# of Books Read: 8
# of Pages Read: 3,694
Favourite Book(s) of the Month: Gemina, A River in Darkness
The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez
This was absolutely adorable! One of the best romances I have read and my favourite of the year so far. I realized that I am a sucker for a romance where one of the characters is famous in some way. I thought that this book was sweet and respectful. There were also moments that made me tear up. I did not read the first book in the series, but I highly recommend The Happy Ever After Playlist.
A River in Darkness: One Man’s Escape from North Korea by Masaji Ishikawa
I know that is a cliche to call a memoir harrowing, but that does not even begin to describe Ishikawa’s journey. It made me realize just how little I know about North Korea. I have been thinking about Ishikawa all month long and I hope that he was able to see his family again.
House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas
I never thought that I would read any of Sarah J Maas’ novels, but I picked this up for a buddy read. I am glad that I read it as I have been curious about her writing. There is no denying that it was entertaining but it was just not for me. It was far too long and I was never invested in any of the characters.
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
This memoir read more like a collection of essays, and for that reasons, there were some chapters that I absolutely love and others that I didn’t connect to. I think I would have appreciated this book more if I had children, but it is still fantastic and worth the read. I appreciate that Doyle put all her cards on the table, warts and all. I am looking forward to seeing what she writes next!
Gemina by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
One of my favourite sequels ever! I want to read it again as soon as I finished it. I love the chemistry and banter between the characters and the format is just so fun.
Obsidio by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
I thought that this was a fantastic conclusion to one of my favourite series. I will say that I think it could have been better if it was four books instead of three. There wasn’t enough time for me to become full invested in the new characters. That said, it was fun and there were some really amazing moments!
Still Life by Louise Penny
I am so invested in this series! I have already purchased the next three novels. I have only received the fourth on (of course!) and I keep telling myself that I must read them in order. I love the setting and all the Canadianism.
The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix
I will start off by saying that there was a lot that I liked about this book. The writing is great and there were some moments that made me completely uncomfortable, in a good way. I did have a few issues with the pacing and the story dragged a little, but it was enjoyable overall. I will share more of my thoughts soon in a review!
Another strange month! I did the majority of my reading in the first two weeks and then I started freelancing and I am having a difficult time finding the right balance. It also explains why I have been rather inconsistent in posting lately. I will try to be better!
What was the best book you read in April? How are you holding up?
I’ve heard great things about Untamed, and I really want to read The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires. Happy May!
Both great! Same to you!
I have to wait months for a copy of Untamed from the library. I really enjoyed The Southern Book Club’s Guide go Slaying Vampires. It had been awhile since I’d had a decent 🧛♀️read.
It really made me want to read more vampires books!!
Looks like you had a good reading month! I hope May is even better!
(www.evelynreads.com)
I did! Thanks so much!
Untamed seems interesting. I’m not too sure about it seeming like an essay format though but I’ll still give it a try. Great reading month!!
The thing with Untamed is I think there are chapters that you will relate to and others you won’t, but the ones you relate make the whole book worth it!
I keep meaning to get to A River in Darkness! And I’m excited for Slaying Vampires!
A River in Darkness is fantastic!
Looks great reading month. I wish may is even better for you. All books you read are so interesting.
Thanks!!
Great wrap-up! A River in Darkness is truly an eye-opening memoir. I read it about two years ago, and I still think about Ishikawa’s journey all the time. I agree with what you said about Crescent City. It was entertaining, but SO LONG! 😂
I’m sure two years from now I’ll still be thinking about it too!
So so long!
Great month! Yes…read Louise Penny in order!
I know!! I definitely will. I’m just impatient!
Enjoyed The Happy Ever After Playlist, had a really good time, and I’m totally invested in the Three Pines series, the cast and the way Louise Penny writes is amazing. And I still need to finish The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix 🙈
We obviously have very similar taste!
There were moments where The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires dragged for me but it was good!
I hope I’ll end up enjoying it
I’ve heard so many good things about A River in Darkness. I haven’t been in a memoir mood as much lately, but I hope to get to it.
Bookstagram made me add House of Earth and Blood to my tbr :’)
The best book I read in April was probably First Frost by Sarah Addison Allen. I was so hooked while reading it.
Totally know what you mean about needing to find the right balance. It was hard for me to find time to read earlier this year because I was working a lot (many jobs). It later helped for me to set aside time for reading. I didn’t read and blog as much as I used to but I got through some stuff.
I read Illuminae a couple of years ago and LOVED it, but I never had a chance to read the rest of the series- I definitely need to pick it up ASAP! Great reading month 🙂
Oh that’s a good point about how the illuminae series could’ve been 4 books! And I really like the sound of the happily ever after playlist.