# of Books Read: 11
# of Pages Read: 3,084
Favourite Book(s) of the Month: With the Fire on High, The Test
In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
I am fascinated by Truman Capote, and I have been meaning to read In Cold Blood for years. It is often referred to as the first true crime novel, and there was so much that enjoy about it. It is very different from the more modern true crime novels I have read lately. He takes artistic liberties and the story reads almost like literary fiction. The writing is very descriptive, and you feel as though you know all the people involved. It is evident that Capote was passionate about this story, almost to the point of obsession. I highly recommend reading this book and then watching the movie Capote starring Phillip Seymour Hoffman.
My Grandfather Would Have Shot Me by Jennifer Teege
Jennifer Teege has lead an interesting life, and I do not know what I would have done if I came across the same discover about my family history as she did. I enjoyed seeing all the steps that she takes to try to come to turns with her genetics and the knowledge that her family wasn’t quite what it seemed. I think the problems that I had had to do more with the translation, as I found the writing to be repetitive at times. That said, it made me realize that I need to read more translated memoirs!
With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo
Fire on High is one of my most anticipated release (it comes out on May 7th) and it was even better than I expected. Acevedo is a master at creating real characters who feel likes friends and cause the reader to become wholeheartedly invested in their lives. I was actively cheering on Emoni. I loved that cooking was such a big part of the story, just be aware that it will make you hungry. I also thought the romance was very sweet and realistic for a high school relationship. There is so much great representation in this book as well. You must pick this one up when it comes out!
The Dreamers by Karen Thompson Walker
The Dreamers was everywhere when it first came out, and I understand why. I was capitivated from the first word. There are a lot of characters, but I found I was able to keep track of them pretty easily. This is one of those novels that is so frightening because it seems possible. Walker’s writing is very strong, and she is a magnificent storyteller. I will definitely be picking up her other book, The Age of Miracles, in the future.
Down Among the Sticks and Bones by Seanan McGuire
I finally continued on with this series and I think I enjoyed this book even more. I know it has mixed reviews, but I am a complete sucker from a prequel. I love a good backstory. The world is this one is very sinister and I was in to it. I now have a great understanding of Jack and Jill and of the choices that they made in the first book. Can not wait to see where this series goes from here!
Brain on Fire by Susannah Cahalan
Brain on Fire is a nonfiction and it was a very interesting story. I came out of if learning quite a lot. Cahalan is a journalist, and it shows through her writing. I was captivated by her story, even though some of the science stuff was over my head. It was a book that made me think about mortality and how quickly your life can change. Also, a highlight for me was how supportive her boyfriend was through her illness. There were times where it would have been easy for him to leave but he knew she was still in there somewhere and fought for her. In some ways this almost read like a love story. Beautiful!
The Test by Sylvain Neuvel
The Test is a short book but boy does it leave an impact. It is best to go in to this one knowing nothing about it, but just know that it is brilliant and everything that I have come to expect from Sylvain Neuvel. It is an interesting commentary on race, immigration, social status, the government, and more. I am still thinking about it, and will continue to do so.
Notes on a Nervous Planet by Matt Haig
I truly think that anyone who suffers from depression and/or anxiety will feel heard when they read this book. Matt Haig shares his personal experience and how he has fought to overcome his illness. There is a lot of great and practical tips and insights on different ways to look at the world. He really focuses on the stresses that our modern world can put on a person, talking about everything from social media to shopping malls. I will be purchasing copies for people in my life who I think will gain something from it.
Anne Frank’s Diary: The Graphic Adaptation
I read The Diary of a Young Girl when I was a preteen. I remember it so vividly; I was at resort in Arizona with my family and all I wanted to do was read this book. I instantly felt a connection to Anne and I have ever since. I haven’t read the book since because it is too heartbreaking, but I received the graphic novel adaptation for Valentine’s Day and I had to read it. The illustrations are breathtaking and truly capture the heart of Anne and her story. I was moved to tears once again.
The Water Cure by Sophie Mackintosh
The Water Cure is a really interesting novel that I appreciate as more time goes by. There is something unique about it. I loved that we slowly learn about the world as the narrators do. They are three sister who have been very isolated and have always been told that men are evil. Three men wash up on their shores and the story really picks up from there. There are a lot of feminist themes and it has one of the greatest endings that I have read in quite some time. I am hoping to see this book longlisted for the Women’s Prize.
Death Note: Black Edition Vol. 1 by Tsugumi Ohba
My first manga!! And I freaking loved it! My brother has been bugging me to read Death Note for years. The Book Riot Read Harder Challenge was the motivation I needed to finally get to it. The art style was captivating and I love the moral dilemma that is happening. I am thrilled that my brother has all the Black Edition’s. I plan to read them all in the next few months. If you have any similar manga recommendations I would love to know!
February was another interesting month of reading. I read a book that has been on my TBR for years, two of my most anticipated books of the year, my first manga, a graphic novel, etc. I have been experiment with my reading in 2019 and I am absolutely loving it!
Awesome reading 11 books! I read Brain on Fire years ago and it was pretty interesting. I still haven’t seen the Netflix movie yet, but I may need to finally check it out this month. I am hoping to read The Test this month before my library returns it, it sounds really good.
Thank you! I haven’t seen the movie yet either. Definitely want to at some point. The Test is brilliant. Can’t wait to see what you think!
I like the look of the Water cure!
It is an interesting one!
I did not know there was a graphic novel of Anne’s Diary. I have to request it from the library right now. My daughter is obsessed with graphic novels and with non fiction so it’s perfect. I’m so happy I read your post or I may never have known.
That makes me so happy! So glad I was the one to tell you about it and can’t wait to see what your daughter thinks.
I’ve never requested a book so fast. I’ll make sure to let you know.
I am SO glad you liked Down Among the Sticks and Bones. I honestly found it to be my favorite one of the series so far! I thought that the setting was just so dark and rich that I fell right into it.
I am SOOO jealous about the Acevedo book. I am DYING to get my hands on it. I cannot wait for it’s release in May :]
Yes! That is what I really liked about it.
With the Fire on High is amazing. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed!
Glad you’ve had such a productive month of reading – 3,000+ pages is truly amazing! I’m checking out Capote’s short stories right now, and I might have to reread In Cold Blood sometime this year. His style is so descriptive and vivid.
Thank you, Michael! I am definitely curious about his short stories. Might have to check them out soon myself.
Great list. I read Brain on Fire for a book club and it was pretty good. Kind of scary how quickly your health can deteriorate. I can’t wait to read With the Fire on High. It just sounds so good.
How was that for a book club pick? Was it a good discussions?
With the Fire on High does not disappoint!
Looks like you have had a terrific month, Kristin. Happy reading in March! 🙂
I really did! Same to you!
Brain on Fire is indeed a good read. There were times when I forgot it’s nonfiction and kept wondering what happens to Cahalan by the end. I kept forgetting that the experiences I’m reading about happened to the author of the book I’m reading.
It did read that way! She is very talented. I hope she continues to publish books. I would definitely read them.
Same here.
I just finished (and really enjoyed) The Dreamers, and plan to pick up Age of Miracles because of it! I’m also glad to see you liked Death Note, I’ve had that one on my shelf for ages as well and just haven’t gotten around to it. I should pick it up this year! Glad you had a good reading month. 🙂
Wasn’t it so good?!
I think you’ll enjoy Death Note. It is a lot deeper than I was expecting. I’m picking up the next volume today because I have to know what happens next!
This looks like such an interesting bunch of books! All these books seem very different from each other and special in their own way so that’s definitely cool to see! I’m super glad that you enjoyed With The Fire On High and The Test because I have high hopes that I’ll like them too! Matt Haig’s Reasons to Stay Alive meant so much to me and as soon as I don’t feel too close to the topic emotionally anymore and I’m having a free month from academic stress, I’ll check Notes on a Nervous Planet out. Also, that particular blue color on the Water Cure cover looks stunning. Hope you have a great March!
I have been enjoying mixing things up! I have been embracing just reading whatever I’m in the mood for. It’s been good for my reading life.
I still need to read Reasons to Stay Alive. I have heard great things. I hope you get the same things out Nervous Planet when you are ready to read it.
It seems to be working well! I should definitely try to mix things up with my reading as well haha. Thank you! I hope so, too. c:
I’ve been meaning to read In Cold Blood and Brain on Fire! 🙂
Both are great and unique in their own way!
Wow, this February wrap up is great! Looks like a good reading month. There are quite a few of the books you’ve read that I’m hoping to get to this year — especially The Water Cure and The Dreamers!
I did. Thank you! I will be curious to see what you think about those two books. I still think about them often!
I’m so happy you enjoyed With the Fire on High, it’s one of my most anticipated reads.
It’s fantastic. I can’t wait for you to read it and we can discuss. It’s just so good!
Seems like you had an amazing reading month!
Death Note is one of the few manga series I’ve completed and I have a lot of mixed feelings about it. The first three volumes were amazing, but the story goes to an unexpected direction that I just really didn’t click with. I also found it to be very sexist. There’s little to no female representation in the manga to begin with, and the only characters we have are portrayed as stupid or submissive to the male ones. It’s sad that a series with so much potential presents such poor representation. Hopefully, you’ll enjoy the rest of the series more than I did. I’d love to hear your thoughts on it as you carry on!
Have a lovely March, Kristin! 😊
I did! My brother warned me that the last few volumes were not the best. You’re so right about the representation as well. We will see how I end up feeling about it in the end!
Sounds like a good reading month.
I have never been interested in In Cold Blood nor the Capote film but I have to admit you’ve stoked my interest.
My Grandfather would have shot Me has been on my radar for a while; such an interesting premise.
With the Fire on High, love that cover; plus I’ve liked Acevedo’s past writing – The Poet X has been on my TBR; will add Fire on High as well
Re the Dreamers, why’d you have to say this, “This is one of those novels that is so frightening because it seems possible.”?
Oddly, Anne Frank is one of those stories I’ve always known, never read.
Great post.
I truly did. I recommend actually watching Capote first to see if your interested in the book. It made the book more interesting going in to it knowing the background of how and why it was written.
That is what made The Dreamers so good. It didn’t feel like a stretch!
Thanks!