinet of curiosities, Butts is an entertaining, illuminating, and thoughtful examination of why certain silhouettes come in and out of fashion—and how larger ideas about race, control, liberation, and power affect our most private feelings about ourselves and others.”
4. Out of Control (Full Throttle #4) by K. Bromberg: 4/5⭐
As a conclusion to the series, this was great, but if we’re focusing on the book’s story itself… I wanted a bit more. Don’t get me wrong, I still enjoyed it, but since this book centers around one of the most talked-about characters from the previous installments – and especially a villain – I was expecting a little more… darkness? Like I said, I did like the story, but perhaps my high expectations got the best of me here! Still a good read.
Synopsis
“Every story needs a villain. The arrogance. The conceit. The lone wolf. Oliver Rossi is that person on the track. And leave it to me… I’ve gone and fallen for him. Rossi is his own worst enemy. He doesn’t care what people think or what’s expected of him. And he’s reached the pinnacle of his sport because of his bad boy ways. He’s unpredictable and reckless on the track. He’s even worse off of it. After years of circling around each other, all it took was one night, one uncharacteristic act of chivalry, to know I wanted more with the man everyone hates. Forget the warnings from my brother about his new teammate and the fallout from my family—he’s worth the risk. With his job on the line and eyes always on us, secret trysts are all we allow ourselves. It’s all fun and games until lust turns to love and for now begins to feel like not enough. I want it all. I want forever. And I want it with Oliver Rossi. But is Rossi willing to show the world he’s ready to move past his villain era so we can have our own happily ever after or will this whole thing spin out of control?”
5. Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins: 4.25/5⭐
I really liked this book! I wasn’t planning on reading it this month, but I needed a break between all the fantasy books I was reading, and this was a perfect fit at the time. My friend read this, and she said that it reminded her of me, so I was too curious not to give it a try! I actually really enjoyed this, and I found David to be a very inspiring person. I took valuable lessons from this book that I’m already applying in my life. Definitely recommend this gem!
Synopsis
“For David Goggins, childhood was a nightmare — poverty, prejudice, and physical abuse colored his days and haunted his nights. But through self-discipline, mental toughness, and hard work, Goggins transformed himself from a depressed, overweight young man with no future into a U.S. Armed Forces icon and one of the world’s top endurance athletes. The only man in history to complete elite training as a Navy SEAL, Army Ranger, and Air Force Tactical Air Controller, he went on to set records in numerous endurance events, inspiring Outside magazine to name him “The Fittest (Real) Man in America.”In Can’t Hurt Me, he shares his astonishing life story and reveals that most of us tap into only 40% of our capabilities. Goggins calls this The 40% Rule, and his story illuminates a path that anyone can follow to push past pain, demolish fear, and reach their full potential.”
6. The Only One Left by Riley Sager: 5/5⭐
This book was INSANE! I’m convinced Riley Sager can’t write a bad book. It’s crazy the number of plot twists this book has! I think it’s interesting the way this author creates stories that are so full of detail and with plenty of characters that the reader can’t trust. It’s safe to say Riley Sager has become my go-to thriller author, and I can’t recommend his books enough.
Synopsis
“At seventeen, Lenora Hope Hung her sister with a rope Now reduced to a schoolyard chant, the Hope family murders shocked the Maine coast one bloody night in 1929. While most people assume seventeen-year-old Lenora was responsible, the police were never able to prove it. Other than her denial after the killings, she has never spoken publicly about that night, nor has she set foot outside Hope’s End, the cliffside mansion where the massacre occurred. Stabbed her father with a knife Took her mother’s happy life It’s now 1983, and home-health aide Kit McDeere arrives at a decaying Hope’s End to care for Lenora after her previous nurse fled in the middle of the night. In her seventies and confined to a wheelchair, Lenora was rendered mute by a series of strokes and can only communicate with Kit by tapping out sentences on an old typewriter. One night, Lenora uses it to make a tantalizing offer—I want to tell you everything. “It wasn’t me,” Lenora said But she’s the only one not dead As Kit helps Lenora write about the events leading to the Hope family massacre, it becomes clear there’s more to the tale than people know. But when new details about her predecessor’s departure come to light, Kit starts to suspect Lenora might not be telling the complete truth—and that the seemingly harmless woman in her care could be far more dangerous than she first thought.”
7. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (Harry Potter #1) by J.K. Rowling: 5/5⭐
A book that needs no introduction! I read this book for the first time AGES ago (probably like about 15 years ago if I’m being honest), so it was time to read it again a refresh my memory. I mean, what else can I say? There’s no surprise here: of course I had a great time reading this book, and I can’t wait to start the second book, “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets”!
Synopsis
“Harry Potter has never played a sport while flying on a broomstick. He’s never worn a Cloak of Invisibility, befriended a giant, or helped hatch a dragon. All Harry knows is a miserable life with the Dursleys, his horrible aunt and uncle, and their abominable son, Dudley. Harry’s room is a tiny cupboard under the stairs, and he hasn’t had a birthday party in ten years. But all that is about to change when a mysterious letter arrives by owl messenger: A letter with an invitation to a wonderful place he never dreamed existed. There he finds not only friends, aerial sports, and magic around every corner, but a great destiny that’s been waiting for him – if Harry can survive the encounter.”
8. The Raven Boys (The Raven Cycle #1) by Maggie Stiefvater: 3.25/5⭐
Okay, maybe I’ve been a little harsh with this book since I started rejecting it from the beginning. To be honest, it’s not that I loved this story, but it wasn’t as bad as I thought it was. I still find the supernatural aspect of this book not that interesting, but I actually enjoyed the characters and their relationships with each other. I’m glad I didn’t give up on this, so let’s see how the rest of the series goes.
Synopsis
““There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark’s Eve,” Neeve said. “Either you’re his true love… or you killed him.” It is freezing in the churchyard, even before the dead arrive. Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them—not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her. His name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble. But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can’t entirely explain. He has it all—family money, good looks, devoted friends—but he’s looking for much more than that. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys: Adam, the scholarship student who resents all the privilege around him; Ronan, the fierce soul who ranges from anger to despair; and Noah, the taciturn watcher of the four, who notices many things but says very little. For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She never thought this would be a problem. But now, as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore.”
9. Redefining Anxiety by Dr. John Delony: 4.5/5⭐
This was another book I picked up randomly this month! It was a quick read, but I really appreciated Dr. John’s perspective on the topic. I found this small book insightful and genuinely helpful for anyone struggling with anxiety – I just wish it had been a full-length book! I would definitely recommend it to readers facing the same challenge.
Synopsis
“Anxiety is real—but it isn’t the end of your story. Dr. John Delony knows what anxiety feels like. He’s walked that dark road himself, but he found light and hope on the other side of it. Bringing together his own journey and two decades of counseling and research, he walks you John will show you that most of what you’ve heard about anxiety is wrong. Things While mental health is complex, our culture has made anxiety into something it’s not. For the majority of people who face anxiety, the truth is simpler than we anxiety is an alarm . It’s a signal—nothing more and nothing less. Anxiety is simply our body’s way of telling us something is wrong. If we stop and listen, we can calm the alarm and move forward into healing and hope.”
As usual, I’ll be posting the reviews for these books, so stay tuned!
What about you guys? How was your reading month? Let me know in the comments! Thank you for reading friends, I’ll catch you guys later!
Sprayed Edges 